(Retoning, not retuning) I got this 1931 S Lincoln cent the other day and it looks like the original patina was rubbed off. Will this retone back to a natural color, and if so, is how long could this take naturally, if ever? Also, would grade as a VF or XF?
You really can't put a time on it. How you store it will make a big difference. It may never look natural next to a cent that has never been messed with.
Maybe if I put it in my Lincoln cent book with the other ones, or if I put them in a tube with other ones....? Maybe the oxidation will spread to this one? Just thinking out loud.
Considering it took about 83 years to develop the patina you see that's left, close to the devices, you'll be waiting a while. I'm not accusing you of doing the dirty deed but that coin is exactly why we say don't clean your coins. You just can't retone them to where they'll look original again. BTW, VF in my opinion.
Wow! I checked on the coin today after doing nothing to it but putting it back in its flip, and it looks almost back to original! I was going to put it in a ziplock bag with other wheaties to help retone, but it looks like it didn't need to do anything. What do you think? You can see yesterday's pic at the top and today's pic here.
I took the pic sitting at the exact same table with the same lighting. I have no reason to make this up. I was shocked myself.
