Verdi Care Results Follow-Up
Proofmorgan
Posts: 809 ✭✭✭✭✭
I initially posted looking for Verdi Care feedback, with limited responses. So...I'm now ready to share my experience after waiting on pins and needles for our host to grade my submission.
I bought a coin of significant value (4 figures),raw, in a 2x2 at a local shop. He doesn't really send anything out for grading and we've known each other for years. Due to this, I knew it wasn't a details coin. The coin had enough Verdigris where I was on the fence as to whether it would straight grade. I tried acetone as I had in the past and it didn't work this time. So I took the plunge with Verdi Care. I was a little leery due to the notoriety of the coin variety, the "sniffer", and the idea experimenting on a coin of significant value. It a well known key date/variety with very fickle grading so I was certain it would get close attention at PCGS. They "Details" a lot of these.
Process:
I used the dropper until I covered the side I was working on and used a toothpick and/or cotton swab to gently remove the verdigris. Verdicare definitely loosens it up after about 30 mins. I admit I was very conservative (and paranoid) so I didn't take too much off and then rinsed with acetone. The coin looked a little flashy (nice eye appeal, but not super crusty original). At this point I was definitely worried that I messed up. The coin looked AU originally so MS flash is risky for a "cleaned" grade. I proceeded with another treatment to remove a little more, but left some for originality. The coin looked nice, but I was very worried it was too nice.
I perseverated on if I had compromised the coin's ability to straight grade for quite some time, especially after seeing many straight graded and CAC pieces with a decent amount of verdigris (after frantically researching...post my experiment).
I sent the coin via Express level service AND.....it straight graded!
I hope this post is helpful to some. Rather than a cloak of secrecy, I am hoping to be helpful to other collectors.
To be noted: I did read some threads on other forums where some were adamant that the "sniffer" picks up Verdicare. Obviously this was not the case, but I did rinse with acetone after.
I am very against coin doctoring, brightening coins, etc, but I feel careful verdigris removal is tasteful conservation. I've received details PVC coins back from PCGS with recommendations to conserve, gave them an acetone bath, and sent back to have them straight grade. The intent is to remove damaging contamination and not to deceive graders or buyers.
Before you ask....I will send to CAC and follow up with those results as well.
Comments
if you left some verdigris then it will just continue eating the coin and regrow to something visible
it will turn in the holder
@Steven59 - Posted this link in your "Verdi-Care Grading Experiences" thread. I wouldn't say you had a limited response, regarding VerdiCare results. Unless you didn't look at it.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/13541907#Comment_13541907
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
This is true 👍
The leaving of some crust/verdigris was strategic as my study of AU straight graded and CAC coins showed some verdigris in a large percentage of examples. Trying to steer away from it looking too good to be true for a lower AU example and risk a details cleaned designation which I’ve seen on some that didn’t scream cleaned, but weren’t crusty for the level of circulation.
Don't beat me up too badly, yet I've had success with WD40. Spray on the surface, allow it to rest for a few minutes and use a Q-Tip gently on the surface.
I recommend this only on circulated coins.
Afterward, warm soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
peacockcoins
does it still stink?
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