novice question

[tulipox-migration]

i have had my collection of proof american eagle silver dollars in my closet ever since I bought them in 1987. I recently looked at them for the first time in many years and most of them look great. however, a few of them look like there is a black discoloration around the edges of the coins. how could this be if these proof coins have been kept sealed in the original packaging? what effect does this have on their value? thanks for your thoughts on this....

[TomB]

What you are seeing is what is known as toning. Simply put, it is a trace amount of oxidized silver on the surface of your coin that has acquired altered refractive properties that give it color. The original Mint packaging is not airtight, so there is no reason to believe that it should stop toning.

 

Some folks hate toning, others find it very attractive. The amount of toning you seem to be writing about appears to be very minimal. If you can take images and post them, this would help. You should leave the coins alone, that is, don't try to remove the toning, because if you mess with the coins in an attempt to "improve" them you will likely lose money.

[tulipox-migration]

Thank you for your response.

 

Here is a picture that should show what I'm talking about. So how would the value be affected on a coin with this type of toning?

 

[TomB]

I think that that is quite attractive. The difference in value on a piece like this is minimal, perhaps there is no difference at all. Some folks like toning and would pay more for a coin that looks like this instead of an all white piece while others would pay less for this coin.

 

If I bought ASEs I would try to get coins that look like this and would pay slightly more for them.

[CarlWohlforth]

Very nice! I like that toning and think it adds a touch of value. By all means keep them in the original packaging.

[tulipox-migration]

you learn something every day....i thought i had something defective on my hands! i appreciate your answers.

[HaydenTubbs]

Wow very nice!

Yes that should get a small premium.

[michael]

again tomb carl and htubbs sum things up well

 

 

michael

[michael]

and welcome to the boards tulipox

 

michael