Collectors Dashboard is not alone in evaluating collectibles as an alternative asset class. It is undeniable that collectors and hobbyists who have passion for an item are often in direct competition with investors bidding on the exact same asset simply to turn a profit in the future. One attribute that directly plays a role in the value of all collectibles is the condition.

In coin collecting, uncirculated coins in perfect condition are generally the most valuable in each minting. So it would seem logical that giving a quick shine or chemical treatment to brighten up a tarnished (toning) coin has to make a coin more valuable. That is generally the exact opposite of the truth.

The danger and concern of cleaning a coin is the permanence that follows the coin for the rest of its collectible life. Forever the coin will say cleaned on the case or capsule. The natural toning can add or devalue a coin and like all collectibles the value is in the eye of the beholder.

The proprietary predatory nature of over-the-counter coin cleaners promise mint state luster. The companies promise a renewed clear image to a coin that has lost its appeal. This action will generally hurt the value of a coin far more than it will help.

Coin toning can be caused by several factors. There are preventative measures to toning like encapsulation but it is the natural process of the coins aging. Oxygen and chemicals in the air can cause discoloration over time to the exposed surface of silver.

Another issue to consider is that elements that were used to make a coin can cause a unique event different for every coin. In contrast to preventative measures, recent sales on eBay list “rainbow” toning as a popular search term for American silver dollars. Recent sales of such examples on eBay include the following descriptions:

• June 20, 2021 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS64 PQ [Premium Quality] reverse rainbow crescent LOOK Sold: $142.50; PCGS price guide untoned value: $190.00
• June 20, 2021 1881-S Rainbow toned Morgan Silver Dollar NGC MS67 Toned COIN $1,000.00 Value Sold: $818.08; PCGS price guide untoned value: $1,000.00
• June 20, 2021 1882 s PCGS MS65 – SUPERB Rainbow Toning VERY Premium Morgan Dollar Sold: $298.00; PCGS price guide untoned value: $260.00
• June 20, 2021 1880 s NGC MS66 – Beautiful Rainbow Toning – VERY PREMIUM Morgan Dollar Sold: $318.00; PCGS price guide untoned value: $335.00
• June 8, 2021 1881 s NGC MS65 – STAR MORGAN $ WONDERFUL ENDROLL RAINBOW TONING (JH) Sold: $535.00; PCGS price guide untoned value: $230.00

Morgan Dollars are susceptible, particularly Liberty’s cheek, to a surface that now resembles the colors of iridescence.

Another issue which can hurt the appearance of a coin is how it was stored. Storing coins in acidic coin books in the summer heat of an attic in Texas will speed up the process. What was a beautiful white pure surface still is mint state but with blues and yellows resembling the parking lot puddle reflection glistening in the sun.

To avoid undesired toning seek acid free environments, and store the coins in cool sun free environments away from dust particles. Wear gloves when handling Brilliant Uncirculated coins.

One difficult lesson to understand about coins that are inherited is to simply embrace the coin toning you encounter in collections. To another collector it might be the most prized sight and something willing to be paid over premium.

On a personal note, a fallacy I encountered as a young collector was to immediately push the panic button and feel that the aging was something that needed to be corrected. Take a deep breath, and if the coin toning is not something you feel interested in consider selling it as is above cleaning it always.

Every toned coin is different. Vinegar overnight is a tip metal detectors use as a non-abrasive substance to bring back elements of the coins appearance without damaging the coin. This is a major departure from the mint state luster in a bottle or silver polish that gives a fake looking dull shine.

Just remember one lesson when evaluating coins you are seeing for the first time — toning is a natural process that does not need to be corrected.

If you don’t trust us, this coin and bullion dealer spells it out further.