Sulfur is the only chemical that I know of that can create the deep blue to almost black toning for silver. You can actually induce this color...
I like the second photo. The shading give the coin's elements more depth. It also makes for a more dramatic presentation.
I've seen toned gold coins, mostly 8 escudos cobs. The toning, such as it is, tends to be reddish. I've never seen blue before on a gold coin....
Thank you. Yes, the Hertiage coin sold this month for $55,000. I didn't know that NGC makes slabs for these coins now.
Thank you. The cost was indeed steep and I sold a good portion of the collection which included some pretty rare coins, both world and ancient...
I believe that the coin to the left, first photo is that of Heraclius, Sicily mint, possibly a half follis, based on the weight.
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