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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,370 |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
Strictly speaking in terms of precious metal value, does toning (oxidation) decrease the value of a silver coin? I ask under the assumption oxidation destroys silver. The more toning, the less silver.
Or does slight toning make not a bit of "real life" difference.
Thank you.
Stephen
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
No - oxidation is a coating, not destroying of anything. It's the patina of the coin that comes with both age and what the coin is stored in. If corrosion sets in, that's a different matter - but toning is a protective layer on top of the precious metal and does not harm it.
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Valued Member
 United States
113 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
However, if you think toning is decreasing the value, by all means, just send them to me  |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
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Moderator
 Australia
16809 Posts |
Toning (or tarnish) is a chemical reaction between silver metal and oxygen and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. No actual silver is removed from the surface in this process, but it is chemically transformed into another compound of silver - silver oxide and silver sulfide respectively.
However, a small amount of silver will disappear if the toning is then removed by polishing, washing or "dipping" in tarnish remover. However, the amount removed is barely detectable even with extremely sensitive scientific instruments. You'd have to remove an awful lot of tarnish to affect a coin's intrinsic value.
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19935 Posts |
Quote:
Toning (or tarnish) is a chemical reaction between silver metal and oxygen and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. No actual silver is removed from the surface in this process, but it is chemically transformed into another compound of silver - silver oxide and silver sulfide respectively.
Actually, it's hydrogen sulfide gas that's responsible for the formation of silver sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is very reactive and it's everywhere. In fact, if you ate a lot of beans a few hours ago, you're probably getting a whiff of it now. LOL Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
LOL. So, what you're saying is don't store your silver at Taco Bell?
Thank you, all.
Edited by cmdrstp
11/02/2009 12:19 am
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
I understand from previous threads that storing a silver coin in a Taco Bell napkin will tone them due to the high sulfur content in the paper.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Quote:
LOL. So, what you're saying is don't store your silver at Taco Bell? Or in your back pocket  John1  |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,370 |
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Posted 10/31/2009 8:44 pm
