I'm still fairly new to collecting, and I know that buying on Ebay is more risky than buying on Heritage. But I have to ask a question about a coin I spotted on Ebay. A coin posted by a "top-rated seller" has what appears to be blue-gray haze on parts of the coin. The description from the seller says, "No toning at all." Does haze develop over time into toning? If it doesn't, does it affect the value less than toning? Just curious.
Some coins, such as Eisenhower dollar proofs, are known for developing a blue haze. I don't think it enhances the value, and may actually hurt it.
It also might just be the image. Photos of white proofs, in particular, can pick up colors that are not there. Want to show us a link to the auction? Lance.
I assume this coin is a Proof since only Proofs develop haze. But to answer your question, yes. Haze is the beginning stages of toning. But as somebody already mentioned, haze is generally considered to be a distraction, a bad thing if you will.
If you are interested in that coin I would ask the seller about it. The photos aren't great and the Franklin might be as described, "no toning at all". Based on other coins he's selling I'd say he has a problem with focus and bright white images. Lance.
