Removing possible PVC contamination on copper/bronze. Acetone?
NumisOxide
Posts: 10,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
I purchased a 19th century bronze/copper medal on the bay. It just came today but unfortunately it was stored in a PVC holder and the medal has that plastic shower liner pvc smell. The color is RB. I've soaked many silver and nickel coins in acetone but is acetone on a copper a no-no? Any other alternatives. I have some Verdicare but not sure if that would remove pvc. Thanks.
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Comments
It should help with the pvc, but I think there was some debate on what it can do to the color of the red parts of the coin/medal.
That's what I'm worried about. Don't want the medal to turn pink.
Acetone on any metal, including copper, is perfectly fine. 100% safe.
Some have noticed a different appearance in color. And/or a hazier, dull and dry appearance. This is because acetone will remove all organic material from the coin, including the surface oils and environmental substances that have accumulated over years.
A little CoinCare or BlueRibbon will help condition the copper and return some of the earlier appearance.
Lance.
I strongly disagree with acetone on copper.
I do agree with CoinCare, or goo gone.
I have tried xylene (sp) with fair results.
Will experiment with a couple of similar RB copper lincolns and see what happens with those.
@coinJP
Please let me [us] know your results
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I have never had an issue with removing PVC residue from copper when using a short soak and thorough rinse.
This topic has been been discussed numerous times on the various coin sites. The following is the only scientific paper (the Stony Brook Univ paper) that has shown any interaction between acetone and copper. They had to to let the acetone completely evaporate in the presence of light and humidity before acetic acid was formed after 18 hrs.
https://vdocuments.site/photochemical-breakdown-of-acetone-on-copper.html
Removal of the PVC is imperative. It will damage the surfaces of the coin.
@lkeigwin has the correct information. Acetone does not affect copper, it acts on the organic materials on the surface... which may or may not have had an effect on the copper. Acetone does not act on metals. Take a mint fresh cent, never touched or circulated and soak it in acetone. Voila'.... no effect. Cheers, RickO