Real Or Created Rainbow Toning On Proof Lincoln Cents?

Cammy, why do you want to buy a damaged coin?. I ask in all seriousness tho. I believe even a natural progression of metal discolorazation to be a deterioration of metallic state content of a coin. "Rainbowing" is the first stage of "tarnish" of which Grandma had a fix....this "patina" is the first stage of a "metal rust" for lack of better adjective, to describe metal oxides happening, the crusty, black scale that happens on large coins, or carbon flashing. Unless arrested in progression, this will deteriorate into the lesser states. It may look nice now, by in 20-30 years, won't.

Naturally toned? Do events in nature produce perfect results? 'Nuff said. What caused it? A round object like a socket was centered on coin, something sprayed/wiped/brushed around it. (Lemon juice?) This would give a variance up to sharp division line.

Never seen in any mint holders I've purchased or even looked at, so suspect an implant is in one. Only coin I will say I've ever seen verifiably naturally rainbow toned was found in a repackaged snap cased 2000 ASE, but sure wasn't a perfect center or circumference. Since my personal preference was to dip it, I decided to show here on CCF first, snatched up and saved from my fire real quick!

Note the one in the middle:

The toning on your coin is 100% mint natural and market acceptable. The 1970S proofs are well known for toning in the mint packaging. I've owned many of these rainbow toned 1970S's - several in PCGS and NGC slabs.

Here's my PCGS MS-67:

I've owned quite a few of these, I love 'em!

The 1970S proof cents are very, very well known for developing rainbow toning - over 20 years now.

I standby my opinion that there is no such thing as "artificial" or "natural" toning. It's hogwash. A coin is either market acceptable or it is not. Yes, people "create" toning - but, just like cleaning, when it's done right the coin can be market acceptable. That said, more often than not, such experiments end in a complete disaster ruining the coin forever.

There is no harm in offering an uneducated opinion if you admit your inexperience with a given subject.

OP's cent is natural toning and it's easy to see that it is.

There are obvious AT out there, but this bullseye double field tone is, thus far, exempt from that damaging tone type.

"dinner, wine, movie"

You think like I do! I drive my wife insane with such equivalencies. LOLOLOLOL Just battled with her last night over a lavish Caribbean vacation she wants. I countered her a new kitchen/entry floor...or maybe a big road trip up the west coast. That's life, deciding what to spend money on is tough!

I like your attitude - glad to help you anytime.

I agree. There is no clear line between accident and intent. Chemistry do not care what you were or were not thinking.