Scarce toned 1850c $5 gold

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Jon Brand, Jun 6, 2018.

  1. charlottedude

    charlottedude Novice Collector

    I do like the coin. The toning looks interesting... perhaps naturally acquired from leather pouch storage. I’ve seen and owned a number with that coloration and toning pattern. And while the mintmark is weak, it’s still Charlotte mint product.
     
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  3. coin_nut

    coin_nut Well-Known Member

    I fail to understand how a "noble metal" such as gold, which is supposedly impervious to tarnish and other chemical action, can acquire toning. Can someone please comment?
     
  4. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    It's only 90% gold and 10% copper, so perhaps the other part of the alloy causes the toning.
    There are some chemistry experts that can explain.
     
  5. dcarr

    dcarr Mint-Master

    Yes, many "old-gold aficionados" do like that type of toning.
    I think they are somewhat misguided. They are certainly free to choose whatever they like. And while I find the coin shown in this thread to be attractive myself, I believe that the only way such toning can form is from exposure to significant heat (followed by some light circulation wear).
     
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  6. calcol

    calcol Supporter! Supporter

    By "significant heat", I'm assuming you mean deliberately applied heat?

    Cal
     
  7. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I am not DCarr but I say under normal circumstance.
     
  8. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator


    "Impervious" is a mischaracterization. Along with gold, all noble metals are reactive but far less so than base metals are.
     
    calcol likes this.
  9. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator


    Good . . . Very good.
     
  10. Jon Brand

    Jon Brand Well-Known Member

    In my humble opinion i think if heat colored the stars amd maybe rims would be colored as well? I want to anything I can lean so thats why I like the different opinions and honesty. I like the coin and wont be hurt.
     
  11. charlottedude

    charlottedude Novice Collector

    Ditto.
     
  12. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Well - I like the coin. A little darker than I like, but very acceptable to me.
     
  13. Mike at APMEX

    Mike at APMEX Member

    Just a quick comment ......... gold coins acquire that purple/burgundy/dark red toning from long term storage in an old leather wallet or coin purse. Gold doesn't tone easily like silver does but when it does it is often like this Charlotte Gold Coin. Most people either love it or hate it. I like the originality myself.
     
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  14. charlottedude

    charlottedude Novice Collector

    Exactly.... I used to own one particular Charlotte Quarter Eagle that had the same look and coloration. It was PCGS-graded and later on approved by CAC. Keeping in mind that many folks kept their coins in pouches "back in the day"... tailoring was crude at best, pockets had holes, and losing a $5 or even $2 1/2 coin could have a major impact on one's day back then. Long-term storage in a leather pouch will eventually affect gold, particularly gold with a little silver & copper mixed in.
     
  15. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor

    Oldhoopster likes this.
  16. jwitten

    jwitten Well-Known Member

    I tried a leather experiment for a few years. Picked out a few nice $2 12 Indians, stored them sandwiched between leather in the window seal for a few years.... and nothing. If leather does the trick, it is LONG term.
     
  17. dcarr

    dcarr Mint-Master

    Not necessarily. A coin could have been in a house fire, for example. Subsequent circulation would lighten up the high points and rims.
     
  18. Mike at APMEX

    Mike at APMEX Member

    It DEFINITELY is a long term process. Also the wallets were warm and perhaps a bit wet being so close to the skin.
     
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  19. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor

    Whether a factor or not, tanning of leather did make a big change in approximately the 1840s by using chromium based chemicals as an important factor in the process after using dog excrement and even human urine and sewer sludge , all containing various chemical components.
     
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  20. calcol

    calcol Supporter! Supporter

    Kinda makes ya long for the good ole days! :yack:

    Cal
     
  21. jwitten

    jwitten Well-Known Member

    One of my favorite coins graded "environmental damage" at pcgs. Not artificially toned. I wonder if they think it was a fire coin.
    TonedGoldCoin1901sblack.jpg
     
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