This coin is darker than it appears in the photos, almost black. What would you advise that I do with it? I'm not happy with the color, but should I try to conserve it in any way? If so, what? It isn't a key date coin, I know its not worth much, is there any market or demand for coins this severely toned? How much does this tone affect the grade? About where would you estimate the grade to be? Be honest, I won't be offended if the coin is unattractive to you, it's not attractive to me either, just something I've ended up with. Thanks for your input! .
I'll take a jab at somewhere in the AU range but these are not my forte. The coloring does not bother me so much as those spots do. I'm not sure that a dip would not highlight them. Not sure what caused them.
Looks like it may have been over dipped already. I have a few 'experiments' that look very similar. May as well try dipping it once more.
Never dipped. My dad just stored it in his south Florida attic for probably 20 years. He just passed some coins on to me.
PVC spots, terminal dark toning, common date, circulated coin, probably AU 50 details, from the PVC damage, and it is worth melt. Not a desirable coin for collectors—keep it for sentimental value only.
"Is this coin appealing to you?" Yes! It's saying "I'm so ugly in my present state , a bath & a polish won't hurt me ...please help me! " I think you should abide by its wishes, & then...
This thing is so dark, I can't even tell what you guys are saying are PVC spots. Are they the roundish, slightly darker blotches I see near, for instance, the obverse stars at around 2-5 o'clock? I agree with the consensus here. Nothing you can reasonably do to this coin will hurt it, so, dip it if you like, keep it if you like, do whatever you want. The toning on this coin is so far gone that it would be considered environmental damage.
Totally fugly! It's PVC damage and definitely not a desirable coin. That said, since you inherited it, good for you.
You can get a much better one of these so save your money and do so. This coin does not excite me in the least.
If it has sentimental value, just put it in a flip (maybe mark it as 'Dad's Dollar) and leave it as is. If you don't mind experimenting with it, then the other suggestions (acetone bath) are a potential next step.
That's what I'm thinking. I did clean a few coins as a kid, remember "Tarnex" anyone? That stuff would flat out ruin a coin! Anyway, this will be a nice coin to experiment with. PVC spots, terminal dark toning, common date, circulated coin, probably AU 50 details, from the PVC damage, and it is worth melt. Not a desirable coin for collectors—keep it for sentimental value only. Thanks for your honesty there! Not news to me by any stretch. I've got plenty of other coins I've inherited over the years, this one doesn't have any particular sentimental value. It's just a shame though, because so many details are present, this was a nice coin at some point just stored improperly.
Acetone gives you an idea of what is organic stuff on the coin and won't strip the skin of the coin. The next step would be dipping the coin. This is where folks get in trouble and kill the coin. There is a proper way and many wrong ways to go about it. Understanding what the proper way is, is important.
I would leave the coin as is. There's someone out there who will like it if you don't. IMO, dipping will take away whatever natural luster there might be and leave you with a dull unappealing coin. My grandfather was born in 1890, so if I saw this coin at a coin show, I might pick it up as something of interest for a nephew who was named after his great-grandfather.