I don't own any pretty toned Indian cents or other denominations for that matter, but I am really starting to love the ones that are full of color. I know it is basically a form of environmental issues that cause this, but I have never seen great explanations as to why some turn red, or rainbow or blue and look like the work of an artist. I also know people artificially tone coins. So firstly how do TPG companies know which are naturally occurring and which ones are not? It is a confusing subject and some insights from anyone out there would be nice. These coins pictured are up for sale on the internet. Both were graded (red was a 65 and the blue was 63 or 64).
I suspect the best explanations would come from the best informed. Unfortunately, I don't think those best explanations will be forthcoming, as the best informed continue to artificially tone coins . . . just not so laughably as the rank amateurs do. Rather than trying to determine what is natural and what is artificial with absolute certainty, I think your time would be better spent learning to identify what is market-acceptable and not. That will come from looking at many coins and talking to many buyers. Talking to sellers will be less helpful, as they will almost always be motivated to convince you that their coins are all natural.
Even the TPGs have a tough time with this but they have the advantage of seeing many coins. They have a better feel of what is normal and what is questionable toning. I'm not saying they always get it right. I don't think that is possible.
I am a sucker for pretty coins and maybe I should just forget trying to understand as long as not going too crazy. I would like to know more about how the slabbers assess toned coins or is it mostly guess work?
I’d venture there’s not much guesswork going on regarding color, although there doubtless is a little. Some of the “slabbers” have been cleaning and toning coins for 40 or 50 years and, despite having made many mistakes - some being terribly expensive ones - they have become quite good at it. That’s one of the reasons they are uniquely qualified to grade coins . . . They’ve pretty much seen everything there is to see . . . all manner of alterations, cleaning, tooling, toning, etc.
