Please explain to me why variegated (toned) coins are get so many oohs and aahs. If they are so pretty, then why not painted coins, coins with stickers, two metal gold/silver coins? Sorry, I just do not get it.
Toning is about eye appeal. If you have never seen a rainbow toned coin in hand it is very hard to explain in words. In most cases, photos can't do a toned coin justice. However, I think this coin will show you why people love toned coins. The coin below is part of the Sunnywood collection on the PCGS registry. There really is no comparison between toned coins and painted coins. In addition, you enter the realm of intent. Coins that have toning that is deemed artificial are shunned just as painted coins are. I hope this helps answer your question but remember, eye appeal is in the opinion of the collector. Some like toning, others like white coins. To each their own. BTW. The term variegated with regards to toning usually implies a mottled separated pattern that is not celebrated by most of the numismatic world. Personally, I think coins with variegated toning have incredible originality. Take this Morgan Dollar for example. Paul
Patina, that is why. Patina, that is why. Patina (if I spelled it right) a a rich naturally occuring tone or color an old,(generally) treasure aquires. Same reason we love to see copper roofs that are green. Old furniture that is mellow brown and red. Paper that has yellowed. Stone buildings that are smokey grey. An old tool that shows the wear of a mans hands over 40 years. On and On I think it is because when we see something old that has mellowed or intensified in color we can own or admire history. We get to at least for a second live longer, or older, or richer than we normally do in eveyday life - we are part of something more!!!
