Why are toned coins so popular?

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Tarnish is - no matter what anyone's concept of beauty or ugly may be - environmental damage. It is the result of chemical reaction with the metal(s) in the coin....that results in a degeneration of the metal(s) and the original mint beauty is lost....the longer the tarnish continues (proximity to a chemical source), the worse the surface will become... eventually losing luster and finally turning black. This is scientific fact, not opinion.

 

GDJMSP....Totally correct.....

 

I think it's an ugly duck, too. But I won't purport to tell him in effect he has to agree or he's ignorant.

 

Has anyone here experimented with electrochemical anodizing?

 

Some cool toning here ...

 

No, but it sounds interesting. Is that like electrolosis?

 

Somewhat toned dirham from the Seljuq Empire. As it is a medieval coin and I'm an ancient collector, our group doesn't care too much for toning or whether the toning is really pretty or not, as much as we care about the coin itself. That's part of the reason I don't miss modern coins that much. Less hassle.

 

I agree... I will not purchase a tarnished coin... although I would purchase ancients...most of those come out of the ground anyway..... I dislike tarnish, of any color on silver. Copper turns brown through use - finger oils and oxidizers. Those that like tarnished silver believe it ensures an unmolested surface...nothing could be further from the truth. An amazing tarnish can be applied - by the coin doctors - in a matter of hours...and it will hide other blemishes. Then, those that seek such coins, will pay a premium for the AT coin.... Artificial, or as I like to call it .. accelerated tarnish can be done so that NO ONE can determine it is not natural. And the coin doctors are making a fortune.

 

This one has a lot of studying to do.... Now I do understand the addiction to buying coins....but buying junk and detailed coins isn't an addiction it's a problem .
Again to the op please read though these threads,buy a book, use Google and learn about coins just don't throw your money down on a coin you know nothing about.
As stated above by a very respected member here on CT you need to research what you're buying and from whom.
The 2 coins you so far have posted one a half cent damaged and cleaned from another known seller of problem coins...does not have "eye appeal " !
I can assure you the company you now wish to do business with is well known for selling detailed problem coins. And they don't disclose the issues!
Not a month ago a member here purchased what looked to be a well struck buffalo nickel.
The coin had a beautiful strike great color and a" huge rip" at 7 k almost into the date!
From the same seller that selling this Stone Mountain coin.
This isn't posted to put you down or make you feel bad.....it posted because We who have been collectors want others to enjoy this hobby that we love. We don't want people to start collecting and be taken because they don't have the knowledge to make purchases that are good choices.
You wouldn't jump on a horse and expect to know how to ride.....trust me the horse will throw you,or run you back to the barn.
If you really have an interest in this hobby please read,research , and as questions .
Majority of the members here who truly have a passion for this hobby would rather you ask a question then to see you loose money on something not worth having.

 

Say what you will about toned coins. But this penny looks absolutely fabulous in person which is why I kept it

 

He has stated publicly that he is inexperienced with toning, so his ignorance is a matter of fact, not a criticism.

No experienced toning enthusiast would consider this coin a quality example of toning. It is a raw low grade example of an affordable commemorative being offered for sale by a company that is known for selling problem coins without disclosing the problem. Furthermore, this toning pattern and color scheme is not common for the Stone Mountain. IMO, the toning looks questionable and I'm almost certain that an in hand inspection of this coin would reveal it to be a problem coin.

I don't care if he agrees with me, I'm offering him an experienced opinion to help him avoid making a purchase that he will later regret.

 

Toning doesn't have to be crazy colors to be beautiful. Often times, subtle toning shows original surfaces and adds to the beauty of the coin. Here are a few of the favorites of mine.

 

I didn't realize that this seller had a "questionable" reputation. I just bought the coin below from them, it arrived today and it's GORGEOUS! Totally uncirculated as far as I can tell. I doubt that it has been cleaned or "detailed" but how can you tell? I did get this exact coin in this exact condition. I'm in love with it!

 

Thanks Lehigh, I appreciate your expertise!

 

Even if you are NOT a fan of toning, I have to think you'd still be a fan of this ...

 

Yup, that must be what my mom used to refer to when she said "that must have cost you a pretty penny". So did that pretty penny cost you a pretty penny or what?

 

DTrain, not sure if your comment applied to the 1941-D or a coin above it. That 41-D came from Robec. I was in love with it for a long time and Robec was nice enough to sell it to me. Funny there was an original roll of monster 41-D's I birddogged some others from that Roll back to Robec so he was able to replace this with another beautiful MS67RB. I think the prices for this and the replacement was in the $100's

 

Again, the seller is well known for using photo magic to make problem coins appear to be uncirculated problem free coins. The coin you bought is one of the most difficult in US coinage to grade due to the incuse design and I have very little experience in this series. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if the coin comes back AU. You really need someone who collects this series to give their opinion on this particular coin. I'm happy to hear you passed on the Stone Mountain.