how do you dip coins?

mbbiker

I have a coin soaking in acetone right now and i don't know how long it should be in for also what do you use to put the coin in and take it out?

coppercoins

That would all depend on what the coin is made of, why it's in there in the first place, exactly what's on it, and whether or not what you're soaking it for can even be effectively removed. Acetone isn't the right stuff for everything.

mbbiker

1987-s proof dime has a light haze on the obv.

Russ

If it's only light haze, it shouldn't take more than a few seconds.

Russ, NCNE

mbbiker

how do i get the coin out of the cup of acetone?

coppercoins

Acetone isn't the right stuff for proof surfaces anyway...it creates haze better than it gets rid of it.

Russ

Doo da.

Russ, NCNE

stman

He's still trying to get it out of the acetone cup.
Another coin ruined.

Stman

ldhair

I use different sizes of shot glasses for different size coins. I put the coin in the glass first and soak for a few minutes. As I pour the acetone out I make sure the coin does not fall out of the glass. With the glass on it's side the coin is suspended by it's edges. I leave it set for a while and pour it out on a cotton cloth. Next I hold the coin by the edges and dunk several times in Isopropyl Alcohol. Next is a hair dryer on warm. Back to a cotton cloth and in a dust free cabinet. I turn the coin about once a week for several weeks and then in a holder. Probably over kill but I find it works very well for me.

mbbiker

it's not ruined it looks the same as when i put it in there still all hazy i don't think my 100% acetone is really 100%, (is there good and bad acetone or is it all the same?) i got mine at wal-mart.

coppercoins

<< <i>how do i get the coin out of the cup of acetone? >>



Umm....trick question, right??

You reach in and grab it??

JD

Why do you need to let the coin air out for several weeks? Can't you just dry it off and put it in a 2x2? The metal doesn't absorb water..does it?

stman

ROTFL

keets

i will vouch for russ's procedure and add that i've used it successfully on jefferson proofs and a few MS clad ike's with no adverse results. as he mentioned, the key for me seems to be a short initial dip followed by sustained dips in the three washes and a very thorough drying.

al h.

coppercoins

Actually pure acetone will evaporate off of a coin in a matter of a couple of seconds. Fingernail polish remover (bad stuff for coins) may take longer depending on how much perfume oils and other contaminants are in it (which will coat and remain on the coin). The only thing that's safe to use on coins that takes "weeks" to evaporate is mineral oil...once again, not for proofs.

ldhair

Russ has the best way for haze. Acetone helps most with PVC slime on the coin.

Fairlaneman

Comic Relief has hit the Boards with some of these Replys. ......ROFLMAO !!

keets

my reasoning for allowing the coin to sit, covered from dust, is to assure that no spotting occurs. believe it or not water droplets will cling to the coins surface even after a 20 second blast from the air can. an improper dip which would result in spotting wouldn't show immediately, so placing the coin in a flip where it is essentially air tight and then in the mail inside of an envelope would be counter-productive and no doubt the cause of some spotted coins in holders. the waiting is indeed the hardest part!!!

al h.

coppercoins

Acetone - PVC slime, yes...but on a proof, no. PVC slime on a proof - use a short acid dip (unless a copper proof) with a base wash to neutralize the acid. Copper proofs are not safely cleanable with any method to my knowledge, and I've tried many of them. They either cloud the coin, spot the coin, or change its color, or a combination of the above.

mbbiker

I know i should have asked before i dipped anything but i took a coin that was worth a dime and turned it into a coin worth a dime. I don't know why none of the haze came off it sat for 15min. anyway glad a few people got a good laugh from this, now i know why i have to stay on this forum to entertain other members


Now a real question what can acetone be used for?

coppercoins

<< <i>my reasoning for allowing the coin to sit, covered from dust, is to assure that no spotting occurs. believe it or not water droplets will cling to the coins surface even after a 20 second blast from the air can. an improper dip which would result in spotting wouldn't show immediately, so placing the coin in a flip where it is essentially air tight and then in the mail inside of an envelope would be counter-productive and no doubt the cause of some spotted coins in holders. the waiting is indeed the hardest part!!!

al h. >>



Your dip likely contains acid and your rinse is likely not rinsing it completely off, which causes spotting if any water gets to the coin or even if you look at it wrong. You have to counteract the pH in the acid dip with a base. Once that's done, there's no reason to sit a coin out for weeks for anything. All that does is expose the coin to other environmental contaminants....dust, smoke, pollutants, etc.

ldhair

COPPERCOINS
What type of wash do you use to neutralize the acid?

coppercoins

Ancient Chinese secret...I use a particular kind of soap, which is 100% water soluable. Dip the coin, wash it, then pat it dry. No need for weeks of curating. It has worked on hundreds of silver and nickel coins....just not copper. The acid turns them white or pink in an instant.

By the way, the acid bath should be less than five seconds. If it needs more than that, the coin is already garbage. And for you toning folks...don't try this at home - silver turns out white as minted in acid dip.

By the by, there is a way to curate the color back in uncirculated cents once they have been dipped...but it's difficult and dangerous....anyhow, RB or BN coins can be dipped white then turned red to fool the slappers...it has been done.

Fairlaneman

Now a real question what can acetone be used for.

Mbbiker:

Man you are killing me. .... Still ROFLMAO. Sorry seriousness has been lost on this thread for me.

Ken

remumc

Pcv pipe solvent/glue

fingernail polish remover

Russ

Doo da.

Russ, NCNE

coppercoins

<< <i>Huge potential for hairlining the coin. >>



Not if you're careful and have some experience at using the appropriate method.



<< <i>No way that should be tried by anyone who doesn't have a ton of experience dipping coins.

Russ, NCNE >>



Isn't that why they made 1960-1964 proof sets? Hundreds of coins in, and I've never hairlined a coin. You "pat" dry...don't "rub" dry.

Russ

<< <i>Hundreds of coins in, and I've never hairlined a coin. You "pat" dry...don't "rub" dry. >>



Good for you. I'm not debating the issue. You have your methods, I have mine. I'm simply noting that, in my opinion, it is not a good idea to recommend a method that can potentially destroy the coin, while responding in a thread started by somebody who clearly has no experience.

Russ, NCNE

clackamas

<<Ancient Chinese secret...I use a particular kind of soap, which is 100% water soluable. >>

Jesus, its not like you have a flippin patent pending, tell him what you use. This forum is to share knowledge not rub it in like so little kid that whines "I know a secret and I'm not going to tell you."