Plating can wear over years of carry, and some finishes change with exposure to air and skin. A coin kept in its case will look the same in a decade as it does today. A coin carried daily in a pocket will not, and that is normal rather than a defect.
What actually happens:
Wear shows first on raised surfaces and edges, where the coin rubs against keys, fabric and other coins. It is gradual and takes years of genuine pocket carry.
Tarnish affects some finishes more than others. Copper and brass darken naturally with exposure. Silver can dull. Gold, nickel and black nickel are more stable. Antique finishes are the most forgiving, because the look already incorporates darkened recesses, so age reads as character rather than damage.
Many people consider the patina on a carried coin part of the point. A coin that looks handled looks like it was earned.
If you want a coin that stays pristine, keep it in the protective case it ships in and handle it by the edges. If you want one that ages well, choose an antique finish over a bright polish.
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