My Insights on What is Considered a Blast White Coin?

I’ve been collecting coins for years, and lately I kept noticing “blast white” popping up in auction descriptions. Honestly, it made me wonder – what does that term really mean for us collectors? Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered and share some practical tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Defining Blast White in Simple Terms

From what I’ve seen, blast white means a coin without any toning whatsoever. Think of pure silver shining bright white, still holding all its original mint glow. It’s not an official grade like MS or AU – more like sales talk for untouched surfaces. Here’s the lowdown:

• Zero toning – no colors from aging or environment
• All about that original luster that makes it shine
• Since it’s subjective, sellers sometimes stretch the truth – I always look twice

The Historical Roots of the Term

When I dug into the history, I found blast white traces back to mail-bid auctions in the 60s and 70s. Dealers used it for coins that looked fresh from the mint, borrowing from smelting terms like “white hot” metal. That’s why you’ll see it attached to older coins like Morgans that seem oddly bright for their age – it’s a relic from when collectors loved that just-struck look.

Practical Concerns: Is It Dipped or Genuine?

Here’s the million-dollar question: is that blast white coin dipped? You know – chemically cleaned to strip toning. I’ve handled enough coins to see how bad dipping kills luster, leaving surfaces flat and dull. Take a 130-year-old Morgan: if it’s snow-white, my alarm bells ring because silver naturally tones over time. My approach:

• Check for luster in photos or in hand – real blast white coins still shimmer
• Be skeptical of common coins like Morgans priced high as “blast white” – could be over-cleaned
• Get good photos or better yet, see it yourself to spot any color hints

Grading Tips and Market Observations

I lean on PCGS or NGC for grading, but I’ve caught sellers misusing “blast white” too often. Just last month, an eBay listing called a PCGS MS-65 Morgan blast white, but I spotted light gold toning on the rim. My advice:

• Trust top grading services – they call surfaces fairly
• Blast white was all the rage decades back, but now collectors often prefer natural toning
• Watch the price – I won’t pay extra unless I’m sure it’s original

Personal Collecting Insights

I’ll admit – I enjoy blast white coins because details jump out at me, especially as my eyes aren’t what they used to be. They’re fantastic for magnified study. But I’m careful about dipping. I’ll only buy if the luster looks right and the source checks out. Getting smart about blast white has saved me from some costly mistakes in this hobby we love.