Warm champagne hues

[MikeKing]

Does warm champagne hues = dip residue?

What does dip residue usually look like? how does it appear? How can you tell dip residue from natural toning?

 

[EZ_E]

I believe the answer to your question is both yes and no, Mike.

 

I know my proof here is completely natural champagne toning. So, at least this will point out what original champagne toning looks like.

[MikeInFL]

While I suspect Mike wasn't talking about a coin toned such as your own, and with all due respect, EZ, how do you know that coin wasn't dipped and retoned?

 

That said, I'm usually cautions when a silver coin shows only champagne toning, and, like you, it always has my numismatic antenna at attention when I see one that does, because of this color's association with an old dipping. I'll look later this afternoon for an example of what I'm talking about..Mike

[EZ_E]

You're right, Mike, I can't say absolutely for sure but my instincts say otherwise. The coin's surface has no appearance of a residue. The surface is highly reflective and has a homgenous mellow tone thoughout with no spots or discolorations besides that which is seen in the photos. Even different photos can't truly show the appearance of a coin although the first pic more accurately represents it in hand. So, in my opinion only, this example shows an originally toned proof. The method of toning I could only guess at but most likely envelope toning I'd say.

[carson city]

You may know it is NT, but where is the CAC sticker ?

[Arizonadesertrat]

I have seen silver (and nickel, copper-nickel) coins turn a champagne color after prolonged residence in Whitman albums.

[IGWT]

For the most part, in my experience (which is certainly more limited than the experience of others), dip residue shades a bit more toward russet than yellow/gold. It sits on the surface of the coin and clouds the luster.

 

Dip residue can sometimes look deceptively like toning to the naked eye, especially when a coin is viewed under a narrow-beam light (like a halogen lamp) that accentuates luster. The brightness of the reflection makes it more difficult to see the cloudiness of the residue. It's easier to see the cloudiness -- and other imperfections on the surface of the coin (as opposed to imperfections in the surface, like a ding or scratch) -- when viewed with a standard incandescent lamp.

[MikeInFL]

Sorry for the delay. Here's an example of the type of "champagne" toning I'm talking about, and generally very suspicious of:

 

 

Ref: http://www.stacks.com/lotdetail.aspx?lrid=AN00078198

 

I don't think this is the result of dip residue, per se, but I do think this type of toning and the impared luster that generally goes with it is indicitative of a prior dipping.

 

All my humble and honest opinion...Mike

 

p.s. I would really like to hear the opinions from some of the more experienced numismatists among us -- hint hint.

[EZ_E]

I think that Lou sums it up in that a residue will leave a cloudy appearance that coats the coin. It makes sense that a halogen light source will more easily reveal it.

[IGWT]

It makes sense that a halogen light source will more easily reveal it.

 

Except I said just the opposite.

[EZ_E]

It makes sense that a halogen light source will more easily reveal it.

 

Except I said just the opposite.

 

Ouch, ouch, ouch..... point taken. Next thing you'll come with torches to take Victor like Frankenstien to ye ole dungeon.

 

So, with the proper light source a film should be evident. [flinch--looking to see the hammer come down!]