Should an AT coin be dipped ?
JRocco
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I was recently offered a nice old classic coin that I feel had an AT look to it. I didn’t see any obvious signs of cleaning but the color looked off to me. Should a coin like this be dipped ? I understand the importance of nice original skin, but this coin no longer had that. I also understand that sometimes a cleaned coin is AT’d to hide the cleaning. Sorry I do not have a pic nor even an example to show, but you can envision this I’m sure. Let me add I am not for dipping coins in order to obtain a higher grade but have mixed thought on this.
You’re thoughts ?
Thanks in advance.
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Confirm it is AT (that hasn't eaten into the metal surface). Personally, I wouldn't mess with it yet rather have PCGS conserve it if need be.
A dip will remove toning if that's your only objective. What lies underneath will be the surprise.
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Completely understand. But isn't that in effect doing the same thing except not yourself and less slabbing liability ?
If it's your coin, it's your decision.
For myself, I'd need to see the coin. Some AT is hideous.
In a heartbeat, and I have done so; however as always it will depend on the individual preference and just how bad the AT is.
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Personal choice.
You own the coin. Since it is your own private property you can do what you want with it (as long as doing so does not endanger others), including hitting it with a sledge hammer or melting it.
Isn't a society where private property rights exist great?
I would just not buy it in the first place. Well, if it was something I was looking for, and scarce, yeah, I guess I would buy it... but I would definitely dip it to remove the AT, or any T... Cheers, RickO
It's your choice.
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I would definitely dip AT
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It depends. However bad the coin is, you could always end up making it worse by dipping it or revealing some problem you didn't previously know. I just wouldn't buy the coin.
What is it going to look like after?
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
If it is not uncirculated, you should not dip
some forms of AT go deeper, and it will look much worse after you mess with it
I just wouldn't buy the coin
apologies to Jeremy, but out of the mouths of babes!!
just do what he says.
dipping an AT coin will not necessarily result in a white, non-toned coin. the realm of contaminants used to acquire the AT is large and without knowing precisely what the toning agent is will preclude you from knowing what to use to remove it. I tried once on an AT'd Huegenot Half-Dollar and the results were terrible, leaving a brown/black/grey coin probably worth melt.
I with @ricko here. Why buy it at all. I would stay clear of problem coins.
General answers based on personal experience to a general question simply do not produce the optimum outcome. What is the coin... the grade and what does it look like? Lets start with some information so a reasonable suggestion can be made.
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Thanks for the views guys. All understood. As for the coin coinkat it is an average 45’ish CBH with some luster under a blue toning in the fields that just looks off to me. Maybe it was stored with something offensive intentionally or unintentionally. And the toning doesn’t look deep. Just not sure how it would re-tone afterwards either.
If it is a common date... here are a few things to contemplate:
-Are there signs of hairlines that are attributable to a prior cleaning?
-What do the fields look look and can you get a good read as to the quality of the surfaces?
-Why do you want to buy the coin... sounds like a stupid question but I am making point. If you plan to submit for grading, this maybe a lost cause. On the other hand, it might be a reasonable addition to a Dansco 7070 or a Whitman type set album especially if there are some positives such as the strike or could it be a better die combination. Only you can answer the the first two questions in terms of intent.
-From what you said and without seeing it in hand, it maybe a budget coin consideration for an album type set (maker of album of your choice). It may take on a more satisfying look over time in the album
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I'd start with acetone and take it from there.
I did that to a 20-cent piece in an old, small AU50 ANACS holder. PCGS wouldn't cross it. It was at a time when PCGS would actually give you a reason. "AT", I was told.
Acetone removed the smokey "toning" (might even have been cigar smoke) but also revealed a stain...which is probably why it was AT'd.
Anyway, if acetone does nothing to the CBH then no harm.
I generally don't like the look of acid-dipped, old circulated silver. If you go this way maybe let it age a while on a window sill.
Lance.