Silver Pre-Decimal Coin Tarnish, Eye Appeal - Impact On Value.

Here is a currently available and rare 1914h florin but this example has an unusual amount of gunk on it.

The seller is honest and knowledgeable and it's authenticity is not in question.
The asking price is fair and it was passed over at auction,
- probably because it has no eye appeal.

(basically it looks disgusting..)
If there were an ugly coin contest - I'd enter this.



Is that a case of every bacterial culture on Earth calling this coin home?
- or is it just silver sulphide buildup?
- or has it been in salt water?
- a damp environment?
- many grubby fingers?

If it's toning is environmental, at what point is 'too much' and should the process be chemically halted or slowed? Reagent grade Acetone or ultrasonic cleaning are both safe.

I've seen black coins (toned far beyond this) that are close to damaged coins,
& the widely held opinion that any degree of sulphide buildup is okay - is certainly arguable.

The chemical progression of tarnishing on silver coins is complex and not as simple as it seems.

Apart from the well known Silver sulphide layer we see, there is also typically an extremely thin copper sulphide layer. [George V florins are 7.5% copper]

Silver coins do not tarnish away to nothing and magically vanish one day.

The reaction rate decreases non-linearly as the silver sulphide thickness [Ag2S] increases.
The diffusion of Hydrogen Sulphide [H2S] through the tarnish film layers slows as the layer thickness grows.

Anyway - The price is good but it's an ugly duckling and
as always any opinions or other input are very much appreciated.

Cheers #