Hello! I'm new here (and to numismatics) and have 2 questions for those in the know. 1- will a "red" cent lose it's redness over time naturally? In other words, if I go find something I'm jonesing for (like an Indian 1909-S, MS64 or so, RED) and obviously pay the premium for the red factor, will that color fade out over time, even in a slab? 2 - I inherited a small collection about 14 years ago when Dad passed on. I've been in the process of selling it (years going by and, somehow, never selling any of it) when I finally figured out that I'm keeping it and want to collect myself. And now of course....... I have the bug. But things sure have changed since I goofed around with coins & Dad back in the late 60's. The issue: a book of WLs (1916-1936) with coins in the last 10 slots but none in the earlier ones (the coins are low grade). I want to get the earlier ones (so far so good) but Dad's coins are either dirty or toned (I'll try to put in a couple of pictures to illustrate). I don't want to go for a ride on ebay and get low grade coins that somehow have a bright shine(!) Any suggestions on what a beginner might be thinking about to end up with a more matched looking set when all that's required are coins in VG or so, give or take a hair? I sure would appreciate any thoughts on this! Best, Scott
My thoughts are that the red has the potential for fading, depending upon the environment it is in. If it is encapsulated, there is still a air exchange with the outside environment. But unless you are right on the beach or in the middle of the Everglades, I don' think you will see the changes in your lifetime. And storing the coins where the enviroment is controlled (humidity) will help. To update your walkers, I would recommend coin shows or a good coin dealer. Either option should provide you with people who are willing to help you evaluate coins. E-bay is a little iffy unless you are a good judge of coins (I am not) and at a coin show you can compare like with like and sometimes side by side.
Copper cents before 1982 were made with at least 95% copper and copper is a very reactive metal to the elements. Oxygen oxidizes with copper. Sulfur and copper get together to form Copper Sulfate, which is dark in color. More so than none, it is the oxides that change the color of copper. So, copper exposed to humidity, heat and the elements will lose its red color which is why copper cents are graded as Red, Red- Brown and Brown. Red cents get higher premiums because the older the coin, the harder it is to keep it in its "red-orange" condition, hence the reason they are sold for a premium. As for your other coins like the Walkers, this is where I would start: First do NOT clean any of the coins. Then start here: How Much Link? Second: Go Here: Coin Facts LINK Third: Go to your book store and buy the 2006 Red Book on Coins: Good luck
If you keep copper coins in Intercept Shield bags they are not likely going to tone. A good book on this subject is Dr Wiemar White's "Coin Chemistry".
