How does one know if this type of toning is natural, chemical or torched on? I've never seen a rainbow cent in real life. I know the northern climate is not as patina friendly as, lets say the southern states, but, this is a coin from 2012. How did it acquire such a tone in +/- 1 year?
I don't even know what causes toning. I used to think that it was just an error in the metal when the pennies were being produced. I don't know.
Yeah it's weird because it usually takes 10+ years for toning to start. Maybe this cent was In a special area with certain conditions
What Simon said. All toners are chemically circulated coins so to speak. If you like it though, keep it. I have several toners that I just really like the look of.
I see nice toned cents all the time most are 80s and 90s and in ms 60 to ms 62 they are realy cool to collect just put them in a 2x2 holder and put them in a book