Toning question

I've collected coins in an amature way for quite a while, but I've never even heard of toning until I came to coin message boards. So forgive me if these are stupid questions, but I'm curious now.

Why isn't toning considered damage like scratches or dings?

And also, this may be a strange question, but I've heard of people making artificial toning on coins, so has anyone ever tried to submerge a coin in urine for how ever long? If so, what are the results? It just seems like urine would do something, because of the ammonia.

Thanks for the help!

 

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Toning isn't considered damage becuase it dosn't hurt the coin in any way. It improves a coin.

 

Some toning is almost irrestible when you're looking for the beauty in a coin.

 

best IHC I have ever seen!!

 

Maybe that one was accidently dropped in the chamber pot.

But when did toning become a positive thing, instead of just discoloring? Or has it always been?

 

Its a matter of opinion. I don't like toning personally, and I know I'm not alone on this. But toning doesn't effect a coin's grade because its not wear or like scratches, its just the color of the coin, and the design features aren't effected. I asked a similar question to the one you asked after seeing an extremely ugly doodoo brown morgan graded MS-65 in my dealer's shop, and wondering how such an ugly coin could have a high grade. As for urine, you should experiment with that and get back to us.

 

I think I'll let one of the experts attempt the error test, to better mankind of course. I'm not professional enough for that yet.

 

according to the book numismatic forgery, one very good way to impart a false patina to "ancients" is to bury them in the ground for a week or so and pee on them everyday.

 

Can't wait to dig that one up. I bet it would smell like it came from an ancient bus terminal.

 

Well, of course. Everyone does that.

 

I pee on my coins every day. I didn't know that would tone them though...

PS, Thanks GD! Very informative post!

 

It's a matter of opinion, I've seen some beautiful natural toned coins and some ugly natural toned coins. Really hate that people doctor good coins though. I've heard that the longer you collect coins the more you begin to appreciate toned coins. I guess you get board of white luster.

PS. Never peed on a coin.

 

There is one thing I still don't understand though.

I heard of some people saying that old albums and paper bags and other things like that tone coins, but if you put a coin in PVC and it got the green crap on it, then that would be considered damage. I understand how a rainbow colored coin would certainly look nicer than one tainted puke-green, but it seems like someone would want the ones with the green color.

It's all a bit perplexing... I'm sure I'll get it sooner or later!

 

Like was said above, some toned coins are irresistible. Here are two of my favorite toners.

 

PVC eats away at and ruins coins in a very short time. That's why no one wants them.

 

Toning is a natural process for a metal exposed to air. Or at least the metals and alloys that are in coins.

Green gunk is NOT.

I know a guy who ONLY collects massively toned silver roosevelt dimes. I guess they're so inexpensive, he's trying to be different than everyone else, but they are quite attractive.

Simply put, people on this forum will talk about seeing a coin "in hand". When they talk about that, forget about grading, forget about nicks, bag marks, luster, and so forth. What does the coin look like IN HAND.

I guess I'm repeating what others have said. It can be good, it can be "bad". But it is NATURAL and a normal process.

 

PVC is not toning. It is green gunky plastic.

 

Personally if I like a coin and it has some toning it will not prevent me from purchasing it. However I think artificial toning borders on criminal activity because there are those who used to ( or maybe still do ) pay extra for a "toned" coin.

The following link went a long way in removing the premium on toned coins and could answer just about any toning question one could imagine.

http://forums.collectors.com/messag...upgraded to PCGS MS 69 - Must see to Believe!