...Anonymous
Some of
the most spectacularly toned coins achieve a seemingly impossible
level of intensity. But where did the colors come from? Why did
they form? Can they be induced or faked? What does natural toning
look like? How can I tell the difference? If you have asked
yourself these questions, read on.
Natural
and artificial toning processes generally share the same chemical
equation. However, most “natural” toning patterns result from long
term storage within coin albums, canvas bags, envelopes, or
presentation cards. Conversely, experts define “artificial” toning
as any color pattern that is induced, intentional, accelerated, or
mechanically applied. Toning collectors are fortunate that Mother
Nature’s gentle hand almost universally exceeds man’s efforts, but
viewing as many toned coins as possible remains the best way to
learn the range of naturally occurring color patterns.
The
best color patterns develop in albums or canvas mint bags.
Collections stored for decades in albums frequently display intense
rings of multicolored toning on high grade coins. To the benefit of
toning collectors, many of the best collections that enter the
market trace their origin to coin albums. Today we reap the rewards
of Mother Nature in the form of beautifully toned silver type coins,
copper, patterns, and a host of rarities with superb color.
Canvas mint bags are another prime
source for beautifully toned coins, specifically Morgan silver
dollars. In the past, the United States Mint stored newly minted
silver dollars in canvas bags. Trace amounts of sulfur in the cloth
caused coins touching the side of the bag to develop varying degrees
of color. Resulting color patterns range from light gold to
spectacular rainbows that literally
run the spectrum! In rare cases the toning even shows the textile
weave pattern from the cloth.
Although toning sources such as paper
rolls, envelopes, and presentation cards yield wonderful color
patterns, mint bag toned Morgan dollars and album toned type coins
compose the primary toning market.
Toned coins can be collected in a
variety of ways: Individually, in special presentation holders,
in albums to show a beautiful collection of toned coins by date and
series, or encapsulated by knowledgeable third party grading
services. The best way for the collector to acquire beautiful
natural toned coins is to obtain a working knowledge of the toning
process and understand the nuances of naturally toned coins. That's
one of the reasons why the Toned Coin Collectors Society was formed:
To help the collector acquire that knowledge and to experience the
joy of collecting beautiful toned coins.
However, some may wish to limit
their purchases to coins only encapsulated by leading third-party
grading services. The expertise of the leading grading services
often serves as a protection against acquiring coins that have
artificial toning or alteration. While there is never 100%
certainty that a coin with questionable color won’t end up slabbed
by a third party grading service, learning which third party grading
services are knowledgeable in their efforts to only slab naturally
toned coins will assist collectors in their quest to acquire
beautiful naturally toned coins.
But, whatever method you decide to
collect toned coins, only collect coins that you like...there are no
limits!
