I went through some of my proof sets today and noticed my 2009 Lincoln proofs have some weird toning going on. I've had toning go on in other sets (mint and proof) but never seen this before. It appears the coins are losing colors along the sides and then change colors as it goes inward. Here are some pics. I apologize for the blurriness of the "front side" as my camera doesn't do a good job on close ups. The reverse side is really where the toning looks great IMO.
I bought my set at a flea market and it came with a sheet that said to expect, because of their composition, a good deal of toning. I think I still have the sheet; if I can find it I'll re-post what it said.
I like them! This exact same thing is happening to some of modern lincolns. This started about 2 years ago, and here is what the look like today. Some are pre 82 copper, and others are modern. Really, if I didn't know for a fact they were not toned when I put them in there, I would question the color.
I have some other Lincolns from the modern area that have toned the same as my original post, but the pattern does not look as good. Oddly enough, the older Lincolns (like from the 60s) have a real deep red/orange color to them. Really cool stuff. The Jefferson nickels all seem to tone purple in those older sets as well.
Did you read the card that came with them? :devil: I like the toning! This has been reported a few times recently. With the right conditions, the sets will tone. I have removed all of mine and put them in airtites.
got a red mottled toning on my 2009 set I got a PCGS 69 set and it is quite toned. The toning quite red and is mainly on the outside but is mottled and not uniform. I was thinking how in the world PCGS gave it that high of a grade. I bought it from an ebay seller. I wasn't pleased at first but may turn out OK. Does PCGS give extra points if they like the toning?
yeah the lincolns tone very easily. i have a few sets that have done that. i also have some slabbed ones that have started to change as well
I think what's happening is that moisture is somehow seeping into the cases and causing that toning in those local areas. If they are being stored in a damp place like a garage, then that could be the culprit. I like to leave some of my coins in my windowsill to encourage such toning. I've even experimented on a few cheap new 2012's to find ways to tone them.