Dipped coins

CrowHill

As a relatively new collector I am wondering if there is an easy way to tell if a MS coin has been dipped. I realize that it may be easier to determine with a circulated coin that looks unnaturally bright for the amount of wear - but what about mint state coins? Also, how much does a dipped coin lose in value to a knowledgeable collector, if at all? I have purchased several capped bust halves PCGS AU, and while they are not BRIGHT silver, they look pretty darn clean for being 180 years old! Any thoughts, comments, suggestions? Thanks!

BillJones

When done properly and not TOO OFFEN, dipping should have no affect on the value of a coin. There are many 20th century coins that are naturally white because they have been stored away from contaminants and the light. As side from silver dollars, which were stored for many years in treasury bags, you can almost be assured than any 19th century coin that is bright white has been dipped.

As for telling if a coin has been dipped or not, on Proof coins there are usually little marks that result from the removal of metal. This is due to the fact that the surfaces are so perfectly smooth than any alterations to them will show.

It’s harder to tell on business strike (Mint State) coins. If a coin has no wear, but has a dull appearance, it’s probably been dipped at least one or more times. Dipped coins that have not the solution removed from them properly can tone to some very bizarre and unattractive colors. This is another indicator of a dipped coin.

Steve27

There have only been about 100 threads on this subject (OK it just seems that way). There is NO way to tell that an MS coin with minor toning has been dipped. And contrary to popular belief, if you dip it 100 times you won't strip off the surface any more than the first dip did, unless the coin is allowed to re-tone in between dippings. When you dip a coin, the acid removes only the suface oxides which are usually only a few molecules thick. Thus, neither amateur or professional can tell if a coin has been dipped or just stored properly. As for value, dipped coins are worth more than undipped coins, that's why coins are dipped.

CrowHill

Ok guys, thanks very much for the info. The coins I've purchased so far have just had a very nice look to them, nothing at all unnatural, I can't stop myself from staring at them constantly, so I guess I'm doing ok! Just wanted to educate myself. Thanks again!

dorkkarl

basically, there's a simple rule of thumb. if it's advertised as "blast white" & in a pcgs or ngc holder, it's dipped for sure.

otherwise, it may or may not be

K S

paigowjohnny

IMHO, it's not easy to tell a good/successful dip job. "Bad dip jobs"...either too many times or not rinsed off well...are easier to tell.

Washed out or weak luster on an otherwise well struck apparently problem free coin may indicate overdipped.

One dealer told me to look for a "halo", or signs of dip residue around the devices.

Dog97

If it has whittish dull gray areas that is from where heavy tone was dipped off leaving the etched surfaces or possible water spots froman improper rinse. If it has golden brown light peripheral tone or brown splotchy areas that is often an indicator or a dip.
Just so happens I keep some dipped coins in my Registry Set just so I can post links like this: Dipped Morgan and this: Dipped Barber Note: The Barber is not as brown as the picture makes it look. Actually it is more dull off white with very very light brown barely noticable surfaces. The dip strips away the silver exposing the copper in the alloy which quickly turns brown.
And like others said, sometimes you just can't tell. I dipped this one about 6 years ago. I was trying to get rid of the black spot which actually was a slag mark and came back: Dipped DMPL

barberlover

"dipping coins increases the value, thats why coins are dipped"

pretty big statement, there are certain coins that if dipped properly have increased there value, but i don't think this process has always helped coins more then hurt them, my own personel preferences aside, I don't see many people offering to pay extra for blast white 19th century type coins. But there are alot of people paying big money for pretty color.

I like natural color, hey sometimes i can even get pretty natural colored coins that aren't toned in easy bake ovens without paying an arm & and a leg for them.

If a coin appeals to me and i can afford it, i buy it, buy what you like dipped, toned, what you like is the only thing that counts.

dorkkarl

hey dog97, those were terrific, concise examples

K S

Higashiyama

Dipping will sometimes increase value, sometimes decrease value, and sometimes have no material effect. If the coin is attractively toned, dipping will likely decrease value. If the toning is unattractive and can be removed with a careful dip, value can be increased.

Regarding Steve27's "There is NO way to tell that an MS coin with minor toning has been dipped. And contrary to popular belief, if you dip it 100 times you won't strip off the surface any more than the first dip did, unless the coin is allowed to re-tone in between dippings. " I don't believe this is true. I believe microscopic examination will reveal that a coin has been dipped. Also, if you can dip a coin 100 times without ruining the surfaces, you are using a different solution than the rest of us.

Russ

<< <i>And contrary to popular belief, if you dip it 100 times you won't strip off the surface any more than the first dip did >>



This is not correct. I know, because while experimenting, I did it on purpose. Take a nicely lustered 90% silver coin with zero toning and dip it over and over, and it will lose it's luster or "cartwheel" and become dull and lifeless. But, I should note that this is when using eZest or similar products. I don't know if acetone would have the same affect with multiple dippings.

Russ, NCNE

dorkkarl

russ is 100% correct

K S

dragon

Steve27,

I read your post, then re-read it, and there is not a sliver of truth in the whole thing, who is telling you this stuff??


dragon

coinkat

dipping is not a good thing for the vast majority of coins.

lordmarcovan

Color is good, and originality is good, but dipped is not necessarily bad. For me personally, if a coin makes it into PCGS or NGC plastic without being bagged, it's OK. Bright white Bust halves are a good example. Many are dipped. As long as it isn't too harsh, it doesn't bother me.

Merc

I'll have to disagree with the last statement. Just because NGC or PCGS graded it does not make it a good coin. White Au bust halves look terrible. No serious collector will buy them.

lordmarcovan

I just sold one. In an ANACS AU50 holder. Quickly. For a good profit.