Please excuse me, if this question is basic. I am coin collector that cut his teeth back in the 1960's when BU coins were all the rage (so most unc coins were dipped), and there was no third party grading. Since I got back into collecting recently, I've been taken with how toning has become the rage. I suppose I can sort of see the charms of toning as it does make coins look (seem) older. And perhaps they are more natural since most coins naturally tone over time. I've seen the rainbow toning on Morgans, and the rim toning from albums. What about this kind of toning on the Franklin Half below - It almost has the appearance of rust! (esp on the back) Is this worth a premium? (I am guessing it's natural, although I am no expert in this area). What is the trick to picking out great toning from detracting toning? Some of you just seem to be able to pick it out visually -- but how would you teach someone to pick out great toning? Are there objective criteria? Or is it just purely subjective (that you like it or you don't)?
Toning can create a huge premium, i was trying to bid on a coin at an auction not too long ago that should have gone for about $800 but because of the amazing blue toning it went for almost $1200! i was shocked to say the least, some people go crazy for toning, although i find it attractive i wont pay a huge premium for it.
No, not all toning is positive. And some is downright negative, in terms of how it affects the eye-appeal and value of a coin. I say this as one who appreciates toned coins and only occasionally buys color-free ones. The toning on the coin you posted is a slight to mild positve to me, but I have no doubt that some buyers would prefer a color-free example, compared to that look.
I agree with Mark's comments above. Some collectors covet the blast white look, others love the wild rainbow toned look. The coin you posted is a very pleasing example with nice (but not incredible) toning. That coin will not attract a huge premium. I think it would probably sell at 1-2X wholesale. Ironically, I think these coins represent the safest and best value in the toned coin market. The subtle toning reduces the risk of artificial toning and the price is reasonable. IMO, toning is purely subjective. What you describe as the appearance of rust I would catalog as captivating intermingled mottled shades of russet, green, blue, and rose dominate the reverse of this wholly original mint set toner. Personally, I love that coin, the toning, and it's originality. I will admit that not all toning is attractive and that there are many Franklin Halves that are ugly as sin. Here are some Franklins whose originality is a little more difficult to appreciate than your example.
I also cut my teeth earlier (in the 70's), put it away for a long time and got back into it a few years ago. Many good comments have already been said here. I would like to add that, although the appreciation of toning is subjective, there is also the factor of consensus, meaning that there will be certain toned coins that appeal to a very large percentage of viewers (a beautiful coin, hands down); coins in the middle (which some may find attractive and others not), and those which are generally considered unattractive or worse. So, rather than being completely subjective, there are some qualities of toned coins that rise to the surface as being particularly desirable (consistency, subtlety, drama, pleasing color as opposed to plain or "dirty" tones, etc.) although these can be argued too. I think it takes time to develop a taste for toning. It certainly takes time to develop an eye for it (just as with white coins). As with appreciating almost anything (from music to wine), at the beginning one will probably be attracted to the basic, easy-to-like stuff; later, one might develop a taste for more variation from the norm. Personally, while I love clean coins with beautiful luster, I also love toned coins because they have character and seem more one-of-a-kind. PS: I really like the Franklin but I'd like to see it in hand.
Lot's of great comments. Thank you all, I appreciate your time in commenting. It was enlightening. Lehigh, thanks for your seal of approval ... that helps! Also interesting coins you posted. I see what you mean about the variation in Franklin toning. Oval_man, Thanks for the input. So I am guessing you think this Franklin is in the upper middle category of your toning scale? I agree that photos can be a bit misleading with toned coins.
Is all toning a positive? Definitely not! Two examples: 1. At the personal level - I'm "old school" and therefore like my MS coins to be "blast white" and my circulated coins to be "tattletale gray". 2. At the TPG level - I had an 1894 Morgan that was XF. But it was toned SO dark that a respected TPG would not grade it. That was in the days of the body bag. The toning was so black that they could not make a determination about the nature of the coin's surfaces, hence no grade.
To me this is a gorgeous half because I tend to like subtlety (which by no means is the same as blandness). As far as how it might be rated by others, it would be interesting to see the results of a poll! I'm too new to this board to know if many (or any) of such polls have been taken in the past.
Outa curiousity - I have been casually searching for super colorful PCGS slabbed coins. There was Jefferson 1945 MS65 that I was feeling silly over bidding 3x what it is worth. It closed tonight 6 times the value! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160475877758&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
If the photos didn't make the coin appear to be AT, my guess is that it would have sold for at least 10X bid. The coin has a very similar look to the Appalachian Jeffersons graded by NGC. Who knows, maybe someone crossed one. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
I am wondering what you think of the toning on this Franklin. I was told it looks like brown envelope toning.
Is all toning positive ? No. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's truly subjective.Personally, I kinda like the look of the OP Frankie, but not everybody does. I work a lot with early silver (1830s and before) and strongly prefer a nice rich patina over "blast white". But everyone's different.
Absolutely. Some toning has a splotchy, unattractive look which turns me off. Some is too dark, some is too garish (especially common on AT coins).
