what is toning and how does it happen. i saw a thread where someone kept there coins in the coin envolpes and that toned it but they said it was no good. some of my coins are in the coin envolpes. does this damage them.
Toning is corrosion, a chemical reaction between the metal on the surface of the coin and oxygen and chemicals (e.g., sulphur) in the air. Some toning is attractive and some is ugly. Some people will pay big money for "monster" toning (bold, bright, "pretty" colors). Be aware there is NT (natural toning) and AT (artificial toning). AT is commonly used to tone a coin to either hide damage or defects or to take advantage of those who pay extra for toning. Search this site for numerous threads about NT and AT. Manila envelopes contain sulphur and will tone a coin over time (with the end result usually being ugly).
