Natural highlighting earthen deposits or desert patinas are not rare. They are actually quite common on coins from the Middle East, Spain and other areas. Coins are often naturally earthen encrusted. To create a "desert patina," the earthen deposits are artfully removed from the types and legends but left in the fields. With skill and some luck, the results can be quite beautiful. There is no reason to assume all or even most desert patinas are enhanced.

An enhanced or applied patina is not completely natural. It has been "improved" by "professional cleaning and conservation." The primary characteristic of an enhanced or applied patina is added highlighting earthen deposits. Sometimes the same dirt that was removed from the coin earlier is mixed with a thin glue and reapplied to the coin. The underlying green, brown or black patina may or may not have also have been smoothed or "enhanced" with chemicals or even fillers. The most common enhanced or applied patinas are found on coins coming from Jerusalem and also from a dealer in Canada. Enhanced or applied patinas have long been accepted coin "conservation" in Israel. Enhanced or applied patinas can be attractive, however, to the educated eye they usually look artificial, and thus for many collectors a little less desirable than a natural patina.