I got this bar a few months ago, also ordered the recommended case which didn't seal properly around the bar, so I just left it loose It's got a lot of toning so far, which doesn't look bad, but wondering if I should dip it now and protect it better for the future. It's one of my favorites. Thanks in advance! Mike
Some silver polish will bring it back fresh and shiny but it will only turn again. but as long as you have a big enough jar you will be ok
Check a local dealer, numismatist, or go online there are several options for you to secure and preserve PM in any amount. Good luck.
Honestly, the pm groups I am in pretty much ALL the peeps LOVE natural toning on their poured bars, but each to their own. I know this can be a hot topic among some collectors.
I say why bother? I would not worry at all about a little toning. If the toning was black, that would be a different story all together. This is bullion. It is silver. Silver will tone. In fact, it may be more desirable with some Patina to show its age. Intercept may offer a box large enough to protect it from further toning. You should store it in a dry place and if it is a sealed container, you can put some desiccant in with it to retard the toning. Maybe a gallon zip lock bag with some silica gel desiccant would be all you need and probably work well and not cost an arm and leg.
The problem with toning is it just keeps on coming. What seems to be minimal or even attractive today will eventually turn motted or black. Then its past the point of no return. My advice is conserve it sooner rather than later.
That is not exactly true. If the object is removed from the source of air and moisture, it will stop toning. Normal air has moisture. If you live in a part of the country that has a higher humidity level, the oxidation or toning will be elevated. That is why if it is sealed away with a desiccant, The desiccant with absorb the moisture and limit further corrosion. a sort of suspended hibernation. I have many silver coins that still have their bright finish that were slabbed a couple of decades ago. The sonically sealed slabs prevent reaction by limiting the air/moisture and other contaminates that causes the toning from reaching the coin.
"not exactly true" is exactly why I offered my suggestion. No need for you to make your point to me. You may try to offer your suggestion to the OP... Please tell me where did you get your coins sonically sealed in slabs decades ago.
These sheets are often used by shops and jewelers. They provide a high level of protection , but none are perfect. The action is similar to that of the expensive major coin protection companies. They can be put into a sealed plastic food bag along with the silver, only a near total vacuum would be better. Jim Check AMAZON for anti 'tarnish paper for silver storage'
Hair spray. What? you ask. Well, shine that puppy up and spray it with hair spray, which will seal the surface and keep it shiny. Actually, a good quality lacquer, like used on old paintings would be best.
What are the chemical constituents in hair spray and do you know if they will react with the surface silver atoms?
slabbing started in 1986 for PCGS. I have some early first gen slabs that still have white coins. That would be over 3 decades.
No slab stops toning. They are not air tite. They can slow the toning, but that is it. The rest is up to the storage conditions,
Agreed. That was my point from the beginning. A poster here stated he had hermetically sealed slaps from decades ago. I was asking for clarification.
Most of the early slab were not completely sealed airtight (but close). I remember seeing a later slab ad that showed the slab in a fish tank showing that they were now air tite. Generally they still work well to help to protect the coin. Are they 100% perfect. No. Since TPG's don't normally dip a coin in acetone or other products prior to slabbing, contaminates on a coin and continue to tone a coin after slabbing.
I still don't believe they are airtite. For one plastics are permeable. Can a slab float in a bowl of water, yeah. But if it was submerged and under pressure. I do believe you would get moisture inside the slab.