Mint Set Toning (lots 'o pics)

[CarlWohlforth]

For those of you who haven't seen an original mint set from the '50s I bring you some pictures. I bought this set from the person who bought it directly from the US Mint in 1956. The cardboard holder was very cheap, almost oozing with chemicals. The colored paper each holder was sandwitched between wasn't much better. You can see the outlines of the coins on the paper.

 

Naturally many of these coins toned in ugly ways. Many people have bought sets, cherry picked the best coins and replaced them with lessor coins. Not this set, but watch out for that!

 

 

OK, OK, I'll stop posting pics now Anyway I ran out of the good ones. The other coins didn't tone up so nicely.

[Hoot]

Lovely Carl!!!

 

 

Hoot

[Bruceswar]

wow that penny is just blazing ... the first 1

[Weidel Legacy Collection]

Carl -

Thanks for posting. That's quite an eye-catching set!

[CarlWohlforth]

Thanks gang! If you can believe it I bought this set sight unseen. I trusted the seller who said his father bought the set from the mint. The labels on the packaging testified that this was true. I almost felt guitly for not paying a premium for this set. OK, I do feel guilt for not paying a premium. I've been waiting for the seller to offer another set so I can offer to pay too much in return I only have two more photos and here they are:

 

 

That was the reverse of the second Lincoln. The reverse of the first one is not so great. But I agree the obverse of the first Lincoln is a real beaut!

 

 

The colorful Frankie is neat. But that purple one is neat too! The reverse shows the full mint luster. People have said the colorful one has evidence of a finger print. Could be. The colorful one did drop out of the holder when I opened the set. The prior owner may have thumbed it after the same thing happened to him.

 

[RobertB]

Wow wow wow!!

Those pennies are amazing. That reverse photo is dynamite and the obverses of both are stunning. Both Franklins are great, with the one being outstanding. Truly some extra premium coins!

[toyonakataro]

Wow those are more than great!!

I like the purple toned Franklin best among them.

[TonerGuy]

I second toyonakataro thoughts, all are beautiful but I like the Grape Frankie the best!

 

Michael

 

[stman]

Thanks for sharing the photos. I love to see original Mint Sets from the 50's. I don't believe I've ever owned one, but sure would like to. I would want it to come from a source such as your's... knowing it was intact as issued. Very seldom does anybody post these. Probably because most have been broken up and slabbed.

 

Such a shame.

[Oldtrader3]

The Grape Frankie and the Cent are really pretty. Nice coins, Carl!

[TomB]

Wonderful coins, Carl!

 

I especially like the first Franklin, the one with the fingerprints on it. In my opinion, I believe the fingerprints are from the people who stuffed the coins in there in the first place as they took precious little care when doing their job. In this way, the fingerprint would inhibit the toning where the oils were deposited and since that coin has very clean prints it would suggest that it was a very early print.

[LucyBop]

I hate it every time you show off this set! You stop it right now!

[nwcs]

Wow! How are you going to stop the toning reaction, though?

[CarlWohlforth]

Thanks for the guess on the finger print. That sounds very interesting. It would be cool to me if it really did happen that way.

 

The set is still in the cardboard and envelope just as it has been for all my life. I haven't worried about it toning more. I keep the set in a dark, dry place and I live in CA where it is usually dry. I guess I better look at it every once in a while to see if it continues to tone.

[GDJMSP]

Carl -

 

One these days we simply must meet. Just make sure you bring all your coins with you

 

Seriously - I envy you that '56 set. I don't have a '56 anywhere near that nice. So if you ever decide it might need a new home - I know where it can find one It'd just look so $%#& good with the rest of mine

[MikeKing]

Thanks for posting a picture of the whole mint set and the coins inside. It's like a documentary. What incredible toning!

[nwcs]

Just out of curiosity, where are all those people who say that toning is ugly and blast white is where it is at?

 

Not to mention those people who say that there shouldn't be any premium for toned coins.