Does tab toning make the coin more valuable?
4. How should tab toning look if it is genuine? 1. What is Tab Toning? Tab toning is a very distinctive toning pattern that occurs from long-term storage in a cardboard distribution holder. It is called “tab toning” because the cardboard “tabs” are what holds the coin in place. These early silver commemorative coins were made of a composition that is 90% silver. As you certainly know, silver is a chemically active metal and most of the original distribution holders are made of paper and cardboard. The sulphur content of these original holders is very high. So when the silver coin, the paper holder, and years of moisture all combine in the atmosphere, the result is that the coin tones. It tones more darkly in the area where the tab is NOT present. So a coin stored in one of these holders has generally darker toning around the periphery of the coin, except where the two tabs connected the cardboard. Below is pictured an original Oregon Trail distribution holder for a P-D-S set of coins.
