That was my brother. Mom wouldn't let me play with that stuff. Mom and Dad learned their lesson when they bought that chemistry set for my older brother.
Several of them appear to be slabbed by PCGS too. Here's an example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TONED-PCGS-...588?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27be4ccc2c
The 1887 Morgan must have been toned in some way since it was slabbed reverse out. The TPG's don't normally do that unless the one side is the exception to the norm correct? Though it still looks like AT
Really? Folks need to understand that Silver Eagles are not the same as a 90% Silver/10% Copper coin. They are .999 fine silver and as such can tone up beautifully in less than a year. While I agree that the selling price of some of these toned SAE's can get quite expensive, I also realize that they do tone easily and there are a lot of folks out there that like them. Personally, I wouldn't be so quick to judge ICG based upon a toned SAE.
Just because they are .999 fine silver doesn't mean they naturally tone crazy colors quickly. That coin you posted is a clear AT coin and it has been discussed here before. I think PCGS went through a period with ASE's where they were more forgiving. Now, as for ICG. At one time they were a very good TPG...and then they came under new management. Ever since that change, their grading quality has took a substantial dive. This ASE is just another example of their decline.
The color in the listing you posted looks about right for an SAE allowed to stay in a toning rich environment. Something as simple as putting it in a drawer for a couple of years with a business card on it will cause that.
Hmmm. http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot....764&imagetype=d2&gotolot=1&submit=Go+to+lot+# This one even upgraded after it was bought.
Looks like I have to play the contrarian. Coins can tone like that, and completely naturally. I've had them do it myself. I once had an entire roll of ASE's get those purple rings on them and every coin was stored in an Ait-Tite. And all of the Air-Tites were then stored in in a Tupperware container. And I sure as heck didn't do anything to 'em. It was 100% natural toning. And it took less than 1 year.
When I first encountered these toned SAE's, I simply could NOT believe that they were natural but I am now convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that they are. Yes, some are assisted by improper storage but given the fact that they are 100% Silver, they tone incredible fast. All without chemicals. BTW, the subject of this thread does indeed remind me of the All Seeing Eye of Sauron!
Well you and Doug have given me something to think about. Maybe I just jump to the AT conclusion a little quickly when it comes to outrageous color and patterns like this one. On that note, even being a toning fan, I just simply do not find it attrative. To each their own I guess.