So here is a page of toned Morgan and Peace dollars. As you can see there is a variety from light colored to about as dark as you cam get and many in between. So let's ask the question of defining what "tones" a coin ? Also what do you like in a toned coin ? NT or AT they are unique and everyone has their opinion so what are your thoughts ?
Obviously AT is a criminal offense and reduces value of coins. however, I love ATing detailed/cleaned coins to increase eye appeal
The best article I have ever seen about toning was written by Jason @physics-fan3.14 a few years back, click link below. What you need to know about the science of toning As for the authenticity of the toning on your coins, most look to be market acceptable with the exception of the blue/red toned 1923 Peace Dollar which is undoubtedly AT.
This is a 22 peace dollar I bought a couple years ago. It is NT. I don't care because I like the look. Have thought about sending to pcgs anyway because I bet the truview will be phenomenal. Some NT coins don't look good. Some do. This one does IMO!
Just like all coins, this coin will do something in time. Curious to see how it will look in, 10, 20, years. I have it in an air tite right now. I gave like 20 something for it. Even graded i wouldn't be deep in it. Just to have truview would be worth the 50 id have in the coin at that point
That is definitely not natural toning! (and I'm sorry, but I really don't think it looks good, either. My personal opinion, of course). And, what it looks like in 10 or 20 years largely depends on what chemical was applied to it, and how careful the coin-doctor was who applied it. Many artificially toned coins will "turn" and will be black, dark grey, or spotty. If it is stable, it might look similar to how it appears now. One of the big differences is that natural toning is usually a product of the environment where the coin was stored. Take it out of that folder or envelope and put it in an airtite, and it should be ok. The artificially toned coins, however, have had some treatment - often a liquid is applied to the surface. It is still there, and still causing the reaction. So, it will continue to progress and turn black.
Most artificial toning, like this coin, involves a sulfur rich compound. You can either make a paste and smear it on, a gel, a liquid, or a gas. You can try to use certain sulfur rich foods as well. Heat is often usually involved to accelerate the reaction. Most of these chemicals have legitimate uses (such as metalwork, jewelry-making, and such), and then people applied them to coins.
I read your article about toning, which is excellent, my next question would be; If one wants to AT coin with a 'treatment' wouldn't they treat both sides ?
here is a 1900 Morgan obverse very dark almost black but reverse much lighter. Again I believe this Morgan is NT with your knowledge and understanding what do you say ?
The trouble with these morgans is they are all in 2x2. It is very difficult to determine what the surfaces look like in hand from pictures.
This has the look of a Morgan that was artificially toned and then the toning "turned", like I mentioned in a previous post. Doesn't look good to me.
Toning might as well be dirt in my eyes. I want them bright and shiny. This is a bit much to expect for older modern coins, which is probably why I was always drawn to those particular types of "Details" coins. Probably also has something to do with my switch to ancients, they are all cleaned so nobody makes a big deal about it
Interesting, I've thought "Details" to me meant less value to the items. Don't get me wrong there is, to me, nothing wrong with that but so many frown on it.
They are less valuable. But, I prefer to look at a cleaned coin than to look at an uncleaned coin that has dark, blotchy toning. The preferable coins being cheaper is a bonus That being said, I do not and have never cleaned or altered coins myself. But if the deed is already done, it is properly identified as such, and I like the looks of the coin, then I'm all about it.
I've never cleaned coins either I sent this one into ICG, and they sent this one back as Details, it is a really nice Capped Bust.