Would it inappropriate to post an Ebay list to ask if the toning of a certain coin was NT or AT? I am trying to learn about toning and have had some good advice from CT members, but I wanted to post some coins from Ebay and get opinions. I do not want to do this if it is considered inappropriate or some how unethical. I'm not trying to call anyone into question only to get the opinion of CT members that are educated in toned coins. I see coins posted on here that are graded by TPGs with rainbow toning and I can only assume that they are not of questionable color, then I see similar coins raw on Ebay toned in the same manner and I am not sure as to the origin. I can understand an 1889 Morgan being brightly and beautifully colored, but how can an ASE from 2010 be colored the same? I see a lot of example of new or newer clad coins that are toned although I hardly ever their older silver counterparts displaying those same characteristics. I also see some dealers selling lower quality raw Morgans that are toned up for huge premiums over the melt price most would expect from a bullion dealer. I may be way off base but I am trying to learn so I will be more informed and able to purchase quality coins not coins that have been tampered with.
I think it all depends on how the coin of any age is stored. Here is an 2001 ASE that toned due to improper storage. Dave
ASE's are actually highly prone to toning due to their almost pure silver content. That being said, it's always wise to retain a healthy skepticism when judging raw toned coins.
Go ahead post away but be prepared to see some competition or outright sniping on your prospects. j/k
I have listed several coins that are up for auction on E bay, none of which are offered by me. I tried to list a diversity of toning and denomination as well as several different sellers so as not to be accused of singling anyone out. There are silver and clad offerings as well. I would like insight and opinions from those on CT that know and understand toning, who are willing to pass along their knowledge without just criticizing the seller or their coins. There is also a listing that clearly states the fact the seller artificially toned the coin in order to sell it and would do it in any other type or denom the buyer wanted. Thank you all in advance for your time. http://www.ebay.com/itm/301111943613?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT http://www.ebay.com/itm/1884-O-Tone...53?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2a38c84dd5 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1922-RAINBO...90?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item5405ae33e2 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1881-S-Morg...47?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1e881cdfc3 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1885-O-MINT...21?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item540555e3cd http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-BU-Ton...86?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item461babad5a
I'm not bidding on any of these coins nor am I trying to sell or promote them. I am just trying to learn about toning and determine AT from NT as best I can from a picture. I know some members of CT that have been helpful already with toning and vast other numismatic questions and I would not hesitate to seek their opinion before purchasing or bidding even if I thought they might be interested themselves. I'm only going to spend what I feel comfortable spending.
Can toning or color like this coin displays be removed from this coin without damaging it, or is it doomed to being ugly until it is melted? Ugly is only my opinion I'm sure love it for it's uniqueness.
But................be prepared to lose. Some members/lurkers are not adverse to having "other " folks point out auctions which well known posters agree with and then snipe the hell out of them. Your best bet is to ask about "closed/completed" auction listings. Lastly, toning acceptance is an "opinion" and generally that "opinion" cannot be formed properly without an in-hand inspection.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301111943613?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT I have seen these toned proofs make it into TPG plastic on occasion but I think they are the result of improper storage and should be listed as questionably toned. Still, they are attractive and fun as long as you don't pay a big premium. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1884-O-Tone...53?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2a38c84dd5 This coin is classic bag toning for a Morgan Dollar and this pattern & color scheme/progression will almost always be considered market acceptable and graded as NT. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1922-RAINBO...90?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item5405ae33e2 This seller cracks me up. He has tried to turn AT (artificially toned) into a marketing ploy by calling it artistically toned. I give him an A for effort & creativity. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1881-S-Morg...47?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1e881cdfc3 This guy has been churning out AT coins for many years on E-Bay. A few years ago he started divulging that his coins are AT in his listings yet people still pay a premium for the coins. His photos are good. I have always wanted to buy one of his creations to see the quality of his work in hand, but have never been able to bring myself to actually do it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1885-O-MINT...21?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item540555e3cd Run, don't walk, run away from this AT abomination. Raw+dark blue+violet toning=big trouble. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-BU-Ton...86?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item461babad5a[/quote] See my comments for the first coin, same seller, same situation.
Agree with Lehigh's assessment. I did buy one Morgan from Cwbyup. Wasn't terribly impressed with it in hand. I knew it was AT, but out of curiousity purchased one. I bought 2 coins from scaglia, both raw. One an AT toner. The other turned out to be cleaned. I personally won't buy from him again. The Nickel looks questionable to me. I don't collect the series, so don't pay too much attention to toned Nickels, but the color just doesn't look right to me.
Yeah I don't trust that nickel. I just pulled about 500 nickels from ten to twelve 40+ year old albums. Every single one is toned and many are toned differently depending on which album (Wayte Raymond/Meghrig) they came out of, many have some nice color. None of them look like that nickel.
