Silver proof coin changes color to reddish

why silver proof coins inside the original plastic case (from silver proof set dated 1999 to present) changed its color to reddish and black?. are they toned coins?. or are they affected by chemical contamination?. did the u.s. mint improve it during these current year sets?. how they gonna affect its price?.

p.s. should i dip the toned coins with cleaner?. or is there any ways to change its color to original brilliant white again?.

 

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I haven't had this problem with any of the proof sets since 1999. In fact the proof sets in their original packaging before that (oldest I currently own is 1972) doesn't have that problem either. Either I'm just lucky, or the packaging is pretty good at protecting the coins.

However if the planchets were improperly washed or the coins were somehow contaminated prior to them being put in the packaging, you could get the problems you're describing (proof American silver eagles have especially been known to develop "milk spots" when the cleaning agents used on the planchets weren't completely neutralized).

Are they toned, or chemically contaminated? Yes to both, as they technically mean the same thing. "Toning" is in chemical terms, light corrosion, and is damage. The fact that if it's subjectively attractive it can actually add to the value is something that mystifies me, as you'd know if you read enough of my posts lol... If the toning is seen as unattractive it will probably lower the value.

If you see this happen early enough that you can still return it to the Mint, I'd do so... probably too late for older sets though (I think the Mint only accepts returns within a year? Maybe someone here knows the time limit on that.)

Once you dip the coins they're not original anymore and some people wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. However if done properly and carefully they could actually improve the appearance of some coins (would never do it to copper coins though). If you only plan to keep them in your own collection it doesn't really matter what you do, but coins can't be undipped so keep in mind you're permanently changing the coin when you do this.

I'd leave them alone as long as the toning isn't hazy and unattractive. But you might want to break them out of their packaging and put them in more stable packaging to prevent further deteriation. I'd only dip them as a last resort (make sure you do it properly, and neutralize them properly) and if you don't intend on ever reselling them.

Please note that you're asking very subjective questions and I'm sure people here will have a range of opinions on the subject so don't take any one person's view on this as solid objective truth... and in the end the decision is yours.

 

mint packaging might have some problem

mint packaging might have some problem. like the 20th anniversary silver set. which cartoon smell chemical on it. in the long run.. it may affect the coins too.

 

elaine, if I may ask... did you purchase these from the mint or from a private party? If from a private party, then the coins may have been cleaned at some point prior to your purchase and now, over time have started to re-tone.

 

yes

yes those toned silver quarters proof set were purchased from a dealer. all were toned to reddish. and some to minor black spot. all sets purchased from u.s. mint directly. i have not check it yet since 1999. my sets were bought since 1999 to current.

 

That would be my first question. These holders are easily opened and the coins can be switch or just mucked with then returned and the holder and closed with little or no damage to the holder. I know because I have opened several proof and silver proof sets to display the coin i a different environment. I retain the original holder in case I wish to return them to their original packaging.

Could you post some pics so that we could see the coins?

 

I would now suspect the coins have been improperly stored. Find a better dealer if you want a better product.

 

nice toned

those toned silver quarters from the sets were actually toned one side only (washington). the other side were all brilliant proof. and the toned coins look beautiful. even those with black spot. but then i don't enjoy looking at toned coins or collect them. anywhere i have no choice but to keep them. all 25 set of five pieces silver quarter proof set were all toned in one side. by the way, those were year 2000. and i bought it exactly at silver bullion value. which is $14.50 per set. and the dealer immediately up its price to $17.50 per set when i checked again its website.

i read some collectors complaining about silver proof set too. they turned to reddish.

 

If the coins have only toned on one side then it does sounds like improper storage, Elaine. They have only toned on one side because that side was closest to the reactive material. I'd re-evaluate where you store them.

 

for whats it worth all the silver proof sets from 1999 onwards are pronre to toning even if you bought them directly from the mint. the packaging from the mint is not good which allows this to happen. if you dont want your coinstot tone buy intercept shield boxes and store them in atemp controlled envioronment. i sometimeshad to search more than 200 sts from many delaers to get the coins i wanted. Thanks.

 

i got many sets

yes, i bought it from dealer on line. so when i got it. it was already toned. and i don't want to return it. because after all it was at a bullion price. and by sent them back. you have to waste time and money to do it. after all, the dealer up its up from 14.50 to 17.50.

secondly. i bought hundred of sets directly from u.s. mint dated 1999 to present. it should be well around 400 sets. and i don't have time to check them. hopefully it won't toned. well, someday within this year. i will check it to see any happening. that's including 30 set of 20th anniversary that i also complaint about bad smell inside the cartoon.

well, it was hard to take of those silver coins. no wonder if it was well preserved, the price goes up many times. unlike the gold.

 

I've encountered a number of proof sets from the early 1970's to mid 1980's that had milky clouding of the coins, but not toning. The worst sets were the ones with Ike dollars. That problem appears to be particular to those years. All of mine from those years were purchased from 3rd parties. Fortunately, those sets are relatively inexpensive to replace.

I have had no problems at all with set purchased directly from the mint or any dated after about 1993.

 

tell us more....

tell us more about other year sets that have problems or toned. so that everybody can learn how to prevent them.. any ways or any new inventions.......

 

toning is a natural outcome of metal reaction with the atmosphere. if there is silver it will tone unless youmanage to create an artificial environment that blocks this natural process. The one that i would recommend is the south pole no chance of your coin getting toned there under the right circumstances but since most colelctors wont open a vault there you cna use a couple of technologies out there. one is intercept shoeld the other one is a anti toning bar that basically saturates the air surrounding it with ions so that the atmosphere cannot occupy that space but it makes paper go yellow so you cannot store it with paper one of the primary reasons i dont use it. also do yourself a favor and get a dehumidifier nothign affects coins worse than humidity. i have one that gives me a couple of buckets of water everyday. if you want to know more about toning. here is a link that will give ypu more about he toning i forgot the name of the bars/ capsules

http://rg.ancients.info/guide/toning.html

rememebred the name of the bar

Metal SAFE Corrosion Inhibitor.

best of luck and please dont blindly invest in coins you have to understand what youa re gettign into its more than just a lump of metal

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of toned coinage.

 

give the poor fellow a break he doesnt like toned coins. someone afte rmy own heart Elaine if it makes you happy pure gold doesnt tone so getthose canandian mapels with 5 9 purity

 

tone coin

i still hate tone coins.

 

more to come

when i was re organize my coins and replace silica gel on it. i discovered more silver proof set toned to red color. that was very bad. what can i do?.

 

silver proof........................................

were all of the coins toned or just certain ones? just curious.