Hi everyone, been awhile since I posted. I have a question for you guys about this coin. The toning is so dark, but it looks like an AU under all that original skin. Would you do an Acetone bath or leave as is? What condition would you give this coin? Thanks for any feedback.
I think she is beautiful just the way she is. But that's just me. I bet @okbustchaser would have the right answer to your question.
This is just me, but, I like coins with a little character. It says "...I've been there and done that..." This one did all that and was well taken care of. Looks great.
Acetone does not change toning. It removes contaminants. This coin has terminal toning, but it appears to be stable. Any attempts to improve the look will just make it worse.
Acetone might change the color of the coin if the color isn't entirely toning, it could be a mixture of toning and accumulated oils and/or crud.
As others have said, it won't make it any lighter in color, but in general it doesn't hurt to quickly rinse any silver coin in acetone in order to remove any contaminates from the coin. I like her just the way she is. Don't let anyone try to talk you into dipping her which while it might remove the toning I doubt you would like the result. Just an add on...From the pics I don't see any signs of the reverse die cracks which would make this the 101a die state rather than the 101. Both are rated as R-1 so really it's irrelevant, though.
If it is a new purchase, I would give it an acetone soak for a couple of hours to remove pvc or other organic stuff. Otherwise enjoy as is. I like darkly toned coins like that with a light band around the devices, which nearly always (but not always!) denotes original skin. Glad to see one that escaped the dip brigades!
Yes it's dark but it gives the coin character. The only way to lighten it would be to dip it and I would not do that. As dark as she is you can still see some original Mint luster under that toning. Please leave as is.
