Just wanted to share my toned Lincoln cents. Curious about the red/black ones, and I wonder how they could have possibly got that way. Is it natural toning? Also want to know if they have a higher value for being unusual. I am new to collecting and was thinking about trying to complete a set of unusually toned cents. Minus the high dollar key dates, cause I can't afford those. If you guys can answer a question or two that would be great. Or you could post your toned cents as well
Newone- Welcome to Coin Talk! There are a lot of Lincoln collectors here, so you should find yourself right at home. Toned coins definitely command a premium in today's market, but that is generally if they are uncirculated and have natural toning. Given that yours are circulated, I don't think they would command a premium, but the thing that matters is that you hand picked them because you like them. I have many like this myself that I just like. Nice collection. Thanks for sharing. Jody
always fun to look at a set of well-matched Lincolns... doesn't really matter if they are well circulated browns or high-value original reds.
The red and black colors come from either chemicals the coin was exposed to during circulation (most likely) or the formation of cupric or cuprous oxides. Also, as Larry pointed out, the browning/circulated look is not considered toning, but patination (development of a patina). The coins Lehigh posted are toned (for reference). Welcome to CT! It's always good to have more Lincoln collectors around!
My poor cents Thanks for the replies, So now I understand my coins are not toned They are merely corroded from exposure to various chemicals and whatever else they came across in their painful circulating journey before I Imprisoned them in my jar. So in a way they are Toned with elements of life experience, but not the kind that most collectors desire. However I kind of like the way they look and still may put together a funky looking circulated set for my own amusement, which is what got me into collecting in the first place. I do like those nice toned uncirculated cents that Lehigh posted, thanks for sharing.
Collect what you like!.. If you stick at long enough you will easy fill a whitman 41-59 album with red pennies and I am not talking about MS red either! Good stuff, and while it seems that collectors don't necessarily appreciate them, its funny how laymen are amazed by them... So if you don't want em send my way! I collect them too! I have several sets of uhhhhh corroded cents and a whole jar full of red, blacks, greens and other weirdness. Those coins spread out looks like a Christmas fruit cake! Ha! I found a pic!
Yes he does and they are very nice. But Larry Moran's (who is in the topic) does excellent photo's too.
