When silver coins turn pink...
 

Hello,

I'm new here, but I've been reading the threads on this site for a few days, and many have been helpful and informative.

I have some questions about silver which I hope someone will answer:

1. How long do pure (.9999 Canadian maple leaf) silver coins stay silver-coloured before they start to turn pink?

2. Why do they turn pink, and can this be prevented?

3. Does the value of the coin decrease, once it begins to change colour?

I would appreciate any information or advice anyone could provide.

Thanks,

L.L.

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

I have Maples from 88' in the original packaging and a few of them show a little "toning" but most are still new looking. I don't think you want to do anything to prevent "toning", other than storing properly and not getting fingerprints on them.

The value is not effected by natural color change, but if you clean them, they are worth less.

Welcome to GIM.

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

They "tone" as the result of exposure to air, or oily liquid such as that in you hands or the chemical in paper products. Limit this exposure to minimize/delay toning. Many holders are available for this.

Theoretically, the bullion value of the coin is unchanged with toning. But for a collector piece, some prefer toning and some hate it. The theory is that you should never try to clean a toned coin with chemicals.

I can appreciate this with regard to older coins with historical signficance, but I don't quite understand this thinking with newer coins such as yours. I guess I understand the drawback of using chemical dips which actually strip away a layer of the coin, but what about tarnish creams? That's not okay for a 2002 Maple? (I know, this is sacrilege!)

Just curious, what about tarnish remover on a silver round? How do people feel about that?

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

Best method for removing tarnish(and other gunk)-uses no mechanical means that will leave scratches-1. fill ALUMINUM pot or pan with 2-6 tablespoons of baking soda and 2-6 tablespoons of salt. 2. fill with distilled water to cover coin(s).3.Heat and stir until mixed and dissolved. 4.Drop in coins and boil.5.Remove and rinse in water. Works by electrollisis.All matter on coin that is not silver tranfers to the aluminum.

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

I do keep a few loose one oz silver coins floating around the house and when I see one with a color that is not white I use hot water, dish soap and my fingers to clean them up, like new again. :clap2: thank you, thank you.

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

Hmmm, I'm surprised to hear that from you. I thought you always claimed that it doesn't matter how pirdy it is, cuz bullion is bullion!

BTW, Ponce, are most of your many rounds of just a few familiar types (i.e. Engelhard, Sunshine, etc.) or do you have a whole lot of different generics?

Also...is the dealer that you cashed in with 25 years agos still in business? Have you already lined up a new buyer, for whenever the time comes?

Re: When silver coins turn pink...
 

Sure but this one oz bullions people can see them, I use them as paper weight or to put under the legg of a chair and so on, my cat uses one to zap around the rug.

My coins are generics and from all over the world like China, Australia and so on, however I did get them as generic junk silver.

The dealer is still in business in CA but I haven't done anything about selling them because I am not planning in selling them.....say what? :tongue: ....my coins are mostly for survival and not for every day living, don't need the cash.

And like I wrote here before, the ideal thing would be that I die while still holding them because that would mean two things 1= don't need the cash and 2= there was no world crisis with the fiat going down the drain.:birthday: