Posted 03/21/2009 11:15 am
I would consider artificial toning as a process of altering the coins appearance with a deliberate treatment to the coins surface for immediate results.
I would say it is a "quick fix" for an otherwise unattractive coin surface or to fake a natural toning to deceive a potential buyer. Probably done in one sitting or a short duration process. Use of chemicals and heat are the usual catalysts.
What you are referring to is a result from storage and an environmental condition, which any coin could be subject to in an intentional or unintentional situation. I like some album toned coins. I don't dislike toned coins like some people do.
The toning of a coin can in fact actually help preserve the coin from turning bad. It is actually a form of oxidation that can "seal" the coin from environment.
Moisture and air are some of the environmental factors but there are others. Temperature and temperature changes, light reacting to plastic, plastic reacting to gas and cardboard and many others.
I know that certain paper 2x2 envelopes from years ago contained sulphur in the paper and did some very attractive toning on some coins and made others turn spotted and ugly.
I think this would be a result of how the envelope and coin together were stored, and even then, one coin might mysteriously turn out as an eye catcher and the one stored right next to it turn out to be a read dud.
I have tried storing some coins in envelopes that I found pretty colorful toned coins in just to see if the long term storage will produce the desired result. I would not consider this artificial toning although, I want that coin to tone.
I would say it is a "quick fix" for an otherwise unattractive coin surface or to fake a natural toning to deceive a potential buyer. Probably done in one sitting or a short duration process. Use of chemicals and heat are the usual catalysts.
What you are referring to is a result from storage and an environmental condition, which any coin could be subject to in an intentional or unintentional situation. I like some album toned coins. I don't dislike toned coins like some people do.
The toning of a coin can in fact actually help preserve the coin from turning bad. It is actually a form of oxidation that can "seal" the coin from environment.
Moisture and air are some of the environmental factors but there are others. Temperature and temperature changes, light reacting to plastic, plastic reacting to gas and cardboard and many others.
I know that certain paper 2x2 envelopes from years ago contained sulphur in the paper and did some very attractive toning on some coins and made others turn spotted and ugly.
I think this would be a result of how the envelope and coin together were stored, and even then, one coin might mysteriously turn out as an eye catcher and the one stored right next to it turn out to be a read dud.
I have tried storing some coins in envelopes that I found pretty colorful toned coins in just to see if the long term storage will produce the desired result. I would not consider this artificial toning although, I want that coin to tone.
Edited by TNG
03/21/2009 11:18 am
03/21/2009 11:18 am
