THE HISTORY, POPULARITY & APPEAL of COLORIZED COINS

The popularity of coins with color on them drives certain segments of rare coin markets and collectors. Morgan Dollars, type coins, and classic commemoratives are all distinct types of numismatic coins where beautiful and original colors bring strong premiums.

- MIKE GAROFALO

An ever-growing segment of the coin market appreciates natural color on coins. Non-collectors are also attracted to the colorful images, even though the coins are secondary.

In April 2004, Superior Galleries offered a beautifully toned 1926 Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar, graded MS67, at a public auction in California. The coin brought $69,000. That's 34.5 times its graded value of $2,000. Why? Because of the coin's beautiful, natural and original color.

2022 Somalia 100 Shillings Proof - African Wildlife Series - Elephant IMAGE COURTESY OF APMEX

NATURAL TONING

Naturally toned coins have great eye appeal for many collectors and dealers. Silver coins are especially subject to toning or tarnish when exposed to light, air and an environment conducive to toning. That natural, but equally unpredictable toning process can take decades to acquire, and specific results are not guaranteed. This story illustrates how much original and beautiful color on a coin can drive the price upwards and make it incredibly desirable.

Because of the growing demand for colorful coins, if Mother Nature doesn't supply the colors, there are other means of adding color. But as important as the appearance of a colorized coin is how and where the color was applied. Was the color added in the secondary market, which numismatists frown on, or was it an integral part of the minting process? The answer to that question often determines the popularity of that coin by the numismatic public.

2006 Canada $5 Silver Maple Colorized IMAGE COURTESY OF APMEX

ADDING COLOR