I agree, as a whole the market doesn't care for them much. But there is a segment of collectors who go after coins exactly like that. And as said, it's because of the originality. It's not so much true today, but not so long ago it was the originality of the colorfully toned coins that attracted most who favored them. Of course there were always some who simply liked the color. And that, the color, I think is the primary attraction to fans of toning in today's world.
Hard to believe a dealer wouldn't offer something in back of CDN bid for it! Did you even get the old "I don't want to insult you"? Looks like a nice original coin to me and I don't even collect these.
Certainly not my favorite, but definitely more appealing to my eye than a typical dipped example. I couldn't understand why any wouldn't want to pick this one up. Although the toning is dark, just the pure fact that the coin is all-original would make most think it'd attract a buyer... Right? It's surely a solid piece, Lance, so I'd go with you're 4th option- Build a set around it. LOL! -Brian