What's involved when a coin is "dipped"?

Agflyer

Pardon my ignorance, but what is involved when a coin is "dipped"? What is it "dipped" into? Is scrubbing generally involved? Is any one metal dipped more often than others? I think I know it when I see it, but I don't know the details. Thanks in advance for the info!

itsnotjustme

Dipped usually refers to just that... being dipped into a jewelry/silver/coin cleaner. After a short dip (1-2 seconds) the coin must be carefully rinsed to get the cleaner off, then often rinsed in alcohol (some use acetone--WARNING hazardous - extremely flamable), then dried (most air dry, often with compressed air to blow all possible liquid off--some pat dry). DIpping should involve no scrubbing. When done correctly it will often enhance the value of a coin. Again, when done correctly, it is not considered harsh cleaning.

Silver is most often dipped. If you ever want to practice, Brown Ikes (1971 - 1974-S silver proofs) are great to practice on. They are often heavily hazed, and a quick dip improved them dramatically.

If you search, you should be able to find many threads with detailed dipping instructions.

its4real

Won't the dipping tend to remove the luster?

KlectorKid

Not if its only dipped for 1-2 seconds. I would also recomending dipping no coin before the mid 1800's because they dont look very natural.

joemon2

Dipping actually removes metal from the coin so a quick dip is all that's necessary. If over-dipped (coin left in solution too long or dipped one too many times), the coin will lose it's eye appeal and take on a washed out appearance.

TheNumish

The product used to dip coins is called Jewel Luster and you can buy it from most coin shops or any coin supply dealer. It's made to be used on coins with original mint luster. Once the luster has been worn off of a coin the product will romove dirt but won't do much good to impove the look of the coin. If dipped properly it doesn't hurt the coin and usually improves the appearence. It works great to remove toning on silver coins. Like others have mentioned it's important to completely rinse the coin off otherwise the coin will change colors in the future.

Where dipping gets abused the most is dealers that use is to clean coins that are almost uncirculated to make them look uncirculated. These coins are usually scrubbed with baking soda to make them shiny. Novice collectors get tricked into buying a coin as uncircualted when in fact it is only almost uncirculated. It takes a little practice to see the difference.

DHeath

AGFlyer,

Dipping anything other than a modern is IMHO playing with fire. The Moderns should be left alone unless they're in trouble, and practice on inexpensive coins should be the rule of the day. Many times the ill effects of a bad rinse/neutralization aren't apparent for several weeks. If you're going to resell a coin that has been dipped, make sure it has been in your posession long enough to be sure it won't later ruin. For anything older that has possibly damaging pvc or dark/blotchy toning, spend the few dollars needed to send the coin to pro's like NCS. There are many milder agents to try (MS-70, Acetone, Soap and water) that sometimes achieve your goal without using acid.