@KBBPLL . @justafarmer . At anyone with numismatic experience. I have spent decades collecting Seated Coins and have basically learned that the vast majority of Seated (circulated) coins were allowed to go terminal black at least once. These coins would then get dipped and whatever original details and luster that remained would be revealed. However, I was taught to take a 20X magnifier to any coin and look for telltale tiny black carbon spots hidden in the deepest recesses of the coin. This is your best clue that you are looking at secondary toning on most Seated coins. I will add that the chance of finding a coin that may have never been dipped would obviously improve as you got later in the series. What i mean by that is that there may be late date circulated Seated silver that did not get the chemical treatment and or the coin never actually made it to the terminal state. I only have 3 high grade Barber dimes to go by; and my gut instinct is that all 3 probably went thru a chemical bath at least once, but where would you look on a Barber coin for residual terminal black specks? Barber coins do not have the collector history that Seated coins have. Do any of you think there was less tendency to dip Barber coins? What do you think a completely original, never been dipped Barber coin would look like? finally, what percent of Barber coins would you estimate might be quote "Strict Original?" Thank you to anyone who has information or an opinion to share. James
Strictly original coins that show no signs of terminal toning do exist, but that population drops daily. My opinion is that such coins should be coveted by all, but seem to curry favor only with "purists". Toning is not necessarily bad, but it is viewed as bad by some. Terminal black toning may be called bad by some, but the alternative likely is worse. In any case, yes, there are definitely both seated and Barber coins that are strictly original, without terminal black toning. Some of these were properly cared for from their first days, and others survived as such accidentally. Prime examples of the latter would be coins stored far longer than expected in rolls, where both faces of all but the end coins are largely untoned, yet the rims may exhibit obvious color. This likely explains substantially greater numbers of untoned, yet intensely lustrous uncirculated coins being available for some dates than others. Obviously, the older the issue, the harder it would be to locate such opportunities, but perusing the galleries of graded coins at both PCGS & NGC may clue you in to what dates might realistically be worth searching / holding out for in original coins without terminal toning. Just recognize that you may have lots of competition and have to pay substantially more for such coins. I don't like coins that are blanketed in terminal toning, but can tolerate those having black in isolated areas if the balance of the coin compensates for it. Personally, I think it's better to focus on coins with good overall appeal, even if there's an insignificant distraction here or there, be it an inconspicuous pinprick, carbon spot or strike-thru. After all, do you enjoy your coins at arm's length, or under a microscope?
