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 Replies: 23 / Views: 3,623 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
I have a 1930-P ANACS (older small holder) MS63 FH SLQ (my coin is down below a few posts), that has, what I consider ugly dark toning that covers a good portion of the front edge/rim and creeps down into the fields engulfing the head (not sure how they could tell that it is a FH). I have heard of "dipping" but would it strip the luster off of the coin as well? Thanks!  {comparison image removed} Edited by oih82w8
01/26/2012 11:00 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
Yes, it's possible, but it depends on the coin and the toning (how deep, etc.). If a coin is properly dipped and rinsed you can end up with a coin with ugly toning removed and decent luster remaining.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Caveat for those of less experience reading this thread: We're talking about a process which, done right, is undetectable. Done wrong, you've ruined the coin forever. And the dividing line could be as little as half a second. Keep that in mind.
I'd call this one very borderline. Some of the toning is dark enough to make me extremely leery about the amount of dip time required to remove it. In truth, I'd err on the side of caution - this is an easy way to turn a $300 coin with wide demand into a $100 coin very few will want.
Assuming your coin is similar to the one pictured, I wouldn't do it. If there is yet more of the darkest toning on yours, I wouldn't even consider it. Too risky.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I actually think the coin pictured looks kinda nice. Some of the darker bits are a little ugly, but I would love to own it as a type example anyway.
I would say that even if the toning is bad enough to lower the value of the coin somewhat, you're better off buying one you already like and selling the one you don't rather than risking a dip.
Edited by CaptainFwiffo
01/25/2012 3:28 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7840 Posts |
Thanks for the feedback. I posted the ACTUAL coin a few more comments below. Does NGC charge an arm and a leg for such a conservation? I will probably just sell the rascal, someone may appreciate the "toning"...stay tuned!
Edited by oih82w8
01/26/2012 12:14 am
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
Does NGC charge an arm and a leg for such a conservation? I will probably just sell the rascal, someone may appreciate the "toning"...stay tuned!
Keep in mind, just because you believe conservation is necessary, doesn't mean they will. By all means, post pics. It's of course your right to be dissatisfied with the toning - we each choose our own standards - but you're correct in thinking that others may see more value in it than you do. So flipping it may be the best course for you and the coin both. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
IF a top condition coin NEEDS to be 'improved' by the removal of ugly toning, it is philosophically like a military operation.
You use the LEAST amount of resources that are required to do the job properly. Often that is hard to guess at, and therefore risky. Experience is your ally.
With a coin, you have the luxury of experiment.
You may wish to experiment on a much cheaper version of the coin you are interested in. Use whatever method you decide to use, beginning with the shortest treatment time, or the least concentration of chemical.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5832 Posts |
If your toned SLQ are similar to the one pictured, than it would not bother me one bit, the toning hasn't spread beyond what I consider overwhelm the design features of the coin. I find it rather attractive.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
516 Posts |
As far as I know.. It really depends on the color of the toning that's "ugly". If it's blue or black, then no, the luster will be gone if you dip it enough to remove the toning. If it's more in the yellow/gold range, it's possible to remove the toning without impacting luster. Basically, the thicker the layer of toning, the more the sulfur has interacted with the silver.. Once it reaches a certain point, when you dip it removes silver + sulfur. If you get it early enough (yellow/gold), it's possible to remove the toning without removing any of the underlying silver.
Caveat - This is all from the book Coin Chemistry.. Not anything I've tested myself :) It's a great book though if you're trying to understand the toning process.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Edited by oih82w8
01/25/2012 11:59 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1817 Posts |
The toning is not unattractive, would prove that it was an original uncleaned coin. I would leave it as is. All of the replies above are right on the money, even the tiniest/shortest dipping will remove a layer of silver, leading up that dead pallid gray look to overdipped coins in inexperienced hands. The consensus on reselling classics at better than book is on original untampered with surfaces, the age of the shiny bright white classic coin, thankfully is over.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
584 Posts |
Have you ever heard of MS70, I've used it on some of my Franklin's and Silver Eagles. If used properly as the directions state, I would see this as a better alternative if you must.
Is the toning something that was their when you bought this coin, or did it develop over time. I guess what I'm trying to ask is do you know whats behind the toning. Cause if you bought it like that god only knows what it'l uncover. From the looks of your photos it looks pretty smooth. I would recommend the MS70 if anything. If you do decide to go for it, please post pics.
Good Luck. And I'm with the Majority when saying the toning doesn't look bad. But If it were mine I'd have to remove it. Unless your using ahhh I can't think of the name...... The boxes that have a lining of copper in them. UUUhhh I hate when this happens. You know the boxes that stop sulfur from getting to your coins. At least if you keep it in something like that it won't continue to spread. At least I don't think it would. Sorry I couldn't remember the name.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
I would leave it as is. I would NOT use MS70, it is a powerful cleaner with very strong surfactants that can strip all the original patina off.
E-z-est dip would likely remove the toning and also likely remove some of the luster. IF I couldn't stand it as is? I'd sell it an buy one I liked better.
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Pillar of the Community
917 Posts |
I think I agree with Bizybackson, and would leave it. I would buy that over a cleaned one :)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I'm in the camp of not liking the toning as it seems to darken the coin right where I want to see details, have you thought about seeing what a company like Numismatic Conservation Service could do with it? http://www.ncscoin.com/Just a thought, as the coin sure looks like a nice one under all the dark toning. "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
I got this one on the bay with one of those infamous "less than clear image", I thought that there was a lighting shadow covering the top portion of the coin...I was RIGHT & WRONG, it was a shadow, but not from the lighting, it is from the toning. It's an older ANACS holder, but I do not believe that is why it toned the way it did. I will post the reverse tonight, I got too wrapped up in obverse last night. I have another TYPE II FH coming and I am going to release this into the market for someone who can appreciate her beauty. Thanks for all the replies!  Edited by oih82w8
01/26/2012 10:54 am
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Replies: 23 / Views: 3,623 |
Posted 01/25/2012 3:13 pm
