Why are toned coins so popular?

No but toned only collectors would say the same thing about blast white coins. It's really as simple as a matter of preference for what the collector finds attractive.

 

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On a different thread someone posted his set of matte proof early Lincoln cents and each had unbelievable light toning of differing colors. Together as a set they looked fantastic.

 

I find toning interesting. It's not everyone's cup of tea I realize. But I like the unique "layer" that adds to a coin.

 

I just find this set so much more fun to look at than an all RD set ...

 

Yes, if you allow the conditions under which a coin tones to remain, it will eventually go through the entire cycle of color - a process which is scientifically known and identified - and end up pretty much black.

It's not difficult to interrupt the process and arrest the color where it's at, though. All you have to do is get it away from high-enough levels of atmospheric sulfur, and most of us live in areas where this is the normal state of things. Most toning occurs as a result of storage right next to sulfur sources, like the cardboard of old albums or paper envelopes with sulfur content in the paper.

 

You might be talking about a different set, but I have posted mine recently.

 

Yours was the one I was mentioning; absolutely spectacular!

 

Orignial skin not processed coins

 

It is clearly in the eye of the beholder. I look at these pictures which have been posted and just shake my head in wonder. They look awful in my eyes, like some cheap imitation of the real thing.

 

I do not like tarnished coins.... I will not purchase a tarnished coin. I see many tarnished coins go for amazing premiums.... and many (even slabbed) are AT.... Artificial tarnish can be achieved so that it fools ALL the experts...and it has many times. I prefer my coins to look 'as minted'...Collecting is a personal thing though... some people collected Beanie Babies.... some collect belly button lint.... So, to each his own. I prefer truly original surfaces.. without the environmental damage of tarnish.

 

I like original looking coins but the fact is, older coins usually have some sort of toning due to the environment they were in or have been dipped. It would be interesting if someone could do a study of the location of where coins spent most of their existence (not only what they were stored in but also geographically) versus toning. Over time in an industrial urban setting does the atmosphere contain enough concentration of pollutants to tone a coin? Different urban settings have different concentrations of specific pollutants so would that have an influence on color? Maybe all of this is a reach; how they are stored determines toning.

 

I agree with the above statement, unless the coin is extremely lustrous, (excluding newer issues, 1960 to now) I am weary that the coin has been cleaned at least once, if not many times.

 

Like the Twilight Zone Episode. I hope someone gets it.

 

you never answered my question. how old are you ? 10 ? 12 ? 14 ?

 

I did not answer because it is not relevant and also none of your business.

 

This is why, which one catches your eye first? A beautiful rainbow or a cloud?

 

that answer shows your age... you are very very young. in time you might appreciate toned coins.

 

I find the second one far more appealing and, all other things being equal, that is the one I would choose.