Can clads be dipped...

ccrdragon

in acetone to remove hazing? I have some 1999 mint sets that have really nice coins (esp. some of the quarters), but they have developed a bit of a haze on them that subdues the luster. Will acetone remove the haze and not turn the copper layer dark or some wierd color?

Steve27

Dipping usually refers to using a mild acid solution (i.e. acetone is not a dip). You can try acetone, it's as safe as water for your coins, but I doubt it will have any affect.

Datentype

Don't dip clads, the copper underneath turns and they will yellow or brown as a result within 1 month.

ccrdragon

Thanks Datentype - I was afraid that is what would happen...

clackamas

You should be safe with pur clean acetone. This may remove the haze you are talking about. Try it on a lesser coin.

supercoin

I assume you're talking about a proof set? I haven't seen that happen in mint sets, though I'm sure it could.

In severe cases and if you're careful and if you neutralize the acid immediately you can potentially improve the coin, but... especially for lower value coins like you have there you'd be better off just selling it and buying a replacement.

I believe the problem is not the inner copper layer, but the fact that the outer "nickel" layers on a clad coin are actually 75% copper and 25% nickel, i.e. mostly copper. And copper is just too reactive to dip well. As datentype mentions they will almost certainly "turn" on you.