I bought this cleaned Philippines peso for $20. Unfortunately, it is heavily cleaned. I'm wondering if this would be a good candidate for some artificial toning, and if so, what the best process is. I clean, tone, and otherwise abuse ancient coins all the time, but I know its a bit more of an ethical concern with modern coins. What think you?
Just put it in a tupperwear with crushed boiled eggs (it should not have direct contact with the coin), that way it simply speeds up the natural toning process.
It's your coin and you can experiment if you want to (especially since it is an inexpensive coin). The bigger ethical issue would be if you altered it and then sold the coin claiming it was naturally toned or problem free. As long as you disclose the issues when selling (cleaned & AT), then I don't see an issue.
I don't agree! What if he dies, and his heirs decide to unload the collection. It becomes just one more AT coin in the marketplace, and someone is likely to be fooled by it.
It will almost certainly sell for pennies on the dollar if it's unloaded like many collections by heirs that don't know about coins. It will also be obviously AT and won't fool most collectors. In fact, it is just as likely to be sold as-is by an unscrupulous dealer who would not mention that it is cleaned to someone who would be fooled.
Years ago, I had a few French Louis Philippe and Napoleon III 5 franc coins that were harshly cleaned (got them for approx melt). Put them in heavy yellow 2x2 envelopes and left them on a sunny window sill for 9-12 months, checking occasionally. They look much better, but nobody is going to mistake them for problem free coins
As oldhoopster says, a yellow coin envelope in a warm place will slowly tone a silver coin. It should take some of the shine off, and its educational. I feel better about a process that takes a while, and some poor coins just need a little help, they can look better without being a means of ripping the next guy off. Am I crazy?
If it's not a rare or expensive coin, why not do whatever pleases you? You can always put it in a holder that indicates it has been artificially toned. I'm not a big fan of toned coins of any kind, but if you have the chance to make something (potentially) beautiful which makes you happy, why not? I guess it's a little like turning a coin into a piece of jewelry--it may destroy some of the numismatic value, while adding artistic value to the right audience.
After doing some research, I will attempt the hard boiled egg method. If it doesn't work, I'll have an egg sandwich for breakfast.
I've heard damp old manila envelopes, the old yellow coin envelopes, the boiled egg rountine, and I know a guy who used to put the coin in a potato and bake it. The P.I. pesos are beautiful But still rather inexpensive. If you feel like experimenting go ahead, but mark the holder "AT"
I see nothing wrong with experimenting. I agree with all the above who said the same thing. And post some Photos when you are done Hot Wheels.