Why are toned coins so popular?

what argument ? he wanted to know why I like toned coins. I wanted to show him some of mine.

 

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Hey, I was AGREEING with you. I said "yep" right after quoting you saying "COLOR is why I collect toned coins"

My comment is aimed at people who don't seem to want to accept that there is a reason for collecting them. I don't think that should be an argument. It is personal taste. Live and let live.

 

Yeah, "color" is the reason Eastman Kodak Company sponsored "The Wonderful World of Disney" too. How's that working?

 

So apparently you only collect coins minted since 1980 or so? You won't find a silver coin from the 1800s or 1700s that hasn't oxidized a bit from the environment. Sure, you can dip it out back to its "original" color, but then you've basically ruined its originality and taken away from the luster.

 

Show me ruined luster and I'll show you a hamfisted dipper. Hmm, I may not have ever typed those two words consecutively before.

 

An old silver coin (I'm talking 1700s and early 1800s) with original surfaces will ALWAYS lose some of it's oxidized original lustrous surfaces when using a silver dip. There may be some remaining luster (even lots), but it will not be the same.

Sure, there are plenty of lustrous blast white "old" silver coins that have been dipped. That doesn't mean they didn't look more original before dipping.

 

One of the reasons we should never dip coins that are less than AU (or possibly high XF).

 

it is perfectly ok for people to like non toned coins. I support them. I support any way you all want to collect coins.

 

Here is another reason why, And should be described in the NT coin here, Note, we are guessing grade wise, Toning is easily grade able.
Brilliant white coins are not. If you would grade this coin @sakata

 

I wouldn't even try. I would never buy that coin as it has only 40% silver and no appeal for me due to the tarnishing. I generally do not bother to try to grade modern US coins and don't collect them so I really don't know the standards for grading them. I would probably have a better chance of grading it if it were not tarnished but that obverse is too distracting to be able to clearly see the details.

 

The obverse of that Kennedy is utterly BEAUTIFUL! I'd be pleased to own it!

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Toning tells a bit about the history of the coin...was it in a roll with edges touching the paper wrapper?, was it in an album? was it stored in a bag with part of the coin exposed to the fabric?...was it stored in a leather pouch? Morgans seem to tone certain ways, 50C commems each have their own toning traits. I like the toning that gradually goes from medium to light. Heavy smoky toning seldom looks great to me. Blast white is like vanilla. We all have tastes and preferences...toning is one aspect for us to enjoy.

 

It depends on the toning. And, some are definitely more colorful in the photos. Many of them are subtle but they're there and has mild toning until you shine some light on it - they're like night and day depending on the lighting and angle, like these I one:

 

I think the original poster could have saved a lot of time if he had just posted what he really meant. "I think only white untoned coins are attractive and are the only coins worth collecting. Please tell me in 50 words or less how right I am".
"Oh, by the way I am a doctor so my opinion is worth more than yours."
Right now they are selling the Pogue collection. Their appearance speaks for themselves. I know, "Yucky poo, none for me thanks." the rest of the world loves original coins that have been enhanced over the years in a manner only time can accomplish. Given your proclivity, I am glad you don't appreciate such coins. No doubt you would be pleased to dip them out.
I have seen coins enhanced by being dipped. I have also seen coins that may have had negative or unattractive toning that were dipped and ended just plain dull. In doctor terms, consider the patient who is rather odd and quirky with several negative traits. One lobotomy later and they are as bland as oatmeal.
It is a trend of the new century. Only the attractive deserve our love and attention. Homogenization will make us all happy. Expecting coins to stay the same as they were the day they were minted makes about as much sense as claiming only new born babies are interesting people.

 

I don't like toned coins, I'd much rather have a coin that looks new. If I'm paying the same price for either a toned coin or a not toned coin, I'll pass on the toned coin.

 

I have been collecting for about a year now reestablishing a childhood passion. I do like the toning on coins and have recently purchased a few. But I am leery about some of them as I know there can be a heat as well as a chemical process involved. Is there any way or clue to indicate that the coin has not toned on it's own? Many Thanks!

 

Here is another question. If a love of toned coins is simply a chocolate vs vanilla thing then I think we can all agree that people like toned coins simply because they like their appearance. So now I have to wonder, if it is only the appearance that makes a difference then why is artificial toning frowned on? After all, if it looks good then buy it!