proof sets and toning

[scott 144]

i have rdcently dug out my 1970 proof set, when i got it some of the coins had slight toning, now i dont see any extra toning from when i remember getting it, but its only a small ammount, how much toning is normal for 40 years for coins still in the orgional casing

[Red Riley 2]

i have rdcently dug out my 1970 proof set, when i got it some of the coins had slight toning, now i dont see any extra toning from when i remember getting it, but its only a small ammount, how much toning is normal for 40 years for coins still in the orgional casing

All those I've seen recently have had some degree of toning. Some have even got finger prints in the fields which is a bit careless.

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

The Bronze in my set is on it's way to Palookaville, the Brass is ok, the 'silver' is mint and the medallion has toned in a very distinguished manner.

The cardboard holder inside the acrylic has rucked up something rotten, moisture has definitely penetrated.

[azda 979]

The Bronze in my set is on it's way to Palookaville, the Brass is ok, the 'silver' is mint and the medallion has toned in a very distinguished manner.

The cardboard holder inside the acrylic has rucked up something rotten, moisture has definitely penetrated.

Did anyone notice my Maundy set in coin aquisition of the week?

[Bernie 203]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

[1949threepence 3,367]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

My 1973 set of decimal proofs are all badly tarnished. By far the worst one of those early years ~ and that has a red background. I got it very cheap because of the tarnishing, and it's just got even worse since then ~ about 1995. As far as I can tell, there isn't an untarnished 1973 available.

Edited August 27, 2010 by 1949threepence

[Peckris 579]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

My 1973 set of decimal proofs are all badly tarnished. By far the worst one of those early years ~ and that has a red background. I got it very cheap because of the tarnishing, and it's just got even worse since then ~ about 1995. As far as I can tell, there isn't an untarnished 1973 available.

You're right - not available, though I am the proud owner of one

I think Michael Gouby was selling one a while back, for around £25 ? Not overpriced considering its rarity.

To answer the original question - I think you can say that if stored correctly, any toning to these sets should not get worse now.

[1949threepence 3,367]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

My 1973 set of decimal proofs are all badly tarnished. By far the worst one of those early years ~ and that has a red background. I got it very cheap because of the tarnishing, and it's just got even worse since then ~ about 1995. As far as I can tell, there isn't an untarnished 1973 available.

You're right - not available, though I am the proud owner of one

I think Michael Gouby was selling one a while back, for around £25 ? Not overpriced considering its rarity.

To answer the original question - I think you can say that if stored correctly, any toning to these sets should not get worse now.

So how would you store them in order to avoid further, or indeed, any tarnishng ?

Edited August 28, 2010 by 1949threepence

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

i have rdcently dug out my 1970 proof set, when i got it some of the coins had slight toning, now i dont see any extra toning from when i remember getting it, but its only a small ammount, how much toning is normal for 40 years for coins still in the orgional casing

I've dug it out again this morning and had another look in the cold light of day and to be honest, I'm appalled at the state of it, it's awful.

[1949threepence 3,367]

i have rdcently dug out my 1970 proof set, when i got it some of the coins had slight toning, now i dont see any extra toning from when i remember getting it, but its only a small ammount, how much toning is normal for 40 years for coins still in the orgional casing

The Bronze in my set is on it's way to Palookaville, the Brass is ok, the 'silver' is mint and the medallion has toned in a very distinguished manner.

The cardboard holder inside the acrylic has rucked up something rotten, moisture has definitely penetrated.

I've dug it out again this morning and had another look in the cold light of day and to be honest, I'm appalled at the state of it, it's awful.

I've just checked mine out, and to be fair it doesn't look a lot different to when I bought it in 2002, IIRC. Mind, that's only 8 years ago.

The silver, brass threepence and medallion are nigh on perfect. The penny shows slight tarnishing on the reverse only, but a faint even toning on the obverse. Plus there is what looks like a carbon spot on the reverse, just near the trident. The halfpenny is the worst, with some messy uneven tarnishing on both sides, especially the reverse.

The purple cardboard inside the acrylic looks fine.

I'd imagine that some of the casings are less secure than others, and that any dampness which seeps through is going to cause a problem quite quickly.

[Fubar 82]

Unfortunately a scanner doesn't do justice to the appalling state of my 1971 set and today is not the sort of day for natural light photography.

The 1970 set is almost perfect with a minimum of toning round the edges of the half penny and a little on the date of the penny.

The 1971 set looks to be improperly sealed at the top. There's what looks like white mould on the black insert and around the bottom edge of the 50p. The 2p is well on it's way and has staining as well as toning. The 1p and half p are turning black.

It's a good job they only have sentimental value.

My 1953 set in it's utilitarian sealed celluloid plastic, being matt, just looks a bit dull with no toning whatsoever.

[Hello17 3]

i got a 1970 set today from dealer

i looked at it and there is a bit of toning on the edge of the penny and the halfpenny quite abit of toning rest is fabnoulus

[Peckris 579]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

My 1973 set of decimal proofs are all badly tarnished. By far the worst one of those early years ~ and that has a red background. I got it very cheap because of the tarnishing, and it's just got even worse since then ~ about 1995. As far as I can tell, there isn't an untarnished 1973 available.

You're right - not available, though I am the proud owner of one

I think Michael Gouby was selling one a while back, for around £25 ? Not overpriced considering its rarity.

To answer the original question - I think you can say that if stored correctly, any toning to these sets should not get worse now.

So how would you store them in order to avoid further, or indeed, any tarnishng ?

Basically, in a DRY and SALT-FREE (i.e. non-coastal) environment. That will take care of sets where the original seals are wearing or not intact. However, the other main problem is coins reacting with the felt or foam inserts : but the worst of that damage will have been done in the earlier years, and shouldn't get significantly worse now (in my opinion).

[1949threepence 3,367]

I have noticed that proof sets with black coloured backgrounds do tend to tarnish far more than other colours.

My 1973 set of decimal proofs are all badly tarnished. By far the worst one of those early years ~ and that has a red background. I got it very cheap because of the tarnishing, and it's just got even worse since then ~ about 1995. As far as I can tell, there isn't an untarnished 1973 available.

You're right - not available, though I am the proud owner of one

I think Michael Gouby was selling one a while back, for around £25 ? Not overpriced considering its rarity.

To answer the original question - I think you can say that if stored correctly, any toning to these sets should not get worse now.

So how would you store them in order to avoid further, or indeed, any tarnishng ?

Basically, in a DRY and SALT-FREE (i.e. non-coastal) environment. That will take care of sets where the original seals are wearing or not intact. However, the other main problem is coins reacting with the felt or foam inserts : but the worst of that damage will have been done in the earlier years, and shouldn't get significantly worse now (in my opinion).

Although if you do have a perfect 1973 set, would it not be worth considering re-casing it before it has the possibility of getting tarnished ? Maybe a large size slab ?

[Red Riley 2]

Basically, in a DRY and SALT-FREE (i.e. non-coastal) environment. That will take care of sets where the original seals are wearing or not intact. However, the other main problem is coins reacting with the felt or foam inserts : but the worst of that damage will have been done in the earlier years, and shouldn't get significantly worse now (in my opinion).

Hmmm... I've always kept my sets (purchased from new) in a dry environment and I live as far from the sea as it's possible to get in this country, but still they tarnish. As I said earlier I have seen coins in sealed plastic cases with bloody great finger prints across them, so it all smacks of carelessness at the mint.