I purchased two 1924 Peace Dollars because they looked so unique and want the experts out there to help me with this one. Why would it turn so dark ? What caused this on both coins ? They are in extremely fine condition, my opinion and I just liked the looks, so sound off and help me out with this, Thanks.
How it was stored, where it was stored, what else was stored with it, the list goes on. Google "what causes silver to tone."
Cause they were made out of lead to be sinkers for numismatic fisherman - sorry, just kidding. Looks like stored in one of those thicker yellow envelopes that contain sulfur.
Leave as is UNLESS you wish to experiment! DO NOT DIP IT (final step) UNTIL YOU PREPARE THE SURFACE COMPLETELY. This type of color indicates that the original surface is etched (ruined). The only way to make it presentable is with chemicals and abrasives used together. Then you will have a "matte" silver-colored cleaned coin (that will still fool 60% of collectors ) even if you know how to do it. The coin is worth "silver" so you can give your coin to a dealer plus some extra cash and get a BU coin for your collection.
The dip I thought about, but then I think what kind of damage would occur but then if it's damaged, what the heck .
If you dip the coin w/o proper preparation you will have a DULL GRAY P.O.S. that no one would want. Even the will know something does not look right. If you do the job "right" given the coin is already ruined, you will have a "white-looking" slider to a lightly-cleaned and more presentable coin. It all depends on your skill level.
Here is one I experimented on a few years back. Coin was ugly and only worth melt, so what the heck. I would not recommend trying this on a quality coin. Before and after
There should be lots of info here on old threads. Might be something on You Tube. Otherwise you might start a new thread: How to dip a coin? I should like to read what others have to say. Dipping a coin is fairly easy. The preparation is what separates the conservation specialist from the typical dealer/collector. I've tried to weasel stuff out over the years but most people have signed confidentiality agreements or will not reveal their tricks to just anyone.
I kinda like the look also. I would keep 'em as is and enjoy them since that's what attracted them to you initially (maybe I'll put one of mine in one of those sulfur envelopes).
Good idea give me a chance and I'll start a new one, I'm interested in how to handle pieces like these.
Wow, wow did you anger the gods, this Wow, wow, did you anger the gods, it's basically environmental reaction but I'm not a well read coin/metals collector but I'm up and coming-lifetimelearning, but I've never seen it well, that deep; dark gray, wow