Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;-jeffB, post: 1350057, member: 27832&quot;]I&#039;m confused by the direction this discussion is taking.</p><p><br /></p><p>Toning is the accumulation of a chemical layer on the coin&#039;s surface. For silver, this is most often silver sulfide. Thin layers interfere with the transmission of reflected light, producing different colors; thicker layers just look black.</p><p><br /></p><p>Luster is the anisotropic (different from different directions) reflection of light from the coin&#039;s surface, caused by microscopic ridges and valleys formed when the metal flows against the die. These microscopic ridges wear away quickly and easily, which is why you only see luster on uncirculated or lightly-circulated coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>Toning can happen on any surface, &quot;original&quot; or not. It&#039;s most <i>attractive</i> when combined with the luster of an original surface, but it can appear on even the most worn coin. Heck, it appears on well-polished spoons, candlesticks, and even chrome exhaust pipes.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, yeah, you can have toning on a well-worn coin, arising from the same chemistry and physics as toning on an MS piece. It can even show the same color patterns. But it won&#039;t get you the same money. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in