what happens to luster naturaly???

[HOTSTUFF4]

I am wondering about this coin 1923 S Lincoln cent PICT0017.jpg PICT0019.jpg

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, circulation and handling simply wears off any patina. handling and other factors can tone a coin, to include paper rolls and extreme temperature changes.

[HOTSTUFF4]

Ok good to know so any natural shiny luster should remain if untouched.

[HOTSTUFF4]

As for my 23 S it is for sure a circulated coin just got lucky, I guess.

[Ray Parkhurst]

An uncirculated coin retains most of its luster as long as the toning is limited to thin films, ie no verdigris or other issues on copper, or deep corrosion (black) on silver. So let a coin sit in a clean environment, with low moisture, and it will retain luster. "Deep" toning on copper is usually quite dark and colorful, but the underlying luster can be very dramatic still. A "brown" uncirculated coin can't be MS70, but it can be MS66 or even higher with superb underlying luster.

[HOTSTUFF4]

Thank you for your time

[HOTSTUFF4]

Deep underlying Luster??? Please tell me is this the case with the 1961 D? This coin is cool, I can not stop looking at it. Notice the LI in liberty the letters appear 1/16" to 1/8" smaller than rest. idk wierd but cool.
PICT0022.jpg PICT0023.jpg PICT0024.jpg PICT0025.jpg

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, the LI might have had some debris in the letters on the working die. That can partially clog the working die. There are a lot of different possibilities.Hard to say exactly what happened. It also seems pretty minor, and something you are not going to get rich from.

I too like toned Lincoln cents. I have three proof cents with crazy toning on both sides of the coin. One is hot pink, one is dark chocolate brown and one is rainbow colored on the flat fields of the coin.

Toned coins can bring a little better premium if the look appealing. The down side of this toning is, if it is any other color than red, it very well may be graded as a red-brown or brown coin. Coins that are graded as a red typically are priced higher than one which is red-brown or brown.

It's all about appeal and the old addage...
A collectible is only as valuable as the collector is willing to pay for it.

[HOTSTUFF4]

Yes Sir, I concur. However the coins "LI" is not obstructed the bottoms of the letters seem fine, offset from the rest of the word LIBERTY.
Thanks

[HOTSTUFF4]

Also how come the reverse does not have similar toning??? Thank you

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, toning occurs on coins when the conditions allow them. It's difficult to assume why one side may tone while the other did not.

A few scenarios are:
It was stored in a paper roll for a while. Conditions affe Ted the paper which toned one side of the coin. The other may have been less exposed to the paper, or tight against another coin.

It could have layer face down on some material or fabric and which started the toning process.

I don't believe it was due to excessive temperature change. But it is still possible.

Some one may have handled the coin and whatever was on the hand may have triggered the toning.

Coins tone differently, and for different reasons. Without knowing at least some thing about how the coin was stored, it's all a guess.