The album that I am currently using to hold my growing Walker collection, is a Whitman album that I found in my garage which my dad probably purchased in the 80's, or maybe even the 70's. I pulled it out to look at it for the first time in a couple of weeks, and found that one of my coins now has two tiny spots of black toning. I was wondering if there was anything in these OLD albums which might contribute to ugly toning?
Adam: Whitman's albums are usually pretty good. I presume that you are talking about the ones with the plastic slides? It is possible that the storage had dampness and mildew. If you are worried, take the coins out, or try to send a photo, it may just be normal toning. (DON'T clean it).
Don't worry. I know better than to clean a coin. And no, there is no plastic involved. Alll cardboard and paper. I'll try to get a scan of the coin up in a few minutes...
Ok, here is a picture. The toning looks fainter on the scan than it does in hand, so you'll have to look closely. There is a small line of black on the right side of the sun, and a tiny spot of black to the left of the date. I know its just minor toning, but it wasn't there a couple weeks ago, which is why I'm concerned. Thanks.
Well, I appreciate your response GDJSMP. although I do no think it was dipped. Can you tell me what it is about the coin that makes you think it has been dipped??
Overall, the way it looks. But more than anything else it's your description. That is often typical for a coin that has been dipped, but it is not typical for a coin that has not been dipped. And you need to realize Adam, the odds are about 9 to 1 against for finding one of those coins that has not been dipped.
Hmmmm. Interesting that you say that. Because I looked at each of my Walkers very closely this morning, and several of them that I hadn't noticed before are lookin kinda funny.
Adam, I think you are talking about a Whitman Folder, not an Album. The folders were made with a hole to push the coin into, and a paper backing which leaves only the obverse visible. The albums were made with a hole all the way through the cardboard, and plastic slides on both sides to keep obverse and reverse visible. The paper/cardboard used in those old folders was not archival quality, and had a sulfer content sufficient to greatly speed up the tarnishing of silver coins, especially if they were subjected to high humidity or dampness since one entire surface was in contact with the paper. In an album only the edges are in contact with the paper, and typically many of those coins have highly tarnished edges and lightly tarnished centers.
Thanks satootoko. You answered my question. I am indeed referring to the folders that leave only the obverse visible. I was wondering if there was something like sulphur in them. I guess I could have been more specific with my question. Anyway, I guess I'll be taking my coins out of the folder tonight.
