Thank you for the clarification. I have a Morgan that has some really nice toning with what appears to be breaks in the toning in some of the high points. I was thinking possible rub, but your explanation has helped me. Thank you.
Yours could still be rub, of course. Without seeing it in hand, its really almost impossible to tell. The difference will be: if it is rub, the luster will be broken on the high points. If it is just breaks in the toning, the luster should be continuous over the high points. Take a strong light and closely examine the high points as you tilt the coin. If there is no interruption in the luster, there is no rub.
That's why I was on the fence. I could see luster, but the color was not there. It was just odd to me. I didn't think about it being stored where something was in contact with it to prevent the toning. Now I know.
What about this coin? would you clean or keep as is? I plan to repackage in a capsule or everlast slab to try a prevent further black oxidation or will the coin continue to turn black regardless of what I do?
Either of the two folks above would be better to answer your question. There is a big difference between Restoring and Cleaning. Cleaning is a no no.