Coin toning is patina or simply put it’s oxidation that forms on coins. Oxidation can have an appearance in many variations of colors and shades. Usually different metal types may have different color formations. Gold, silver nickel, copper and other metals will have many of those variations.
Does toning effect the value of the coin? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and since each toned coin is not like any other coin, it’s another layer of value to consider, along with grade, rarity, coin type, etc. So what might be appealing to one person may be ugly to another. This can be compared to other collectibles or vintage items with patina.
It’s really what you like as a collector. Some factors considered may be, rareness, type of coin, type coins gold coins, silver coins, denomination, age, etc.
Some colors of toning are:
– Silver – Rainbow, monster colors of brown, black, and other variations.
– Nickel – Gray to other silver color
– Gold – Reddish, yellow, orange
– Copper – Everything from red-brown, to green to rainbow colors
A note on artificially toned coins:
There is fake toning just like any other process to try to create higher prices. So unless you’re an expert at evaluating toning on coins it’s best to buy certified toned coins and get an extra layer of protection. Written by Tim Frisch – Toner Coins.
