COINS WITH MAGNIFICENT COLORS

GUIDE TO ORIGINAL TONING

- Mike Fuljenz

Be on the lookout for coins that are special because of their beautiful colors, or toning, sometimes referred to by non-numismatists as tarnish. Original, beautifully toned coins exhibiting various vibrant colors are treasured by most collectors in every series.

Toning that is not artificial is often 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. Surface changes on a coin can occur as a chemical reaction with oxygen, sulfur and other elements. Many times, original toning occurs when moisture, a catalyst, reacts with a coin's surface.

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.