We often see the term eye appeal mentioned when describing a coin, but what exactly is it ? This article will shed some light on the subject. Eye Appeal
I think that about sums it up in a single sentence. Eye appeal to me may vary from coin to coin. There's something that I like about each and every one that doesn't fit a generic definition I can use as a whole. It's like asking what draws each of us to our respective spouses...there's no right or wrong answer and everyone's answers vary. Guy~
Interesting article. Thanks, Doug ! Here's a statement which bothered me a bit : "...it is particularly tough to determine the "original flash of gold," what original surfaces look like on gold coins...it's not always the same color because the coins were struck from gold from different gold fields, or from gold with different amounts of copper or silver mixed in."" Regular issue US Gold coins are 90% gold and 10% copper*, so I can't see where one would see different luster based upon "different amounts of copper". I've always assumed the gold was purified to .9999+ fine before mixing with 10% copper. Pure gold is just that - pure. It doesn't matter which gold field it came from. Before coining, it has been refined and lost almost all impurity; at that point "gold is gold is gold" regardless of origin. Perhaps the copper was impure and shows different luster. Folks wouldn't be as picky about the purity of the copper. I would think the business community would not tolerate coins with less than 90% gold ! That's the whole point of the assay office - ensure the coins are "as advertised" and contain the proper amount of gold. * Except very early issues and bullion
900fine, I think the varying amounts of silver to copper could make a small difference in the appearance of of the gold. Black hills gold is a good example of how different elements can change the color of gold.
Anything which makes a coin INDIVIDUAL make it have strong eye appeal (although not to everyone) . Unusual attractive toning, interesting engraving, countermarks (official or not) etc... I love silver coins with really dark antique tone....very nice !
I'm sure that's true - the presence of other elements can certainly effect the appearance of gold... ... unless they've been purified out. According to Mint specs, none of our regular issue gold coins contained silver.
Gold, even refined and pure, varies in color and appearance depending on where it's from and how it was mined. Vein gold is very different from placer gold, even after refining. Guy~
As for the rest of the world, gold content varies...I have a gold Krugerrand that is a nice dark gold and a German gold mark that is a bright yellow gold then a gold French Napoleon III coin that is about in between these 2 coins in color...Different purity levels, different mines and mints, All have great eye appeal. There is nothing like a well circulated bronze coin for eye appeal...
Not so, all of our gold coins had silver & copper until 1840 I believe it was. After that, yes, just copper. The finess also varied over the years.
Beautiful dark blueish red album toning surrounding a golden orange Lincoln, strike so sharp Abe needs a shave and a haircut, wheat so strong and full it jumps off the reverse, square rims and full lettering. Date/mm does not even matter at this point, I'm reaching for the checkbook.
Eye appeal is in the eye of the beholder I went and checked out her pic. on Google because I had never heard of her before now---I must say that I've seen better Back to the topic... Great article Doug--I need to print it out for my files! Eye appeal is something that I think is hard to write about--each person is different and we each like different things, as Frank pointed out so well Speedy
I recall the days when thats how coins were bought and sold. Didnt have this fancy MS crap. Either the coin was nice or not. Now eye appeal is what the holder says it is. There thats my 3 cents worth. : )
Speedy, I have seen better as well but you have to admit that at almost 41 years of age, she ain't bad and neither is Emily Procter at 39! When you get to be my age, some folks (not myself) begin to think that Phillis Diller looks good!:rolling: Frank
:rolling::rolling::rolling::rolling: Jim C., Now we know who has been using the Beer Holder way too much! Frank
