Milk spots vs Sanity... one's gonna go!
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I see more and more proofs for sale with spots. Yes, because I have a rather nice collection of proofs, I am more conscious/paranoid of the problem. Has anyone found anything that works for removing spots? I'm about ready to give up on these beautiful (but temperamental) coins. Pound for pound, the desiccant surrounding my mini hoard weighs more than the coins! Short of storing my proofs in a food dehydrator... what to do?
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I feel your pain. An inordinately high percentage of my favorite coin, the Accented Hair Kennedy half, is plagued with this problem. More common on these than even the second die, and 1964 and earlier proof coins are notorious for milk spots. These, and hairlines (another very common problem on this coin) are the major reasons it is so difficult to find in ultra high grade.
In most cases, they aren't removable at all. However, in some cases NCS can dramatically reduce them; just depends on the nature and location of the spot and/or spots. I've had coins bumped a couple grade points because of their work, but I've had others they refused to conserve.
As a general rule with them, I've found that if the spot is opaque or of the "freckles" nature, you're screwed. If translucent, they may be able reduce it enough to be worthwile. I just wish I could figure out what they do, because I've never been able to put a dent in any type without harming the surface of the coin.
Russ, NCNE
You didn't provide enough info to answer your question.
#1 Are your Proofs raw in 2x2s, slabbed, or in Mint issued holders?
2x2s are a poor choice and as far as slabs & Mint holders, I've more Proofs turn bad in slabs than in the original Mint holders.
#2 Are they copper, clad or silver?
Copper's hard to deal with. You can use acetone or MS70 on the clads. You can use acetone, MS70 and dip on the silvers.
#3 Are they Modern or Classic?
Old problems are hard to fix and newer problems that haven't set in yet are easier.
#4 Are you buying spotted proofs or are they turning after you have had them for a while?
Avoid buying spotted Proofs and trying to fix them.
You see lots of sellers hyping their slabs as "fresh slab" or "Just back from PCGS." Avoid those. I would rather buy a Proof in a 5 year old slab because it's stable. A coin that was recently removed from it's original holder, probably messed with, put in a nasty plastic flip and sent through the rigors of shipping to the grading company and being placed in a new holder is unstable.
Of course if you are buying recent Proof Sets ½ of them are going to go bad no matter what you do.