Signs of Artificial Toning on Coins
Signs of Artificial Toning on Coins
Complete guide to identifying natural versus artificial coin toning for collectors and investors
Introduction
As coins age, they develop a natural patina known as tone. Collectors and dealers sometimes attempt to remove this toning and restore a coin's shine. While novice collectors may prefer this "cleaner" look, serious collectors know that removing a coin's natural coloring significantly decreases a coin's value.
Since the 1800s, numismatists have discouraged the practice of cleaning and chemically altering a coin's appearance. Understanding these principles becomes especially important when building collections of historic silver coins or vintage gold pieces, where natural toning can significantly impact both aesthetic appeal and market value.
Collector Wisdom
Professional numismatists recognize that natural toning often enhances a coin's beauty and value, while artificial toning or cleaning typically destroys both. This knowledge separates experienced collectors from novices and protects investment value.
Table of Contents
Causes of Natural Coin Toning and Damage
From the moment a coin is struck, its metal begins to react to its environment. Over time, that environment can either protect or destroy a coin's appearance. Every factor, from the coin holder to the humidity can impact a coin's surface. Toning may occur to coins of any metal, but is often particularly prominent for brass, bronze and silver coins.
Environmental Factors
- Exposure to salt water corrodes a coin's surface, so its appearance may look pitted
- Long-term use of PVC-containing flips can irreversibly discolor a coin
- Older coins are more susceptible to damage due to storage containers
- Even the tissue paper the US Mint once used to wrap Proof coins causes discoloration
- Excessive heat can actually melt coins, dulling the ridges and high points
Silver Coin Toning
Silver coins like Morgan dollars and Peace dollars develop distinctive rainbow toning patterns over time. Understanding natural silver toning helps collectors appreciate why authentic vintage silver coins command premium prices.
Gold Coin Patina
Gold coins develop subtler toning than silver, but environmental factors still affect their surfaces. Recognizing natural gold patina protects collectors when acquiring historic gold coins and pre-1933 pieces.
Storage Impact
Proper storage prevents damage while allowing natural toning to develop. Understanding storage effects helps collectors preserve their investments and avoid environmental damage that artificial toning might attempt to mask.
Natural vs. Artificial Toning
Because many kinds of toning occur naturally as a coin ages, avid collectors actually prefer toned coins. Since this discoloration can increase a coin's value, many dealers will attempt to replicate these effects to make coins appear to look like a Rainbow Toned Morgan Dollar.
Natural Toning Benefits
Natural toning develops gradually through chemical reactions with environmental factors. This creates depth, complexity, and often enhances a coin's aesthetic appeal while potentially increasing its value.
Artificial Toning Risks
Artificial toning attempts to replicate natural processes quickly through chemicals or heat. These methods typically lack depth, may continue reacting over time, and can significantly reduce a coin's value.
Market Impact
Professional grading services refuse to certify artificially toned coins, making them less liquid and valuable. Understanding current silver market prices helps assess whether toned coins offer fair value.
Signs of Artificial Toning
Especially for new collectors, it can be difficult to spot the signs of artificial toning or cleaning. The PCGS refuses to grade coins whose surfaces have been altered by physical methods or by adding substances to the surface. Here are some of the ways unscrupulous sellers will try to hide defects or artificially tone coins.
Professional Standards
Major grading services like PCGS and NGC maintain strict standards against artificially altered coins. Understanding these standards protects collectors from purchasing problem coins that cannot achieve professional certification.
Visual Indicators
- Hairline scratches indicating cleaning with abrasive chemicals or brushes
- Dark brown or bluish hue from chemical toning
- Spots from uneven chemical reactions
- Splotchy or uneven coloring from poor execution
Texture Changes
- Toning lacking depth with pastel hues from heat/chemicals
- Unnatural luster from "whizzing" (mechanical surface movement)
- Film or frost from auto-body putty applications
- "Orange-peel" effect on gold coins from torch treatment
Suspicious Patterns
- Tab toning on inappropriate coin types (mainly 1930s-1950s commemoratives)
- Artificial toning added to high points where natural toning wore off
- Opaque film from "hazing" or "smoking" processes
- Colors that don't blend well from sulfur compounds
Specific Artificial Toning Techniques
Understanding common artificial toning methods helps collectors identify problem coins and protect their investments. These techniques often attempt to mask defects or create false appearance of age and value.
Chemical Methods
- Sulfur compounds create colors but poor blending
- Chemical reactions often continue over time
- Application of "nose grease" (skin oils) temporarily masks scratches but causes brown splotching
- Chemicals may continue reacting long after apparent removal
Physical Treatments
- "Hazing" or "smoking" with cigarette/cigar smoke covers defects
- Torch application melts surfaces to obliterate scratches
- Auto-body putty covers blemishes but leaves detectable film
- Dental wax serves similar purpose but is harder to detect
Mechanical Alterations
- "Whizzing" mechanically moves surface metal for unnatural luster
- Abrasive cleaning creates characteristic hairline patterns
- Heat treatment can dull ridges and high points
- These methods often worsen over time as materials continue degrading
Impact on Professional Grading
Professional grading services maintain strict policies against artificially altered coins. Understanding these standards helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions and protect their investment values.
Grading Service Policies
- PCGS and NGC refuse to grade artificially toned or cleaned coins
- Coins must retain original surfaces for certification
- Professional authentication protects against artificial toning
- Certified coins maintain better liquidity and market acceptance
- Authentication adds credibility when selling coins
Market Recognition
Professional certification distinguishes authentic coins from artificially altered pieces. When building valuable collections of gold coins or silver pieces, certification provides important protection.
Liquidity Impact
Uncertified coins suspected of artificial toning face reduced liquidity and lower values. Understanding current gold prices helps assess whether certification costs justify protection benefits.
Protection and Detection Strategies
Often artificial toning can lead to discoloration that worsens over time. Chemicals may continue to react with the coin's surface long after the chemical appears to have been wiped away. With practice, any coin collector can learn to identify the effects of artificial toning and protect themselves against unscrupulous coin dealers.
Collector Protection
- Study high-quality images of naturally toned coins
- Learn to recognize depth and complexity in natural toning
- Examine coins under different lighting conditions
- Deal with reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity
- Consider professional certification for valuable purchases
- Understand return policies before purchasing
Education and Experience
Attending coin shows, joining collector groups, and studying authenticated examples builds expertise in recognizing natural versus artificial toning. This knowledge protects investment value over time.
Professional Resources
Consulting with experienced dealers, numismatists, and grading service experts provides valuable guidance for questionable coins. Professional opinions can prevent costly mistakes.
Documentation
Maintaining detailed records, photographs, and provenance information helps establish authenticity and supports future resale value for your precious metals collection.
Investment and Collecting Implications
Understanding artificial toning protects both the aesthetic enjoyment and financial value of coin collections. Natural toning represents authentic aging and environmental interaction that adds character and often value to coins, while artificial toning typically reduces value and market acceptance.
Value Preservation
Avoiding artificially toned coins protects investment capital and ensures your collection maintains market credibility. Natural toning can enhance value, while artificial toning typically destroys it.
Collection Building
Focus on coins with original surfaces when building collections of silver dollars or other vintage pieces. Natural toning adds character that artificial methods cannot replicate.
Future Liquidity
Coins with original surfaces maintain better liquidity and market acceptance. Professional certification helps document authenticity for future transactions and protects against artificial toning concerns.
Professional Guidance
This information is provided for general reference purposes and does not constitute professional advice. For detailed coin collecting or investing information, please consult with a professional expert who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific collecting goals and investment objectives.