Morgan experiment--Generic MS Morgan.

Just as an experiment, and definitely NOT for any other purposes, I decided to buy the most generic uncirculated Morgan common date off of the internet from a reliable dealer. This coin is nice and frosty, but has some bag marks in a few prominent places that keep it from being a gem. I would probably grade it as a high MS 63, or possibly a low 64. It is very well struck, and has a reverse that is quite reflective. The obverse is very frosty, with some noticeable cheek bag marks. It is on a white paper backing. What my intentions are is to tone it, not using any chemicals. I am going to give it the "windowsill treatment" for a couple of weeks, during the very sunny Florida Spring. BE ADVISED that I have no intentions of selling it, and am very well aware, as an experienced Morgan Collector that this is artificial toning. I follow the numismatic code, and would not attempt to deceive by selling an AT coin--this is a fun idea. It will NOT be resold, or, obviously, no attempts will be made to slab it, as I am certain it will not certify. I just want to see what will come out of this fun project. There will be progress photographs, as it tones.

Here is the coin in question:

 

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Not to run the thread off the rails before it's even started, but... really? Storing a Morgan indoors, without applying any chemical mix, counts as "artificial toning"? If so, what constitutes natural toning? Is the only "natural" habitat for Morgans canvas bags in pitch-black vaults?

I'll be watching with interest to see what happens to it...

 

You need to go to Taco Bell and use their napkins.

 

Personally, I would consider it natural toning. Because nature is causing the toning. Sure, you help it along by putting it in a certain spot, etc, but you are not doing anything to it unnatural. Will be a cool experiment. I put a few gold coins sandwiched in between leather for a little over a year, and put them in various locations (including window seal), and nothing happened. Darn.

 

Don't forget the appropriate amount of mold, spiders, possible urine, etc.

Also, sorry, the use of the term "chemicals" here seems imprecise. I think he means no liquid chemicals. Just environmental gases. (You need to be careful of those helped by broccoli and beer, for example.)

 

For your experiment, you may wish to put the coin on the sill with one half on a piece of velvet and the other on brown paper bag. Or try the paper bag & a news paper. That way your experiment will have the reverse touching two different surfaces and the obverse exposed to just the sun. What do you think? Anyway, I'm with the natural toned folks no matter what you lay it on or put it in on the sill.

 

Maybe its the angle of the light but looks like she's breathing fire. Be nice if that toned red/orange.

 

+1.

 

Maybe the 0 will change to a 9, and the S will turn into a CC. You just never know?

 

On my window sill, OUTDOORS. Sorry--wasn't clear on that.

 

Whelp, that would make Bellman's "urine" scenario more plausible...

 

I like the idea, but maybe make sure it isnt some top 100 VAM lol

 

@Morgandude11

Okay! So, I'll be the only naysayer here.

Right now there are 268 guests viewing these forums. Who is to say that every one of them is honest and above board? I'm being polite by not mentioning the fact that we have almost 42,000 members.

I don't think it's a good idea.

Chris

 

I've had one sitting on a piece of cardboard on my nightstand for about a month, with the obverse facing up. The obverse is just starting to yellow a bit, but the reverse is still blast white.

 

If toning a coin in a way that's market acceptable is this easy, I think it's a sign that we should reconsider the "naturally-toned" market, not that we should double down on our secret-keeping.

 

Dang...is that something we are supposed to do..where do I get my application...do I face any fines...?

 

Actually I am eager to see your outcome.

 

Anyone inclined to do anything unethical would do it, irrespective of my experiment. It isn't giving anybody any new ideas. I understand your reservations. Chris, but coin doctoring isn' anything new. I am doing it out of curiosity. As you know, I recently sold over 100 toned Morgans and Trade Dollars that were all market acceptable certified.

 

Needless to say, I am very disappointed in the responses from some of our members.

Chris

 

I would think putting chemicals on a coin, putting it in the oven, etc would be unethical. Sitting it on a window for a few months? Nothing wrong with it.