1998-P Proof ASE, AT?

Seattlite86 · Feb 11, 2020

GDJMSP said: ↑

OK, but I'm still curious, why ? What is it about that type of toning that makes you think AT ?

I mean if ya know how toning works ya know it's progressive, meaning it starts out at the lighter colored end of the spectrum and gradually darkens as it progresses. And it usually starts at the outer edges of the coin, not always, but it usually does. And typically the color pattern will repeat, although sometimes certain colors are skipped in the progression pattern. And that's exactly what we see on this coin.

On both obv and rev the toning at the outer edges has reached or nearly reached the terminal stage since it's that toning that's been there the longest, flowing through lighter colors as you move towards the center of the coin. And the same thing typically happens on Proofs and business strikes alike though the "look" will be different because of the differences in types of luster.

Now of course these toning patterns can vary because of the differences in the various storage methods. If a coin is surrounded by cardboard at the outer edges, one of the most common methods, then the toning usually starts at the edges. It also starts at the edges when hard plastic holders and/or coin tube are used. If a coin is placed in an envelope or wrapped in tissue paper that toning can start anywhere. Same thing when a flip is used.

In other words, everything about the toning on this coin screams completely normal. And that's the reason for my questions.
Click to expand...

The toning appears directional (S-N), it appears uneven, and the vibrancy of the pink and purple are not colors I am used to seeing on any coin that hasn't been gased. If those answers don't help you out, I don't know what will.

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GDJMSP · Feb 12, 2020

I was merely trying to understand your thinking. I guess that's because to me toning patterns of a similar nature (concentric circles and gradual fade) are not all that uncommon. Sure the colors change somewhat, and some are bound to be more vibrant than others especially on Proofs, but the basic patterns are pretty similar, on Proofs and business strikes. Look at these for example -

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl...cznAhUzZDUKHTGGCNkQMwhAKAAwAA&iact=mrc&uact=8

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl...znAhUzZDUKHTGGCNkQMwiFASgaMBo&iact=mrc&uact=8

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl...VkKHeheBDo4ZBAzKBgwGHoECAEQMQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl...kKHU50Djw4yAEQMygPMA96BAgBEB8&iact=mrc&uact=8

Or this coin that I used to own. It was 1 of 7 that I bought all the same time. And you've probably seen it before because I bought them for JD. All 7 had been wrapped in tissue paper by the original owner.

I guess my point is, just because you see vibrant toning like that it doesn't mean it's AT. Sure, it can be, because if you get the gas mixture right the toning happens just like it does when it's completely natural - only much faster. And neither one can ever be told apart by anybody.

Natural toning is completely dependent upon the coin itself, environmental conditions, and storage methods. And all ya have to do to do it artificially is reproduce those conditions, but in greater concentration. That's why they cannot be told apart.

physics-fan3.14 · Feb 12, 2020

Seattlite86 said: ↑

The toning appears directional (S-N), it appears uneven, and the vibrancy of the pink and purple are not colors I am used to seeing on any coin that hasn't been gased. If those answers don't help you out, I don't know what will.
Click to expand...

You are pretty well correct that seeing this type of toning on a Morgan would be suspicious.

However, the key here is the composition - ASE's are nearly 100% purity, and will tone differently than Morgans. Even in a very short period of time, they can develop toning like this with the right (wrong?) storage conditions.

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1998-P Proof ASE, AT?

Which type of toning is this? Artificial Toning (AT) or Natural Toning (NT)

AT

NT

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Seattlite86 Outspoken Member

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GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

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1998-P Proof ASE, AT?

Which type of toning is this? Artificial Toning (AT) or Natural Toning (NT)

AT

NT

Unsure

Seattlite86 Outspoken Member

Guest User Guest

GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

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