Coloration Of Coins

Like you, I also have a problem, and that is; what possible value is added to something that has been damaged. That and the fact that this damage does absolutely nothing as far as grade goes.

You won't be catching me staring at any of these again.

Hi Graceoutcast, let me try and answer your questions. Since I collect Morgans and am most familiar with that series, I will base my responses from that perspective.

There are several combinations of colors that are sought after and command a premium, and most would agree that green is the color of choice. Beautiful natural color, in combination with a high technical grade can lead to premiums of 50 to 100 times sheet, but that is only for the best of the best, the top 2-5%.
As to affecting grade, beautiful toning does add to the eye appeal of a coin and may lead to a grade bump if the coin is already borderline. In other words, a PQ ms64 might get the 65 if the toning was exceptional and all three graders agreed. Remember, not only do we look at strike, luster, contact marks etc when we grade, but we are supposed to take eye appeal into consideration as well......the graders do.
Most toned morgans are the by-product of spending 70 years or so sitting undisturbed in their 1000 coin mintbags. The sulphur from the bags caused toning on the coins which came in contact with the cloth.
OldDan, toning in no way damages the surface of a coin. Period. What does damage a coins surface is dipping it to make it all shiny and bright white again.

Thanks everyone!

You answered all my questions

I have a TON of foreign coins that are quite colorful but too bad I am partially colorblind so I have no idea what they are.

Once I get me a new scanner I'll eventually post some pics of some really beautiful rainbow colored ones I have.

Thanks again!