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Longstrider's Blog

02 Nov 2017

1880-S MORGAN DOLLAR HEAVILY TONED

Coins | Longstrider

Here is a nice example of the toning progression on a silver Morgan Dollar. To start with it is a 1880-S, graded MS 63 by NGC. This is one of the most common Morgan dollars out there with a mintage of 8,900,000. I purchased this particular coin as I feel it shows how the toning on these coins, Morgans, changes with age and where it was kept. It is also unusual in that both surfaces show toning. AS is typical, but not always, this coin started toning at the edges and rim. It became darker with age and lighter as it moved towards the center of the coin. Not unlike a rainbow. I'll let the reader name the colors as it's hard to describe. My wife is a floral designer and I haven't heard of half the colors she sees! The reverse has a bulls eye pattern on it, also not uncommon. I guess I'm trying to say that a certain coin can tone many different ways based on the metal content and the environment around it and how it was stored. With so many artificially toned coins out there it is important that the buyer have some knowledge of how the coin should look. Beware the work of the "Coin Doctor"! Just to make a point on this, one of the first and still widely used as well as effective substances used to artificially tone coins is human urine.. believe me when I tell you the 'trade" has come along way from that. In closing, knowledge is power. Take some classes, read some books. A professionally slabbed coin is not a guarantee of everything is on the up and up..Not anymore.. Thanks for looking. I hope you enjoyed this enough to do some research on your own. I look forward to your comments.
SOURCES:
Numismatic Forgery by Charles M. Larson
2017 Red Book
Detection of Artificial Toning on Coins-Summer Seminar-Bob Campbell & Brian Silliman

Comments

Conan Barbarian

Level 5

i love the large variety of color

World_Coin_Nut

Level 5

I really like the obverse. It's kind of like watching the leaves change.

Kepi

Level 6

This coin is amazing! The blue on her face is really wild! Beautiful coin for your collection!

"SUN"

Level 6

Nice toning!!! Thanks for sharing.

Mike

Level 7

A beautiful coin. The toning is terrific. It's amazing the way certain coins will change. The history great. I like the pictures well done. I don't have to tell you to enjoy it I'm enjoying it! Thanks for sharing a beauty with us. Mike.

CoinLady

Level 6

That coin is absolutely beautiful. The 1880-S usually is pretty, but this toning makes it exceptional!

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