What is on this 1833 Half dime?
Flackthat
Posts: 412 ✭✭✭✭
Now I know this is not a expensive coin but what do you think is on its surface? Tips on how to remove it? 
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It looks like it was cleaned a long time ago and is now album toned... I'd leave it in the book.
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The only thing I see is something that looks like some fiber from the album on the date
If I'm missing something, you could always try acetone or xylene. They work well on organic material that's stuck to the surface without messing with the toning. Caution: The surface and/or toning under the organic material may be different than the rest of the coin.
Some collectors used to hold coins into folders with a piece of tape. Tape residue could be the gummy substance. But as oldhoopster said, what is underneath might be a different color or not at all pleasing to the eye...
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The smear on the obverse almost looks like paint.
As above, acetone or xylene would remove the gummy substance....It will not affect the metal/tarnish....Good luck and let us know how it goes.... Cheers, RickO
I wouldn’t use anything stronger than acetone, and even then would still be worried about affecting the overall look of this particular coin.
The good outweighs the bad, IMO.
No big deal. First try a toothpick to flip it off. Then try acetone.
Agree with the acetone first. After that, decide how aggressive you want to get, if needed.
There are several ways to go about this. All depends on what you have. Ideally, careful manipulation using a microscope (after determining what the junk is) should always be the first choice. Most folks just use a fingernail on this type of debris.
Chemicals should be the last choice as they may change the surface of the coin. Some "junk" requires a chemical treatment.
PCGS has a Conservation Service that can fix things. For that reason, I cannot post before/after images and some simple Non-Proprietary "tips" for home use.
I've been asked to do a lecture on Basic Conservation at the Summer Fun Show. I'll probably give it again at the 2021 Winter Show.