Toning tricks?

I guess if you step in grape juice or beet juice dirty socks would work...

 

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I tone cents on top of my water heater, the cigar box only works for me in a hot humid garage during the summer. The window sill works quickly as does the fireplace mantle.

 

Toning is mostly caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Exposure to H2S gas will rapidly tone a coin. Simply place the coin into a sealed container with a piece of fruit (not in contact). As the fruit degrades it will release H2S and tone the coin. Keep a close eye on the process or your silver coin will turn out black!

 

I understand that viewpoint too. That argument comes down to semantics about "natural" and "artificial."

Knowing that the chemical processes are the same, I guess my definition of natural really comes down to market-acceptable, whereas someone else might take natural to mean unintended.

 

What's the general time-frame we're talking about here? I've got some '52 & '53's in a Wayte Raymond but they're still only slightly toned.

 

I am afraid I can't answer your question since I have never toned my own coins.

 

I'm not familiar with the Wayte Raymond holders but, if you place them in a redwood cigar box it may help JMHO. I can't show physical proof only b/c I'm terrible with a camera and lighting besides my proof isn't proof positive, yet.

 

Some of the Wayte Raymond albums either had a lower initial amount of sulfur, or due to environmental conditions over the years have had it leached out. They're not all toning machines.

Couldn't agree more. That's why my definition of NT is mostly "market acceptable."

 

I don't agree. I think if you store your coins in an album or box that will increases it's chances of toning that's fine. The only difference from the guy that did it 50 years ago is that you know it might tone the coins. If you want toned coins, then I think it's fine. There is a big difference between this and placing a coin in the oven or something similar IMHO.

Some people like toned coins, there is nothing wrong with that. As long as the toning isn't allowed to progress too far it is no damage to the coin.

I agree 100%.

 

http://www.cointalk.com/t56117/

"Library of Coins" albums seem to tone coins. Dancso albums also.

 

I have a few complete sets in those holders that I bought that way. They actually have the plastic sliders almost melted around the little holes from being stored in warm areas. The coins dont look toned at all and they also dont look damaged from the time or heat.
It's weird to look at and to take them out I will destroy the holder as the sliders won't slide because fo the "melted" curvature.

 

I have a couple of dipped EF morgans in a wooden cigar box as an experiment in toning. They've been there about a year and a half now. I turn them over about every three months. Not one bit of toning on them. I've been told that if you apply a bit of heat, such as placing the box on a set-top cable box, it will tone. But to me that's AT. I think it probably has to do with the fact that the coins started out circulated.

I'll give them a few more years and see what happens.

 

I'd say that it seems unlikely that you will get NT in any fast way. I have an unc quarter set in a Dansco album and they have toned a bit. The nice thing about album toning is that all of the coins seem to belong together and have similar colors.

 

Howdy folks-

I just got here, this is my first post, so without further ado, I'll jump right in.

I've heard that velvet-lined Canadian clamshell cases from the 70's (for commemorative dollars and PL sets) can be used to tone other coins; some of the original coins I've seen in these sets have some crazy-wild rainbow toning on them, and they include copper-nickel coins... I've heard of collectors using these clamshell cases as "cookers" to cook other coins - just put them in the attic for a few months (I've also heard summer months are better, no experience with this, though) and forget about it for a little while.

I've heard that the Wayte Raymond and some of the older pop-in Whitman folders had a higher sulfur content, hence the toning factor.

I've also heard that the older 2x2 sized paper envelopes work well (higher sulfur content), and I've heard that you can speed the process by placing the coin in the envelope and smearing a small amount of fried egg on the outside of the envelope (adds sulfur content to the envelope, but not in direct contact with the coin).

The common thread I've seen / heard with AT is sulfur content. Heat also seems to play a factor, but I'm sure there are all kinds of tricks and "trade secrets".

Interesting:

I've generally had pretty good luck with other collectors divulging information; it keeps the hobby healthy. Granted, it is a fine line, subject to interpretation and differing opinions...

One last thing from my own experience:

I occassionally use Goo-Gone on common, circulated (translation: low value) world coins that have green gunk or unidentified sticky-stuff on them. I've noticed that on some of the copper coated zinc coins that they develop wild purple / pink / rainbow toning after using a light Goo-Gone treatment to remove the gunk (I put the Goo-Gone on a Q-Tip, use light circular motions, rinse with luke-warm water, and let air-dry). While I am not an advocate of wholsesale coin cleaning, or of doctoring coins to create AT, I do believe that if there is green gunk present (sometimes this can be in the form of a light coating of PVC from improper storage), it is best to stop the damage and preserve what is there (from a collector / "care-taker" point of view).

Hope this helps add to the body of knowledge-

Chasing Monarchs

 

Oh god, I hate you guys.. I have a 1991 ASE that I got in a Lot of Junk Silver.. Somebody used a Buffer on it to "Make A proof", ( The Guy Said who sold it.. Moron)..
I was thinking of having it as a Pocket Piece.. Or Setting it for my Daughters Keyring...
But all these tricks.. I have never AT'ed or Thought I would even try to but.. I may just toss this one in my Cedar Chest for the next 10 years and see what happens...
Am I a Sinner?.. Is this Bad?.. Should I even had Posted?.. Please Be kind.. I was kidding about the "Hate you Guys" Crack.. I am such a Fan.. I just kinda hate this coin.. It's an abomination.. It must be punished!

 

Along the same lines--What if you have a toned coin and you want to preserve it in its present condition. Don't want it to tone any more. What's the best method?
Thanks
Poppa