How do some coin sources have "mostly or all toned coins"? Do they apply some sort of chemical, reactive agent, gas, etc to get this effect? Is it possible to do it myself? (I know it would ruin the coins value) But I want to do a display of modern coins (2009 proof & mint sets) as they would appear 100 yrs from now or so for my daughters. Maybe do time lapse...
You could PhotoShop them. Intercept Shield has a paper about their accelerated aging test procedure. It does involve a toxic gas. I'm a newbie but I've seen some outrage over artificially toned coins. You've described an honest reason for making them, but clear labeling so they never hit the market as naturally toned seems to be obligatory.
Yes, yes and yes. It's all possible as long as you know what you're doing. Do it without knowing what you are doing and you end up with a mess.
When I was a young collector, I toned a cleaned large cent on a light bulb to some good effect, but I DID tell the coin shop I later sold the coin to that I toned the coin, and how I did it. Today, I don't advocate toning coins for a variety of reasons. But, if you do, I would remark the fact it was artificially toned and make sure it is disclosed to buyers down the road.
Well I would not lump them all together - some dealers look high and low for really nice struck coins that have a lusterous toning. Now some other dealers use chemicals and such - one important reason to know the dealer. Personally most of these rainbow color coins are not my cup of tea - but they do look nice. See some of lehigh and the penny ladies posts.
If you do a little searchie on this website you'll see that, in general, asking questions about artificially toning coins is frowned upon. I strongly suggest you read Weimar White's "Coin Chemistry", which provides an excellent treatment of the subject, from a chemist's point of view. It's not overly complicated. If you know chemistry, fantastic. If you don't, you can still understand why toning occurs, and why slower is better.
The methods of artificially toning coins is generally not talked about in polite company. How to recognize artificially toned coins is discussed.
Jason, Have you been on the TCCS forum lately. A troll (coiner1944) showed up and caused all kinds of havoc. His philosophy was that any talk about AT was detrimental to the market. I battled him until he got banned. Check it out, it is good reading. Paul
Alex, there are people who have actually baked coins in potatoes, with butter, and have obtained all kinds of colors on their coins! :rolling: As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I once used a light bulb to tone a cleaned large cent, and it actually turned brown again -- but AT is something that most numismatists don't like doing to coins because it is, in effect, "altering" coins and even viewed as "damage" by some. No slabber will touch that coin without either returning it to you in a body bag or slapping a label on it bearing the words "retoned," "colored," or something like that. If you want to experiment, I personally suggest sticking to using something modern, common, and worth only face value.
Baked in potatoes? With butter? I had heard you use corn oil when baking coins in potatoes. I guess I'm off in the morning for a bag of Idaho russets...I mean, Michigan white potatoes, and a couple of pounds of fresh, Michigan butter, straight from the farm........ The high fat content of Michigan butter produces that sea green color, don't'cha know?!?!?!
Go buy a Dansco album. Insert coins. Put on bookshelf. If the bookshelf gets sun, so much the better. Check every year for the next 20.
No kidding...I don't read much about artificially toning coins, but years ago I came across something about using butter with the potato. Corn oil....wonder what kind of effect that leaves....I'm not about to try either method anytime soon, but I've got to say I'm getting pretty hungry about now for a good 'ol potato
Just any old potatoes won't do. Please read http://www.cointalk.com/t62812/ posts 50-55. Snake river region potatoes are the preferred ones due to their high sulfur content. Doug mentions it is due to the volcanic soil in that region. Jim
I usually do my potatoes in the microwave... OOPS! I'm into toned coins however I sometimes have issues with detecting real from simulated toning. Just doing a study as I don't want to get burned. AND I WOULD ALWAYS IDENTIFY AN ARTIFICIALLY TONED COIN IF I MADE 1. Not sure I want to try now because after thinking about it I'd most likely destroy/melt it afterwards to make sure no one gets jipped. Probably would have been fun though, but I'd rather focus on detection of fakes with experienced collectors. Thanks for the info regarding artificially toned coins everyone and the aura of bitterness they exude. They should have the dust cloud like Linus' blanket from Peanuts.
