Toning

[Reardon]

I have a very nicely toned 1954-D and the colors are blue, gold, red, and variations of those colors inbetween. I was wondering if these colors could be caused by natural occurrence, I have never seen a Lincoln that nicely toned before and have reservations about it. Any opinions?

Reardon

The coin in question is my avatar in case you want a looksie.

[coop]

The darker colors appear to me to be part of a poor copper mix in the copper used to make your coins planchet. Some even look like wook grain in the wheat cents. Some find them attractive when they are, others we wish they would have been normal because they distract. There is a color change that happens to cleaned coins and some coin tone with age. So it could be one of the above.

[Reardon]

Coop,

If this coin was a key I probably would not be very happy but because it is fairly common I love it, especially if it is an example of natural toning.

I have sent some some coins into PCGS for grading in the past, namely a 1881-S Morgan that I thought was just beautiful and a 1876-CC Seated dime that came back with the label "Questionable Color." I was very disappointed to say the least. Unfortunately it seems that i need to get a lot more experience with toning before wasting money on the TPG process.

Hopefully in the future I can consult with some folks in this forum before making finnancial blunders.

Thank you,

Reardon

[eagames]

It's very opinion based. Another TPG might not say the same, even the same graders might do it different if you send it again.

Hard to judge from photos.

Thats why they used the term "questionable" even though they thought it looked fishy they still don't know for sure LOL

[carlb]

As to the reason for the toning, there are just to many variables to consider an explanation. For example where you live, where you keep you coins, how you store them, invironment changes and on and on and on. Now take for example in the upper Indiana area where there used to be massive steel mills and power stations the area ground is high in Sulfites and Sulfates. When mixed with humidity that creats Acids. Grounding systems of Copper wiring has been known to crystalize into CuSO3 or 4 in just a few years there. In your own home if cooking meals is constant, the air becomes contaminated with so many different substances it would be impossible to ever duplicate. High humidity areas, salty areas near oceans, farming situations where fertilizers are used, etc. all may effect the way a coin changes or not. Even in a persons yard the dirt is so inconsistant that a sample from areas a few inches apart may vary greatly. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide quantities in the air vary depending on where you live and they also play a part in the changes of all metals. Many people that have attempted AT have found a repeat of exact reactions are very inconsistant due to so many variables.

[Dick]

TPG??? I was once informed, but forgot. Please!
Dick

[aballein]

Third Party Grading companies...PCGS, NGC...etc etc

[Dick]

Aaron, it sure makes one feel silly, that they forget what the ackronyms stand for, and when reminded, " Darn, I knew that"!
Dick

[aballein]

it happens to us all Dick...no worries

[Reardon]

I really appreciate all the input from you folks and have miles to go before I find my last Wheatie