| Author |
 Replies: 13 / Views: 6,955 |
|
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
I have a Whitman book of old quarters from the 1940's and I noticed that many of them have a distinct rainbow tone. I've done some research on it, but I still can't figure out what they're worth. The coins were my great grandfathers and he just stuck them in the book once he got them and never touched them again so I know they weren't cleaned with chemicals. Some of the coins have slight rainbow toning and others have a very deep distinct toning. I wanted to see what causes this and also generally what they may be worth. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Valued Member
United States
380 Posts |
 I don't know much about the quarters, but someone here should be able to help you out. Try posting some pictures. Edited by Arcticsparky
03/19/2013 3:40 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1391 Posts |
The toning was probably caused by the Whitman folder. A lot of the old holders for coins were not archival quality. If the toning has a ring pattern from the outside then that is probably the case. If the toning is in the center then the oil from the fingerprints from pressing the coin in the folder and enviromental factors probably caused the toning.
As far as pricing we will need dates and mintmarks, and also pictures. Price of a coin is based off many different factors. They are at least worth their value in silver. If they are in good condititon and/or you have key/semi-key dates then there is going to be more of a premium for them. Also, if the toning is attractive then some people will pay extra for that so that may work out for you.
How many quarters are we talking about? If there is not a lot I would just take a picture or a couple of pictures with them all in them, then take specific pictures for anything that people want to see a closer shot of.
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Sometimes with these old folders there is a PVC residue left on the coin. You can actually take the coin and feel and see the gunk on your fingers.
This can be resolved with acetone which is discussed to no end in this forum, as a good way.
As Allranger posted. This is good information for you to start.
|
|
New Member
 United States
6 Posts |
We're talking about 25-30 quarters. It's not a gunky material on them they're just rainbow tinted. The coins haven't been touched in at least 50 years so I don't think it's from being handled a lot. Will the rainbow tint make them generally worth more though? I've seen a couple on ebay selling for in the $200-$300 range. I'll post pictures tomorrow with the coins in the book so you guys can see the mint marks and dates. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
It could also have been environmental. If your grandfather smoked, that will cause toning. Depending on the humidity, that will cause toning.
As allranger said, it depends on dates and conditions. If they are decent coins with attractive toning, you can then add a premium on the coin for the toning. It is COMPLETELY subjective at that stage. Some folks absolutely detest toned coins, others (like myself) love them. Post some pics and we can be of a bit more help. Possibly.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
1) Are/were the coins in a folder or an album?
Coins in old Whitman folders are often discolored by the glue on the side which was placed DOWN.
2) In either case, the toning from the edge towards to the center is caused by contact with the cardboard.
3) Bottom line: Is the toning pretty or ugly? A few collectors will pay extra for pretty toning. Higher grade coins
are more prone to the edge toning phenomenon.
Lastly, how old are you and when did, to your best guess, your great grandfather assemble these coins?
It bears upon my/our assessment. And do post a few pictures if you can.
|
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
I'm not sure what the difference between the folders and albums are, it's a blue cardboard book titled washington head quarters 1932-1945, and the other book is the same, but 1946-1959. He started collecting coins in the 1910's, he got the coins in the book in the '40s-'50s and stuck them in the book once he got them. I'll be able to post pictures for you guys tomorrow.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
I am looking forward to seeing them. :)
|
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Having trouble getting my card reader to work on my computer, pictures will be up as soon as I figure it out.
|
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
nice to get a family heirloom like that and my suggestion is that if you do not need the money, don't sell them. As far as value goes however, what you see on ebay under completed listings is what things have sold for, do not pay any mind to what is being asked for. Also, coin values are dependent upon condition as one of the factors. You seem to have a nice circulated set of old silver quarters. The toning is natural at first glance and is a result of sitting in that folder for 5 decades as you indicated. Unless there is an overdate, doubled MM or something else that creates a major variation translating into a scarce and rare coin, you've got less than $100 in value there to any collector. again, I would keep it. it looks great and you can pass them to your grandkids one day. |
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Ya I'd really only sell these if there can be a premium placed on the toning. He had a lot of rolls of silver quarters that he left which are just worth their melt value, so I just wanted to see if there was something special about the toning these ones.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
toning is personal appeal and like any commodities based market sale, its dependent upon demand, and in this case, driven by individual desire. There is no set premium or mark-up for a toned coin.
as an example, me, personally, I am an avid collector of a certain series of dimes and the crustier, the more mottled and unique looking, the more I am willing to pay. The next collector however would only pay, and sometimes at a premium, for a blast white version of the same coin.
|
| |
Replies: 13 / Views: 6,955 |
|
Posted 03/19/2013 3:49 pm
