I work at ICG. Recently, a disgruntled dealer (with the highest possible grading credentials in the industry) has posted that ICG cannot grade toned silver eagles. NUTS! Colorful toning adds to a coin's eye appeal. In an attempt to show it also causes an increase in desirability - thus value - for many collectors; terrific toning can raise a coin's grade. Unfortunately, many folks let colorful toning totally obscure the actual condition of the coin's surface with regard to ACTUAL DAMAGE and other marks more commonly associated with these coins. The most egregious example of this phenomenon I've seen occurred with a US Gold coin. So once again, I'll warn you: TONING CAN HIDE SURFACE PROBLEMS.
Thank you OP. I have been preaching this here for a decade. Toning was looked down upon for decades BECAUSE it can hide surface imperfections. That is why so many coins were dipped, to prove the surface is fine. In fact, toning by definition, if it progresses will damage a coin. The trick to a nice toned coin is to STOP IT. Now, myself, I loved original surface coins. For older coins this usually led me to buy toned coins when I collected US, but I was after the original luster, not the "color" per se. Its hard, though, making sure the toning is not negatively affecting the surfaces. "Color" can be accelerated. Its not rocket science. It was done for decades to hide surface imperfections in fact.However, original luster cannot. THAT is what people should desire, rich creamy original luster on a coin. Btw, I know if the coin has lost its luster it will not tone the same as a lustrous coin, but most people back in the day didn't know the difference. Both lustrous and non-lustrous coins can be forced to tone, they will just tone slightly differently. Like I said, toned coins, for a few very good reasons, used to immediately be worrisome and worth further looks. You would know more of the subject that I would OP, but those are my thoughts.
I have an American Silver Eagle that a club gave to me many years ago as a thank you for speaking to their group. It came in a little folder. Over time one side developed very attractive toning. Hoping for a repeat performance, I flipped it over in the holder, but the other side did not tone.
I bought an 1825 half dollar on eBay maybe 15 years ago now. It was nearly black with oxidation. However, I could see some nice detail and luster under the tarnish so I took a chance. When I received the coin, it still looked nearly black, but nice. Later, I used some vinegar and water to gently remove the dark oxidation. Much to my surprise, this was a borderline Unc coin that had been HARSHLY cleaned. Even in hand, I didn't notice all the scratches under the oxidation. I had waited too long to complain...so I was stuck with it.
You also altered the coin so even if it had been a short time the dealer would have been justified in refusing a refund.
That, too...but he purposely altered it to hide the harsh cleaning. It was obviously stored in a box of kitchen matches for a while. Bottomline...tarnish/toning can hide severe condition issues.
BlackberryPie, asked: Would ICG have graded this experiment with a napkin? I'm not the grading finalizer. I would have straight graded it and sent it on to the next grader.
And how do you know the person you bought it from did the artificial toning? Could it have been the person he bought it from? Or some other previous owner? How many people have owned it between 1825 and when you bought it? And which one toned it?
Insider, What about the color on this one? I bought it many years ago for whatever silver was going for at the time. I say it is AT. The guy who sold it to me said it may have toned in a Majestic coin holder. Would this one grade? Sorry, not very good at taking pictures. Thank you sir!
No. Although I have personally seen coins that have toned naturally with this color and I am 100% sure because they were in a bucket of silver rounds with a spider's web completely across the top; This color is not market acceptable.
Hate to interrupt this toning hater party, but rainbow toning is often what separates the wheat from the chaff when dealing with premium gem coins in 20th century US Silver coins. And my favorite toned ASEs are from the old PCI holders.
I'm sure some have especially at NGC who seems to just details any modern toner no matter what (unless they've changed recently) but yea for the most part they'll grade