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 Replies: 9 / Views: 2,527 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
I'm looking at a raw coin that I believe has artificial toning. If I were to purchase the coin, and submit to a TPG with a conservation request, would they be able to 'undo' the toning? If they can, could I request for the conservation only if they believe the toning not to be natural? I'd hate to have them remove the toning, which is quite bold and attractive, if it's natural, but if it's artificial, obviously the coin would detail grade, so I would want the toning removed (if possible). |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12477 Posts |
I don't believe there is any "coin-safe" way of removing toning whether artificial or natural. I think it would have to involve a corrosive agent to remove a layer of metal.
I don't know how the TPGs treat this. The only reasonable conservation treatments I know will not remove toning.
Maybe someone can provide a clearer perspective but, I don't think that NT and AT are really all that different (if at all) on a chemical level concerning the coin's metal.
In Memory of Crazyb0 12-26-1951 to 7-27-2020
In Memory of Tootallious 3-31-1964 to 4-15-2020
In Memory of T-BOP 10-12-1949 to 1-19-2024
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
As far as I know toning is a product of parts of the environment combining with the coining metal.
For silver coins the result is often silver sulfide.
When the sulfur is removed the silver goes with it.
That changes a coin's surfaces particularly the fine lines that give high grade coins their hourglass reflectivity.
That's why dipped coins often look dull and lifeless.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Show us the coin. We have many knowledgeable Numismatists who can offer a free opinion.
As has been mentioned, removing toning will always result in a duller appearance of the surfaces. Not so much on a circulated coin, very easy to spidy sense on an uncirculated coin, and extremely obvious on a proof coin.
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Valued Member
United States
97 Posts |
EVERY TPGS that offers conservation (NGC, PCGS charge a fee while ICG does not and ANACS who knows) routinely removes toning from coins. Take that to the bank!
PS Removing toning does NOT leave a duller surface if the toning is light and has not corroded the coin.The darker colors usually indicates that the underlying surface is "toast." This discoloration can very often be minimized and the coin can be straight graded.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
887 Posts |
@afewmorecents - I called NGC and ANACS, and both said they would not remove toning. Toning changes the coin, and removing toning changes what they were sent, and both said they won't do anything that alters the coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
@afewmorecents - I called NGC and ANACS, and both said they would not remove toning. Toning changes the coin, and removing toning changes what they were sent, and both said they won't do anything that alters the coin. Regardless of what they said on the phone morecents was right. Both will dip coins among other proprietary methods and dipping WILL remove some if not all toning. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
Quote:
Regardless of what they said on the phone morecents was right. Both will dip coins among other proprietary methods and dipping WILL remove some if not all toning. Alright then. My apologies to afewmorecents! I may send in a coin for conservation then. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1963 Posts |
Before you do that, show us a pic! I have heard horror stories about NCS removing toning from a beautifully toned (naturally toned) coin, because of a mix up. The 'conservation' work ruined the value of the coins.
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Valued Member
United States
97 Posts |
Next time I see a print version of a "before" and "after" NCS ad in a magazine, I'll send it to NGC. Unfortunately, you probably spoke with a customer service person. In many cases, they quote the company line w/o knowing what actually goes on. Besides, look for the ads. IMO, splotchy, unattractive toning is definitely removed when requested. I know for a fact that at least one of the conservation services at a TPGS mentioned above conserves toned coins with coin dip if it improves the eye appeal.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 2,527 |
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Posted 08/08/2017 09:01 am
