Spotting artificially toned coins

[Engineer]

I'm starting to become a fan of nicely toned coins, but I'm also a little scared of getting one of the doctored ones. Does anyone here have some personal experience in how to spot them?

Right now I'm operating under the assumption that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is...

[tractorman]

I don't have any personal experience with them (I avoid them), but this site seems to give some good info...

http://rg.ancients.info/guide/toning.html

[rksgto]

I have noticed to it seems PCGS seem to grade more toned coins than NGC, don't know if Ngc stays away for them or it all in my head... I sure like them

[barrytrot]

I have noticed to it seems PCGS seem to grade more toned coins than NGC, don't know if Ngc stays away for them or it all in my head... I sure like them

Both firms will grade them if they are "market acceptable". PCGS has better standards in general which is why you probably see more of them: they command a MUCH higher premium.

A toned PCGS coin is worth it's weight in gold, even if it's not gold

While a toned NGC coin, even the same coin, would go for substantially less.


So if someone has a nicely legitimately toned coin they are naturally going for the MUCH higher pricing!

[Rodebaugh]

I have noticed to it seems PCGS seem to grade more toned coins than NGC, don't know if Ngc stays away for them or it all in my head... I sure like them

Both firms will grade them if they are "market acceptable". PCGS has better standards in general which is why you probably see more of them: they command a MUCH higher premium.

A toned PCGS coin is worth it's weight in gold, even if it's not gold

While a toned NGC coin, even the same coin, would go for substantially less.


So if someone has a nicely legitimately toned coin they are naturally going for the MUCH higher pricing!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

So what series are you looking at Engineer?

[Engineer]

So what series are you looking at Engineer?

I've mostly been playing with dimes while I've been learning about coins, and I'm starting to focus on pre-depression Mercs.

[barrytrot]

So what series are you looking at Engineer?

I've mostly been playing with dimes while I've been learning about coins, and I'm starting to focus on pre-depression Mercs.

Dimes are a good choice to start with as they are mostly on the cheaper end and they exhibit better than average toning in many cases with lower than average premiums for the toning

[Rodebaugh]

yep, yep.......some super nice mercs and rosies out there with some AMAZING color.

[Engineer]

yep, yep.......some super nice mercs and rosies out there with some AMAZING color.

I found quite a few just going through some junk bags. One would be hard to take a picture of because its a bit dark, but when you start moving it around under light the colors just jump out at you. The coin itself isn't anything special, but I know I wouldn't sell it for less than 5x melt just because I enjoy looking at it.

[Rodebaugh]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140722820319?ss ... 1555.l2649

My recent self submit. BTW I could do better off eBay for anyone that is interested.

Shameless promotion (because the RC discount)

[Engineer]

Its not nice to tempt me like that...

[barrytrot]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140722820319?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

My recent self submit. BTW I could do better off eBay for anyone that is interested.

Shameless promotion (because the RC discount)

Good luck. Just be patient and you'll get close to your #

Also, for super-toned coins such as this you may want to consider getting the "TrueView" done by PCGS. Their photographers are terrific at bringing out the best toning and should net you a profit on the retail above and beyond what you'd get even with this.

[Rodebaugh]

Good advice Barry. I may do this with a couple of coins.