Help!! :Q I just looked at my modern commemorative BU dollars closely for the first time in several

moosesr

I have had my modern commemorative BU silver dollars stored in my safe for several years and just looked at them closely today in preparation for sending some of them to pcgs. A lot of the coins have developed some small brown spots on them, some visible without magnification. I know there have been a lot of discussions regarding cleaning/dipping coins on this forum, but I don't remember any that would quite fit my situation. I have some MS70, should I clean my coins using instructions on the bottle or will that cause them to be bodybagged by PCGS? Any advise or recommendations will be greately appreciated. Thanks, Charlie

Placid

Your Question: what is the safest way to remove the film that coins get when they have been in a plastic flip too long? is dipping safe and if so, in what. I would really appreciate any assistance you can give me.

Storage is a big issue for coin collectors. The soft flips are generally safe but they will break down chemically if they are exposed to sunlight or placed in a very hot environment for a extended period of time. The chemical breakup releases hydrogen sulfide that can attack the surface of most coins. It will virtually destroy copper coins and leave silver coins spotted or scarred with other evidence of corrosion. The decaying flip also will leave an oily residue on the surface of the coin.
One of the safest ways to remove the oily mess ( for you and your coins), is to purchase non-oily nail polish remover (acetone) from your drug store. If you don't see it on the shelf ask the pharmacist. It is often kept behind the counter. Just allow the affected coin to soak for a while and then rinse it with cold water for at least one minute. The advantage in using this method is that it will not affect the surface metal of the coin, just what's on top of it. Do not use "Jewel Luster" type coin dips as they remove metal from the coin.

From coinsite.

Link

Most here recommend using acetone as the final "dip" rather than water.
For bad spots MS70 might work I don't see many people talk about it. Most use jewel luster to remove tougher spots. Some like spots if they are just toning.

moosesr

My coins were stored in the original hard plastic mint capsules, so I don't know if they have the type of damage you refer too, which could be removed with acetone.

1jester

Welcome to the Boards, moose. I'm so sorry you've had some problems with your coins. I don't know what to do about it, but one of these days I'm going to follow Placid's (and others') advice and use acetone to dip some PVC damaged MS DMPL Morgans and other silver coins I have, which were stored outside in the salty, hot, humid Florida air for 5 years (in PVC holders).

Good luck.

TheBlackKnight

I have used MS70 on several of my submissions and have not had any problem with body bagged coins because of it.
However, be very carefull and thorough with your rinse. Also, MS70 will remove light toning.

I have tried using acetone but find the acetone evaporates so fast, that I get condensation on the coin.

Keep your hair dryer handy.

crito

acetone won't remove water spots, but it doesn't hurt to try. MS70 or EZest (my favorite) will remove them, but it might also hurt the coin if too much metal is stripped off. Some people use a qtip or chewed up toothpick, soaked in MS70/EZest, applied only to the affected areas, for treating spots.

acetone works best for removing glue, tape and plastic residue.