Should I worry about silver toning?

I'm considering purchasing an example of silver coin that I really want, however it's tarnished somewhat. The condition of the coin, detail of the relief, scratches etc. is more than tolerable, but the colour worries me. Unforunately I don't have a picture but I would describe it as very light brown; definitely not silver in appearence.

I appreciate that all metal oxidises over time, and silver will evenutally turn black, but how long has this coin got before it really fades away? Assuming it's kept in a sealed non-corrosive plastic holder will it retain it's current toned effect for centuries before fading to a dark brown or are we talking decades, or years?! Should I consider cleaning the coin and then sealing it up - I'd prefer not to clean it if possible for obvious reasons, but I would if I thought it was necessary to preserve the coin.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jon

Its a matter of personal preferance. If I really wanted a coin but could only find it with tarnish, I think I would have no problem with it. I have a US silver eagle proof with a slight copper-ish color ring around the edge(a rather odd and attractive toning to my eye), that I kept over another example that was untarnished.

As for how long it will take to turn black, it depends on the way it is stored. If it is exposed to the air it could turn within a matter of weeks. If it is stored in a reasonable manner in a air tight non-acidic capsole, it may stay in its present condition for decades or longer.

I once bought some silver proof coins that were stored above a hot water heater in the master bathroom  "for a few years". The heat and humidity had caused the felt covering the box to come loose and the coins were almost coal colored. Heartbreaking sight.

Quote: jonathansouthI appreciate that all metal oxidises over time, and silver will evenutally turn black, but how long has this coin got before it really fades away? Assuming it's kept in a sealed non-corrosive plastic holder will it retain it's current toned effect for centuries before fading to a dark brown or are we talking decades, or years?! Should I consider cleaning the coin and then sealing it up - I'd prefer not to clean it if possible for obvious reasons, but I would if I thought it was necessary to preserve the coin.

To preserve (clean) or not is a contentious debate that will go on and on. In my humble opinion, there are certain types of metal (e.g. bronze, copper) whose appearance can sometimes be enhanced by limited degrees of tarnish, sometimes resulting in quite attractive "rainbow" tones. Personally, I tend to prefer "well preserved" coins, graded EF or better, which beautifully reflect the original designs of the artist and engraver but I do have some early 20th century UK farthings and ha'pennies which are well toned and I am just as happy to display them in my albums. What I can't abide, however, is silver tarnish (oxide) which I feel brings no enhancement to a coins appearance and, in time, just gets blacker and blacker until the coin becomes almost unrecognisable. I would have no qualms about preserving the coin and enjoying it in all its original glory. Having said all that, the coin in question here belongs to you, you are perfectly entitled to do with it as you wish and I would urge you to follow your heart (regardless of what the "do-not-clean-under-any-circumstances" brigade might say!)

If your not happy with the state a coin is in then don't buy it, why buy a coin then take the risk of cleaning it to find you only make it worse. If you do still want to buy it check its asking price against one of the same condition and if its the same try and get money off.

Thanks for the replies. After much deliberation I've decided to hold out for a better quality example.

Kind regards
Jon

Silver toning is natural. However, silver is often discolored behond the natural due to poor storage conditions. Always purchase the best coin that you can find for the price that you can afford. For my personal collection, I prefer quality over quantity.