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Replies: 14 / Views: 481 |
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New Member
United States
24 Posts |
What would cause this discoloration on some but not all in the set  
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
22375 Posts |
The only thing I can think of is Toning - seeing how these are contained in a jewel case it shouldn't be from being touched, however these cases are not air tight, humidity, and possible storage issue can contribute to this.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
930 Posts |
Owner was a heavy smoker?
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Moderator
 United States
51681 Posts |
Just a thought, Maybe some type of devise is used at the mint to press the coins into the holes and that devise had some containments on it? John1 
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion ) Searched 6.5 +/- Million Cents Since 1971
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Valued Member
United States
194 Posts |
I think it's just random. You see this in similar sets of the era. The early Limited Edition Silver Proof Sets did this as well, until 2016 when the coins were out in capsules instead of a board and slab arrangement like this. Some coins tone, some don't. I'm not into toned coins much, but I think it looks interesting when it's only the devices toning, not the rest of the coin. It's really hard to find early LESPS without any toning at all, the better the condition, the higher the price. But in answer to your question, no idea why only certain coins do it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1451 Posts |
The Haze/Cloudiness is related to the environment they were stored in such as moisture/humidity and temp. Sometimes the outer coins or top sets of coins above others below likely take the 'hit' unless all coins are exposed. NCS (NGC) conservation services can restore those foggy coins but this is not worthwhile value wise for many, and milk spots are different issues. I'll play around with it eventually, but some positive results have been shown from using EZEST, the key is diluting to 1/2 EZ Est 1/2 Distilled water or even 1/4 strength EZest. Another key is to be quick with the dipping, perhaps 2-3 seconds only then rise with pure distilled water. Anything more than that will start to ruin the surface which is where most likely gave up, so perhaps a little practice on some bullion that has no premium value would be a good start and then can move on to those pieces with value. Milk spots on the other hand apparently wont work by that method once they have settled in.
Edited by datadragon 06/06/2023 11:10 am
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Moderator
 United States
51681 Posts |
If I remember right,milk spots do not settle in they are minted in and are forever. John1 
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion ) Searched 6.5 +/- Million Cents Since 1971
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1451 Posts |
Hi John1, Coins with a purity of 999.0 or higher can frequently develop the milk spots, which can be found on both bullion and Proof finished coins. However, seeing these spots on older coins with alloys is uncommon. The exact cause of milk spots is not fully understood, but it is believed that one reason is they may be formed during the manufacturing process. For example, during minting and annealing, chemicals are used to clean and polish the coins. If these chemicals are not properly removed/rinsed off, they can react with the metal and cause the formation of milk spots later on when they react with the environment. The Royal Canadian Mint developed a tech called Mintshield which is a transparent protective layer applied to the coin's surface during production, creating a barrier between the metal and the environment. This tech is used also by Perth Mint who took added steps to try to prevent them from forming. They have implemented a new cleaning process that uses ultrasonic waves to remove any residual chemicals from the surface of the coins before they are packaged and shipped. So I am just thinking that once reactions start it appears possible to reduce them or stop since there was progress made by the conservation, but they can't yet eliminate them without damage so that suggests once they 'settle' you will likely be unable to do much with them. In other words more like the fingerprints where you can perhaps do something immediately, but not after its 'settled' is my thought. Of course haze is a different issue and appears able to fix such as early proof sets.
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Moderator
 United States
51681 Posts |
My understanding is milk spots are a liquid left over from washing the planchets and not removed from planchets then the drops are minted, pressed into the planchet/coin. John1 
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion ) Searched 6.5 +/- Million Cents Since 1971
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Pillar of the Community
United States
788 Posts |
Here's similar effect on a 1974 Ike. I put it next to a 71 so you could better see the difference. The coppery color is not quite as prominent as your AZ quarter. Maybe a different reason due to the differences in composition. I don't have notes but I'm pretty sure I broke these out and soaked them in Acetone at one point within the last year.  
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4060 Posts |
My Heavy Smoking, coin dealer Friend use to have Customers ask IF they could store coins, RAW, in his shop, up on a Shelf for a Few Months..... They use to LOVE the Toning......  I do NOT think the Ike dollar shown is Un Natural toning, I do think DATA Done did it Again,  . Also, IMO, The " toning " on the the Silver Set of the OP is NOT Natural...... Enviornmental/ Storage Post Mint Damage..... 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4060 Posts |
Just Checked My 1996 Through to the 2010 Silver Proof Sets, Not a Single Coin, Not a Single Set Looks like the OP's Pictures, All look like they were Freshly Minted Today !!!!.....  The 2009 was an Extra Fat Package Too  .... PS, The KENNEDY'S look Amazingly Fresh Too..... 
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Moderator
 United States
128395 Posts |
Quote: The 2009 was an Extra Fat Package Too .... Indeed! Four lenses. 
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
22375 Posts |
Quote: Not a Single Coin, Not a Single Set Looks like the OP's Pictures, All look like they were Freshly Minted Today yep, re-checked mine - all look great! and BRAND NEW!!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4060 Posts |
Sweet, As they Should Be...... The KENNEDYS jump out off the Lens at You !!!!!
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Replies: 14 / Views: 481 |
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