Okay, please explain this Acetone issue to me.
Kirk222
Posts: 477 ✭✭✭✭
I'm fairly new to this Forum and I keep seeing posts about Acetone. I've never used it. Why is Acetone okay to use and then submit the coin to a TPG? Isn't that considered cleaning? Thanks, CAW
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Acetone won’t affect the surfaces of silver coins. It’s an organic solvent. Technically it is cleaning the coin but it doesn’t cause a disturbance on the coin like other methods of cleaning. It won’t impair luster, impart color, etc. Now, this would be for 100% acetone. Nail polish remover has other things added that can affect a coin.
Now, acetone can affect copper coins which is why it isn’t recommended.
Acetone is a solvent that will dissolve many organic substances that might cling to the surface of a coin. One never rubs the coin when using acetone and some never even run a Q-Tip or something similar over the surfaces when in use, either. It can be used purely as a wash to get crap clung to the surface off of a coin. Therefore, it leaves no marks behind on the surface, leaves no residue behind if used properly and leaves no color or odor behind, as well. Its use is completely undetectable and acceptable.
By the way, acetone is also one of the most flammable solvents out there and it will explode or burn quite easily. It is also very harmful to the lungs and other internal organs and should only be used with adequate (a lot) of ventilation. Additionally, it evaporates incredibly quickly and can help transit other solutions through your own skin if you aren't careful.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
You soak your coin in a glass bowl/container with a lid with only 100% pure Acetone an inch deep for several minutes. With the lid on the container. Wearing a glove at the end of the soak grasp the coin by the edge and twist it horizontally back and forth to agitate any contamination away from the surface. Move the coin to another bowl with distilled water and agitate again. Lay the coin on a cotton cloth ( T Shirt ) to absorb any liquid from the coin. NO RUBBING I use a hair drier to speed drying. Air drying can leave water spots but no so much using distilled water. Flip the coin over and blow dry the other side. I've had no problems with residue or spotting.
Acetone is not a miracle cleaner.
Now, acetone can affect copper coins which is why it isn’t recommended.
Hmmmm....I acetone every Lincoln Cent I send to PCGS - never an issue. I have even done Proofs - a rumor going around says they will turn pink, Never has happened.
The problem is you need to find the most pure acetone you can. Read the contents label. One item it does now have by federal law is an odor additive to make it smell bad so kids don't drink it. Anything else then you're taking your chances. As I said, read the label. I have no problem soaking cents for days to get rid of stubborn crud. Again, no problems.
WS
Acetone will not harm metals... and will not remove tarnish. As noted above, it is an organic cleaner. Cheers, RickO
I have acetoned thousands of coins I sent for grading with a cotton Q-tip and never had an issue. Of course I don't scrub the sh*t out of them but thinking a cotton Q-tip will impair the surface is a bit far fetched. Maybe on a proof though...but had no issues with those either!