What Makes Silver Coins Tarnish & Change Color

When silver coins change color, it can happen for a variety of reasons, such as chemical reactions and storing or cleaning methods. This situation is referred to as toning, and it can affect your precious metals collection in ways that depend on several factors, including those mentioned below. Keep reading as the experts from First National Bullion and Coin, Carlsbad precious metals dealers with years of experience collectors can trust, explain why silver coins change color and the advantages and disadvantages that come with the toning.

Chemicals

Compounds in the air can affect silver atoms, forming layers of sulfide that make a silver coin change to a darker color. In these instances, the coin loses its shine, which is called a furnished reaction. You’ll usually see a dark coating on the surface of a tarnished silver coin.

Preventing a coin from losing its color due to chemical reactions is possible. Storing it in a cool and dry area is a good start. For secure placement, an airtight container is best, as it keeps the coin away from humidity, dark chemicals, and sunlight that affect its color.

When touching your coins, always use gloves or wash your hands before holding them without gloves. This prevents oils, perfumes, and other chemicals from touching the silver coins and changing them to a dark color.

Value

Toning can have a positive impact on the value of silver coins, but this will vary based on the patterns and colors that come with it. Some might view certain tones, particularly dark shades, as tarnished.

Before selecting silver coins with a change of color, think about essential factors, such as if the changes will be attractive to other collectors. Remember some individuals collect coins for monetary reasons only, and they may fear the change in color makes the coins unsellable, so they’ll bypass your precious metals. However, there are others who may want to purchase the coins for memorabilia only, so value won’t matter.

Advantages

Sometimes collectors look for naturally toned silver coins, even those with a dark appearance. The change in the tones makes these individuals feel as if the coin was well preserved. The buyers will have minimal doubt about the coin’s authenticity.

While no two coins are ever alike, including silver products that change colors, the uniqueness is the advantage the change provides. Therefore, if you want your coins to develop more toning, you can keep them stored near heat sources or windows. This allows the silver color to change over time without damaging the coins entirely, which can boost their authentic value.

Colorized Coins

Some silver coins naturally change colors, while others are intentionally colorized by people. That includes paint, stickers, printing, and other methods. If a coin has been artificially discolored, it might be denied entrance into specific markets. This is something you need to learn more about before making a decision.

Speaking with precious metals firms allows you to interact with professionals who know more about changes in silver coins and how they could impact your collection. These individuals may also have inventory that includes the exact precious metal you’re looking for, ensuring your silver coins are authentic. 

Whether they’re looking for expert advice on taking care of their precious metals or they want to buy silver bullion, Carlsbad residents should work with trustworthy precious metals dealers who offer high-quality service and have years of experience. Call on the industry-leading professionals at First National Bullion when you’re ready to invest in precious metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. Give us a call today.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.