This upcoming signature sale has a bunch of interesting coins for sale. This Silver Eagle definitely falls in that group. This is what every rainbow toning enthusiast dreams of. Unfortunately, when you find it, you then have to decide whether or not the coin is AT or NT and bid accordingly. I might throw in a bid, but it is already at $200, so we will see. http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=1117&Lot_No=1775 I have attached a poll for everyone to vote whether or not they think the coin in NT or AT.
Looks like what might happen when heat is applied. Hmmmmm. I may juss try that on a bullion silver coin.
That coin is spectacular. I was the one who submitted it for grading. It is the first silver eagle I thought was remotely interesting. It came out of a PCI holder that denoted it was 100% white. Like many coins in the old green pci holders it developed toning over time.
I am glad you brought that up. I found a seller on E-Bay who has several of these PCI holder toned ASE's. However, none of them have the advanced rainbow toning that this one has. I have no doubt that the toning is original, but I have a hard time believing that the Heritage photos are accurately portraying the actual appearance of the toning. Anyway, here is a link to the E-Bay ASE's http://cgi.ebay.com/Target-Rainbow-Toned-BU-1999-Silver-Eagle_W0QQitemZ140228554521QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140228554521&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 I also have a Morgan Dollar that I have posted before. After seeing the toning on this ASE and the others on E-Bay, I firmly believe that this Morgan could have resided in one of those PCI holders for a while. Notice the similarities in both the colors and the progression.
My first inclination was to say artificial, then I read Zanemans' post. Now I'm not sure. I must say, artificial or natural. I find the coin attractive.
"that is as much as NT as lightening striking that coin" Spock I try to avoin using the rtefrence to lighting striking. Having survived a strike less t5han 3 feet from me I don't want the big guy taking a second shot. but more on subject, I have a hard time with the AT/NT thing. If I put a coin in an enclosed case with sulfer powder in its proximity then I have artificially toned the coin. If I put the same coin in an album that happens to be made of cardboard with a sulpher content then the coin is considerd "naturally toned" The only difference I see is intent. Whwer does it cross the line from NT to AT? Just my ramblings Richard
Its a fine line, and to many there is no absolute right or wrong answer. Most TPG's would consider this NT, based on the circumstances IMO.
You would know better than I, but my question is just how would a TPG know that these were truly the circumstances?