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Longstrider's Blog

01 May 2015

Toning Experiment

Exonumia | Longstrider

   I don't usually buy bullion rounds but I was at my favorite coin store the other day and I saw these. They are one ounce silver rounds put out by some company, I think, to celebrate their 10th anniversary. They, he had a roll, feature a dragon and peacock on the reverse and the company logo on the obverse. The dragon was the first thing to draw me in then I saw the edge. All 20 coins had this dark toning all around the coin with the toning starting to creep over the main surfaces. I bought one of the rounds in the hopes of watching the toning progress over the rest of the coin.

   Anybody else think this was a worthwhile investment of about $20 to see what happens??

Comments

Mike

Level 7

If you like it buy it. That's why we collect. As far as toning goes I'm not a fan. Some look nice but they hide a lot. If you like them then collect them. I do all in my power to prevent it. I believe the chemicals that cause it alter the coin. Otherwise just add them at the Mint and you can have all the toning you want. That's why I don't like it. Otherwise like I said some are beautiful.

user_5225

Level 5

Of course, learning is priceless, plus you have an ounce of silver.....by the way did you say avdp ounce or Troy ounce because I have coins from both categories. Mice dragon too.

CMCC

Level 5

I think it is a good investment. Anyway, if toning doesn't proceed further, and silver rises to $30, you have paid $20 for a $30-melt-value coin! Even if it doesn't rise or the coin doesn't tone, you still have another ounce of silver!

They're beautiful! good luck!

cool!

numi613

Level 4

Yup, definitely worth the $20!

Kepi

Level 6

Nice design! And definitely worth the $20 : )

Ian Fenn

Level 5

O f course it was worth while. I have even taken a blow torch to a silver coin to see what happens....I had a countermarked silver coin that looked like it had been burnt in a fire. I surmised it had been heated before the countermark was added. Using a blow torch on another coin confirmed it. I was surprised at how the copper in the alloy leached to the surface of the coin

Numinerd9

Level 5

Hmmm. Maybe try wrapping it in a fast food (aka Ye Olde Taco Bell) napkin and leave it on the windowsill for a few months; might work out really well, especially with the added humidity of summertime. Anyone else ever tried this? And for argument's sake, would that be considered AT (artificial toning) even though no other "chemicals" are being directly applied (other than the sulfur in the napkin)?

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