Don't Overpay For Color

@billjones ... I couldn't have said it better, more succinctly.

I'd not criticize someone spending that amount of cash on a common date but colorful coin. Yet, I couldn't help but ponder just how many truly historic coins and tokens that amount would buy, counterstamped or not!

For the most part, I agree with Andrew99. My comment isn't about what people "should" or "should not" do, but rather on the issue of "monster toning" in general.

Since this craze has been in the spotlight, shrewd sellers have learned to artificially "tone" coins to the point that, although they are beautiful, I would never buy one based upon its great colors, with no way of knowing how the coloring was achieved. I agree with others that there will come a time that such coins will be considered environmentally damaged. When that day comes, we'll be able to buy pretty cartwheels for $80, that were once purchased for for $6,000. No one can predict what shift the coloring might take in the years ahead.

I just think it's way too much of a gamble at the prices toned coins are going for. That's just my opinion. For Heaven's sake, don't follow my advice. I always pick the wrong isle at the grocery store! Jack

In 10yrs, in a slab, probably won't change much. In 100yrs though, will it go from 2nd to 5th stage while in a slab? Who knows maybe. Will it go from say 2nd to 3rd. Probably

Might not the colors be affected by temperature, light and/or humidity?

the difference that lighting can make for a toned coin:

heritage:




jhone:

cbc - Thanks for taking time to provide GRAPHIC EVIDENCE of the ability of simple lighting technique to alter the perception of color (toning) and condition. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, in this case the picture clearly is worth $6,000.00!

Wouldn't it be great to advance the clock 50 years or so, and make the same comparison? Jack

It's more about the lighting technique, axial lighting, than it is the camera.

I think when values for a single attribute become disconnected from any objective grading or certification, you are back in the world of uncertified items where the seller can buy at $2640 and sell for $6,000. This is the way the coin business was all over in the 80's. When the buyer brings it to a show or dealer, he may end up with offers of $500 - $1500 and will never buy a coin again.