Why aren't artificially toned coins conserved?

Coins that are graded Artificially Toned sell for much less than a non details coin. My question is, why don't people crack AT coins out of their holders and send them to be conserved by NGC or PCGS? Is there a high chance that underneath the toning the coin has been cleaned?

 

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That is a good question but I would think it was because it was altered. I know the argument about dipping and such can get heated but to conserve a coin is a good thing I would think. AT however is modifying it. Then again I don't know anything so this was just an opinion.

 

Depends on the coin.

Some do or do it themselves; all depends on the coin in question as to if it may be worthwhile.

 

Is there a way to tell if the coin has been cleaned underneath the toning?

 

My understanding is that PCGS restoration service is only for problem free, certified graded coins.

 

After reading information about the PCGS Restoration Service, nowhere did it say they only accepted certified coins, and they said that they do accept AT coins.
"Improper storage, accidental exposure to caustic elements, or even the deliberate addition of foreign substances can detract from an otherwise beautiful coin. Often these problems can be addressed by the skillful application of various non-invasive and industry-accepted techniques."

 

Many of the coins that are AT are common coins. Of course they can be dipped, but even if done right will just make it a common coin again. Btw, look at the luster of a coin and you can see if the coin will be acceptable after the dip. Of course, if the same idiots who tried the AT tried to dip the coins, they would screw that up too and forever damage the coin.

 

It was quite common to AT a coin to hide previous damage or repair work. Therefore, removing AT can reveal a can of worms.

 

I'm currently looking at a Proof Morgan that I like a lot because of its very clean surfaces. It's graded AT and I'm wondering if it can be conserved. I don't see any hairlines on the coin.

 

If you are not expert in classic proofs and in seeing hairlines, etc...then you are begging to buy a bad coin. Good luck.

 

I enjoy the coin, and if I buy it I will definitely post it on CoinTalk and ask for experienced collectors opinions. I would be happy to keep it as-is, as the toning and clean surfaces of the coin would make a great affordable addition to my type set.

 

I once bought what I thought was a beautiful AT Trade dollar that looked like it had PL surfaces under the toning . After a quick dip it had small hairlines all over that they were probably trying to hide . Though I still love the coin for my TD collection I wouldn't buy an AT coin again .

 

My experience has been that if its a "chemical" toning, then it rinses right off whereas toning generated from heat and sulphur gases will really muck up the surfaces of the coin.

 

Lots of risk trying to play with early proofs.

 

When you say "rinses right off" does that mean if rinsed under water it will come right off? And how can you tell if a coin has been chemically toned versus toned from heat and sulphur gases?

 

Generally speaking, you must go with what you see added to experience, but also must realize it's a gamble and you may not be pleased with the results. As for the Morgan PR, I assumed your question was generic (hence the generic response). All things considered, chances are this probably isn't one you want to be messing with.

 

I'm probably going to pass on this one. I just made a fairly large purchase and won't be able to afford a Proof Morgan.

 

I've bought coins that were called qc and cracked them out and resubmitted them and got clean grades. Most at coins have something to hide tho usually a cleaning or being over dipped I have also bought coins that were dipped and were too clean and put them in a Manila envelope I check on them every 6 months to a year their worthy coins and I don't mind if it's a 10-20 year project to get them back to a pleasing color

 

How do TPGs tell if a coin is AT? If a coin is graded AT once, and not graded AT upon resubmission, TPGs are getting things wrong. Some AT coins are in problem free holders, and some naturally toned coins are in AT holders.

 

Much of the AT call is simply based upon experience. The graders at the TPGs have generally been around for years and have seen thousands upon thousands of coins. They have an excellent grasp of what color combinations, brightness and patterns to expect for coins of different metals and eras and also understand how coins were likely to be stored. Similarly, they are well schooled in various methods of AT and what the coin might look like after exposure to many treatments. Therefore, when a coin comes in this pool of experience is used, along with common sense and an eye test, to make a call as to AT or not.

Some coins are sufficiently close to the line of AT that they are called AT one time and NT another.