If a coin shows evidence of dipping...

dan1ecu

...like some residue in the form of dark spots, would that warrant a bodybag? I have some old silver, mint state coins that are white and have cartwheel luster, but I think probably were dipped (why else would they not be toned?). Some of these coins have dark spots that I think might be residue from the cleaning. When would dipping qualify as “harsh cleaning”?

Thanks,

Dan

coinguy1

Dan,

Dipping is usually not synonymous with cleaning (and no grades) in the eyes of the grading services, unless/until it is severe enough to have stripped the luster from the coin. Even then, the coin might still receive a net grade, that takes that dipping into account.

I have seen a number of high grade (65 and higher) proof coins from the 19th and 20th centuries that have been dipped but show evidence of toning that did not dip out/off completely. Please note, these are general comments and may not apply to the particular coins you mentioned. That's the best I can do without seeing them.

dan1ecu

Hi, Mark – That answers my question.

Thanks,

Dan

coinguy1

Gald to hear it Dan.

Strat

The dark spots would hurt the eye appeal of the coins, so you may want to contact NCS for conservation before having them graded. Of course, that means more dipping is the likely solution, but that's an alternative to removing them yourself or having them slabbed with the spots, which would probably make them hard to sell one day.

Russ

<< <i>...like some residue in the form of dark spots, would that warrant a bodybag? >>



Judging by the number of modern clad proofs I've had to return to dealers because of that very problem (dip residue spotting), I'd say the answer is no.

Russ, NCNE