The ABCs of Rare Coin Toning

All coins are not created equal – at least not in looks. We are always on the lookout for special coins due to their apparent coloration, or toning, also referred to by non-numismatists as tarnish. Original, beautifully toned coins exhibiting various vibrant colors are treasured by most collectors in all series.  Toning is also considered a positive factor by graders at the leading professional grading services.  Coins can become toned in several ways, such as when they come into contact with gases or materials when stored and become oxidized.  Oxidation can come from oxygen, but also from sulfur and other elements.

Often the most beautifully toned coins are silver coins, due to their lighter original “canvas” on which the colors appear, although gold, copper and nickel coins have been known to exhibit attractive toning. Silver toning shapes and patterns are determined by a number of factors. 

Some Morgan dollars that spent time in original U.S. Mint canvas bags that contained sulfur developed silver sulfide textile toning patterns from resting against the bag.  Some exhibited spectacular sunset colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, golds and blues. Some Morgans toned completely on one side and not the other, while others had crescent-shaped toning owing to another coin or two resting partially against the toned Morgan.  Attractive obverse-toned coins, sometimes referred to as “monster-toned coins” including Morgans, are typically worth more than coins where the toning is only on the reverse side. Peace dollars are rarely found with similar attractive toning. This is a bit of a numismatic mystery.

Some coins, including Morgan dollars, were attractively toned due to being the end coin in a 20-coin paper roll used to store them.  Others toned from being part of gift cards distributed by banks in the 1950s and 1960s. Many coins developed toning from being stored in various collector albums, often toning around the periphery that was nearest the cardboard. Coins stored in cardboard 2x2 holders could tone similarly but beware of black lines on coins stored in these 2x2 holders, often caused by owners wrapping multiple coins with a sulfur-laden rubber band. U.S. Commemorative silver half-dollars, many of which were sold in the 1930s, were distributed in cardboard holders with 3-, 5- or 6-coin slots that included a paper strip/tab designed to secure the coins. Obverse and reverse areas not touching the strip or holder were often toned, sometimes exhibiting spectacular sunset colors. Collectors prefer toned coins with light to medium (not dark) toning with luster shining through, although some peripheral rim darkness is acceptable. The side of the coin touching the paper backing typically was toned across its entire surface.

When buying toned coins, be sure that you only buy coins certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC).  Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous “coin doctors” out there, who artificially tone (AT) coins and thereby prey on unsuspecting collectors. Buying coins certified by one of the leading grading services greatly reduces the risk of buying an “AT” coin.

When we buy a toned coin for our customers, we make sure that it is attractive for the numerical grade assigned to it, and that the toning is authentic and consistent with other similar coins we have seen. We do not recommend paying large premiums for “monster-toned” coins but paying a modest premium is often appropriate. If you have interest in attractively toned coins, or have more questions about the toning process, call and talk to your account representative. They will be happy to assist you in selecting some finely toned coins in the coin series that interest you the most.

Gold is Staying Above $2,300 as we approach the midpoint of 2024, so it is still within shouting distance of mine and Steve Forbes’ prediction of $2,400 to $2,500 gold for the calendar year “and even higher if the ‘wrong team’ wins the November election.” Silver has corrected somewhat but silver is still outperforming gold for the first half of 2024.  These gains outstrip the Dow index by several-fold, all despite a 4.6% gain in the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY). So far in 2024, gold is up an average 17% (and silver over 26%) in terms of other major currencies. Also, with the first Trump/Biden debate coming Thursday, we may see a big gold move soon. Stay tuned and be sure to contact your professional account representative to position your precious metals investments before the markets shift even higher.