If it's an 1887 Morgan at a decent price,then I'm not concerned of cleaning because I'm purchasing to collect. But if it was for value collecting then I would try to find out how it was cleaned. Some of the wheat pennies I had to clean just to see the date on them. Two 1919 no mint marks were cleaned,but they aren't worth that much anyway because of condition of the coin.
Toning I has created on newer coins by putting then in dyed leather for awhile. The chemicals in the leather can create a toning effect. So I personally wouldn't buy a coin solely on toning.
Yes that's why I bought them. I also have a few of them with the envelopes too. Very unique stamp design. Was nice to be living in Tennessee and see the eclipse.
So coins should never be cleaned at all?? I have some silver coins that are black with tarnish (I inherited them like that) and it sounds like I should not clean them, but just leave them as they are. They are a Canadian uncirculated mint set. I also have some coins that were sent to me by my Grandfather (we won't discuss how long ago that was) and they were taped to a index card. We know how well tape weathers over 50 or so years. Sounds like I should just leave them alone. Thanks for all the information. I am learning as I go, new to the coin collecting. Laura