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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/2000 Silver Proof State Quarter Coins Tarnishing

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Expert: - 8/13/2008


Question
I've been collecting US Mint proof coins since I was a kid.  I started the silver
proof state quarter collection for my daughter.  I was just showing to her
again and was surprised to see the tarnish is beginning to form on the raised
profiles and lettering.  I've never seen a silver proof set issued from the mint
tarnish like this.  None of the other coins show this tarnish.  What could cause
this and would this do anything toward the value of that set?

Answer
David,

These sets are not air tight, and silver is much more susceptible to toning (tarnish) than the copper-nickel alloy of the other coins.  The other coins will eventually change color too, the silver ones just did it first.

I don't know where you have the coins stored, but to prevent further toning, you need to get them into an ait-tight container, in a climate-controlled area, with some kind of silica packs to remove moisture from the air.

The toning will probably make the sets a little harder to sell, so they may lose a dollar or two in value because of it.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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