Black patina on silver coins

TreasureHunter

TreasureHunter

Well-Known Member
Hi,

What are your opinions on black tarnish on silver coins? Is it good or bad to have?

Here is an example from the internet:
balboa.jpg


I know that this kind of tarnish can be created artificially with the help of eggs.
Some acid-cleaned coins also produce this black tarnish (I believe it's a reaction to sulfur exposure).

What I'm asking: is this black tarnish a good thing? Should you or should you not collect coins with this black patina?

It seems like this doesn't add much to the coins' value at all.

Should these coins be cleaned? With what?

The yellowish silver tarnish is a lot more beautiful, but quite many coins do have this black tarnish (which I do like to some extent, but the yellowish one is far better looking).
 
from what I have read, when it comes to cleaning coins it generally is best to not do it. Especially historical or rare pieces. cleaning is generally an abrasive process can take some details away.
 
^
True. But I am asking about whether to avoid buying coins with black patina or not. Professionally speaking, is this particular patina regarded as something "negative"?

It seems like most collectors prefer the conventional yellowish patina on silver.
 
Dave Jerry said:
The most valuable coin is the one that is perfect, with no scratches, with a clean finish, and with clear design and inscriptions. So don't buy those coins with black patina because their value on the grading scale may be less compared to the ones with a clean finish. Whether you buy 1 gram silver coin or 1 oz silver coin, always buy a stamped and sealed one with the cleanest finish.
Click to expand...

dont think it hurts grading at all, silver coins tarnish and grading companies know that. as long as its natural tarnish.

I believe sulfur makes silver coins go rainbow not black?
If i remember correctly bank bags often contained sulfur and some left for many years in old bags went rainbow colored
 
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Dave Jerry said:
The most valuable coin is the one that is perfect, with no scratches, with a clean finish, and with clear design and inscriptions. So don't buy those coins with black patina because their value on the grading scale may be less compared to the ones with a clean finish. Whether you buy 1 gram silver coin or 1 oz silver coin, always buy a stamped and sealed one with the cleanest finish.
Click to expand...

Gonna have to disagree with you there.

20200904_201111.jpg
 
^
But can't rainbow tones be generated artificially? Many newer coins sell with rainbow tone on eBay and they are artificially toned.

I noticed that some coin pockets do in fact create this rainbow tone. But not necessarily as nicely as on the picture above.
 
Formation of Blue to Rainbow on my Lunar 1 oz SI Ag Monkey which is inside the capsule; it is still growing.
Really love it.
 
On the OP, for me tarnish (Patina) is neither good nor bad, it is just part of the picture when evaluating the worth of a particular coin. Does it have eye appeal and how does it grade is the real question. That’s what will be important if you ever wanted to sell.
IMHO Balboa you attached has been ‘enhanced’ and the patina you are pointing to is the result of for want of a better word cleaning, as a grade it’s not that great but would I buy it? If the price was right most certainly. Would I clean it? Never, I don’t have the skill required to make it look any better than it all ready does.
As far as patina, original original toning will make or break a high value coin and it can’t be re created. AKA don’t fuk with it.

Rainbow toning is exciting an can come natural as per Chips post, I’ve got a couple of kooks doing it and a Perth Mint calendar that’s mind blowing but I think you are right, a lot of the ASE you see are forced to tone.

Out of interest can you post a pic of the yellow patina you speak of? I might have a roo right up your alley ;)
 
Got it one Chip, serial number is stamped on the rim, came with a desk stand as well. This one is 1991 all natural, no enhancement required :)
 
Hey thanks for the link! Just had a look.... great resource material
 
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