That post makes absolutely no sense. I don't dictate to anyone, I simply share the truth. The fact is that serious numismatists understand the virtues of a coin with an original skin.
The Sunnywood Color Progression chart is always useful to separate AT from NT. It might not be 100% foolproof, but it can help build a case. Natural toning does seem to follow that progression of colors shown on the RHS. However, I have seen other coins that PCGS grades (blessed) as NT, which did not follow that progression. So it's just a piece of evidence and not a foolproof system.
It may tone, but will it tone attractively? Ugly toning can detract from a coin, mute the luster, and negatively impact a coin's grade.
Yes, Sunnywood developed that for his Morgans. However the same progression seems to work for some intensely toned rainbow Lincolns as well. When I showed this to Sunnywood a few years back, he was blown away (in a good way).
Ah, so you're preaching your gospel, your revealed truth. Give you some advice, you want some big premiums for it, preach it to your flock, the kids are too enlightened for you.
I just realized toned coins look awesome. And I DO think that the value of a coin is in the eye of the beholder. If you like how it looks, (and it's hopefully not intentionally induced by a chemical bath) go for it! But hey! If you like dipped coins, go for it. I personally don't. I just think it's cool that a coin could do that over time. I just got to the personal position that I believe toning adds character. I would prefer it to be non intention though.
Artificial Toning and Natural Toning. You'll also see QT (Questionable Toning), QC (Questionable Color), and MA (Market Acceptable) sometimes, too.
And graded? (I'm a fairly new YN and hoping this thinking doesn't ostracize me from the numismatic community)
As for grading. The toning won't affect grade.... *typically* TPG's always grade the coin and the strike, not the way it looks. Now if it was Artificially Toned and caused damage to the coin, then that will go into the final grade.
AFAIK...not a single coin came off the press with toning... and you can't get more original than hot off the press.
I like original surfaces, period. Toned or still mostly white, i don't really care as long as the surface seems relatively unadulterated. Toned coins can be artificially rendered, white coins can also be artificially gained. So I want the coins that seem to have just been left alone and Mother Nature did her thing on them.
