1958 Mint Sets produce some very pretty Rainbowed Frankies..

QUEENKOIN · May 1, 2004

In 58 as many know, this was the last year of the double mint sets in the cardboard holders with the paper wrapping.... This particular year of mint set has been known to produce some of the most stunning colored mint state Franklins known.

Toning is caused by a chemical reaction on the surface of the coin, resulting in a Silver Sulfide or what I like to refer to as a simple oxide of various thickness...

Sulphur from the carboard and the paper wrapping, along with ambient 02, react with the Silver surface of the coin, which is also influenced by how the coins were stored, a hot humid enviroment will definately speed the toning process up.

I've often conjectured as to why the 58s produce the most beautiful coins. Could it be the Sulphur rich materials used in this year? Or could it have something to do with the coins of 58 themselves? What type of rinses did they get and what chemicals may have remained on the coins prior to be placed in the cardboard holders?

(a little side note: when a oxide grows on a surface it also consumes the underlying layer, as it grows outward. This is why a heavly toned coin is often ruined when dipped long enough to remove the toning. If the toning is to severe, the dip will inadvertantly etch the luster, or the very top layers of the coins surface. Mildy toned or hazed coins can be dipped with extreme caution, but this isn't the point of this thread.)

Here is a 58 D that PCGs was kind enough to give it the Ultra Gem grade of MS66FBL, the images have glare and are shot at angles as I was trying hard to capture their true color, which isn't a easy task especially when the colors are neonish in effect:

Isn't that a stunner, but get aaload of this one, a MONSTER GEM! Top Pop here folks, one of the finest known, MS67FBL:

and, images donot due these justice, they really have to be seen to be appreciated. Collectors, keep a watchful eye on those 58 Mint sets, because stunning JEWELs may abound...

HepKitty