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Message:: [QUOTE="rmpsrpms, post: 3122836, member: 31773"]I think the key is how the coins were stored. Folks who state that older coins are all toned are correct that single coins, not protected from the environmental conditions of airflow, humidity, and temperature will indeed tone fairly quickly. Coins in a controlled environment, with low airflow around them, take much much longer to tone. You see this effect in rolls as well. I've opened OBW Cent rolls from the 30's and they were pristine (I've also seen 30's rolls that were disasters of toning and corrosion). Once a coin is removed from these ideal conditions, if they are properly cared for they will continue to stay fresh, but the storage methods of the past for single coins were not very protective. Now my soapbox...I feel it's the responsibility of the honest folks to train the new generation of collectors to recognize fake toning for what it is...a deceitful, destructive, and fraudulent practice. It's not so difficult to recognize coins that have been intentionally toned, though some of these fraudsters have gotten good enough that it's hard to be 100% sure. I'm pretty sure I am at 99.9% for bronze, and maybe 90% for 20th Century silver. Most of the experienced folks here are probably even better at silver, and may have a good success rate for 19th Century silver and copper. It's important for the hobby that the intentionally-toned garbage be called-out for what it is.[/QUOTE]