New Otho-with questions about toning.

[Justin L1]

Hello-

I just added this Otho Denarius to my collection from the most recent Harlan Berk sale. It is an ex Nelson Bunker Hunt collection/sale coin which I found pretty interesting. My question Aaron Berk had mentioned that most of the Otho Denari in his opinion are rather toned or dark. Why is this? This coin is almost a uniform chocolaty color on both the reverse and obverse. Would these coins have greater toning given their desirability and having been in coin collections/trays for many years, or are they more predisposed from a silver content/composition issue inherent to the Otho series themselves?

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Justin

[Marti Vltori]

I don't have input on the nature of toning in regards to Otho but that is a handsome specimen.

[Jay GT4]

Nice Otho!  Coins from old collections were usually stored in manila envelopes which turns coins that nice even dark tone.  I suspect that is the case here.

Of course it happens naturally too but takes longer.  It can also be sped up with various chemicals.

[Joe Sermarini]

Attractive toning. Perhaps was kept in a cabinet and there was some rubbing of the felt on the reverse high points when the drawer was opened and closed.

[Justin L1]

Thanks for the thoughts on the coin! I bet you all are right that it is a combination of storage methods-and it is interesting that there is the spot on the reverse without the toning so maybe coin tray friction is accountable. I received a copy of the Sotheby's listing from 1991 and the coin looks largely unchanged.

Kindly,

Justin