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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,549 |
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Hi all! I've been reading these forums for a while, but this is my first post. I inherited some Whitman albums and I've been trying to discover more about the coins. Several of the albums are for Mercury and Roosevelt dimes. All of the coins seem to be pretty well circulated but have some really beautiful toning on them. Are these just junk silver or does the toning give them any collectible value? I've seen some differences of opinion on toned coins in different threads, but all as it relates to high grade coins. Just curious to get your thoughts. Thanks for any help you can provide! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
If there is any value above the metal value in them, cleaning will decrease it (possibly drastically). You may want to post pictures for review so people here can give you an idea of what is potentially valuable. But please do not attempt to clean prior to that. Personally I never clean coins, but that is my preference. And  ! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
Toning is very much in the eye of the beholder. Some people like it, others do not. Some people will artificially tone coins in an attempt to increase their value. This is frowned upon, and if detectable, will cause many collectors to reject the coin. Of course, a rare date can be valuable even if it has problems.
Post some pictures and I'm sure forum members will offer their opinions on whether the toning on your coins adds or detracts.
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
Most toning occurs when the coin is new and pristine. I wonder if your coins are truly circulated. Pictures are a great idea. :)
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New Member
 United States
11 Posts |
Thanks everyone! Much appreciated. I'm having a hard time getting the right combination of focus and lighting to show the actual colors. These pictures don't show the colors at all, but I'll keep trying different things. Anyone with coin photog experience know some tips? Daylight, flash/no flash, marco? Thanks again. http://postimage.org/gallery/12c0d8bk/ |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
Coins are pretty challenging to photograph. There's a photography section of the forum where you can get tips.
It's probable that the toning on your coins was caused by the folder they were stored in. It may be a good idea to check the back sides of the coins to see how that looks.
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Valued Member
344 Posts |
Truely nice toning can increase the grade but only very very slightly. Like if a coin is MS61 almost MS62 but it has incredible toning perhaps it will get the MS62 grade then.
Usually toning is more a preference thing because not everyone likes it. Personally I love heavy rainbow toned coins or blue/purple.
A few merc and rosey dimes to look out for (besides the double dies of course) are 1916 D, 1921 D, 1921, 1926 S, and 1931 D. If you have any of those even if in bad shape they are worth a good premium.
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Valued Member
United States
53 Posts |
Mint State coins or high AU coins really possess the most value in terms of toning. I've never really personally seen many circulated examples other than AU pieces bring much of a premium.
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
I grade those as pizza boxes.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,549 |
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Posted 02/27/2012 12:59 pm
