I have a capped bust half that is in nice condition but is toned way too dark for my taste. I have included a picture and was wondering what are my options to removing most of the toning but still leaving a trace of toning intact. I have not tried diluting down dip and would prefer to do it my self. Any insight here, or is this best left as is?
I mean, honestly this is the way a 200 year old coin is supposed to look. But yeah you can dilute dip down and dip it, slowly. Take your time. Don't be in a hurry. Try a 10 part distilled water one part dip solution.
I hear you but all of my other capped busts have the following look and I was trying to keep them similar. Knowing that they were all probably dipped at some point.
I would leave as is. Most of these have been dipped. If it is not your taste, trade for a bright one you like. Problem is, your coin may have been dipped a few times already. Another dip could remove what luster is left.
Trade it for a better one if you don't like it but like stated above, pretty much all bust halves have been dipped so maybe someone somewhere is looking for a nice non screwed with one. I personally think it looks fine and would leave it be.
I’m not a huge fan of the dull grey look either, but this is the way that it should look and should be left alone. I’d trade it for one that matches your collection better before risking being left with a whiter but lifeless coin.
Leave it as is. If you don't like it, sell it and buy one you do like. Dipping in well diluted dip MIGHT lighten it, on it might ruin it if it doesn't lighten evenly. In no case will it get back to looking like the 1828 you posted, and it would be very easy to make it look much worse than it does now. DON'T risk it. There are others that will appreciate the coin just as it is now. Let them have it and get one the way you like. Personally I think that 1825 looks fine just as it is.
Okay I will take this under advisement and rethink my strategy. Guess I was hoping that the coin would clean up well and did not think about the downside. Thanks.
I think that's wise and agree it's more advisable to sell and find one that suits your tastes without risking the coin degrading. I know it's not for everyone but us guys who like the crusty look exist. I just sold a dark 1830 Bust Half in an ICG 45 slab... it's a true XF with luster despite the dark skin- the dealer offered me $60 for it, said it was VF35 (hmmm) and that it had no eye appeal. Went for $177.50 in a .99c start true auction. We're out there.
Why would anyone dip, even in a diluted solution, a beautiful coin like that? Leave as is and look for one closer to your tastes.
Yes, looks like it has already been over dipped at some point, at least to me. Then again, I tend to like 'shiny' versus 'flat' (so long as the shiny doesn't mean polished, etc).
That's a nice looking old dark half dollar, i'd leave it alone, somebody would love to have it just the way it is.