Need lots of help

rotom

I've read lots of the threads here the past several weeks, and I hope these questions aren't too novice for this board. If they are, please advise, and I'll try elsewhere.

My father recently passed away and I inherited his collection. Although I have been getting mint sets and proof sets for 20+ years, I really don't understand a lot of the things I should/shouldn't be doing. For example, he has several books that contain silver coins (merc dimes, halves, quarters, etc.) that have got the 'pvc slime'. I have bought the acetone, but I'm afraid to use it properly. I'm not concerned about the safety aspects, but rather the proper way to handle and clean the coins. He also has a full book of Indian head cents, and they also have some sort of surface crud. Can I use the acetone on the copper also?

I have purchased a software program so I can catalog this stuff- something he never did. The software shows photographic details of how to grade the coin, and I've been rather conservative in my approach. When (or if) do I get an 'expert' to look at the collection and give his opinion?

DennisH

To the best of my knowledge there is nothing that will remove PVC from copper without ruining the coin.

As for silver, just pour some acetone into a small bowl, hold the coin by its edges between your thumb and index finger, dunk it in and swish it back and forth. Don't rub the surface, however.

Do be careful about having good ventilation, OK? Acetone can be nasty stuff to breathe.

my3cents

Welcome to the boards!

PVC is icky... be careful and don't "rub" any coins - let them air dry.

Louis

Welcome to the boards .

nwcs

Welcome! When it comes to acetone, make sure you have the 100% pure variety. As for how to use it, it's not difficult. Your skin may become irritated so wearing rubber gloves may be what you want. Just pour some into a couple of ceramic or non-plastic bowls. Then rinse the coin in the first bowl and then the second to help get the last bits off. Let air dry. In most cases that's all you need. But you can repeat for as often as you need. And change the acetone fairly often. Do this in a well ventilated area away from anything that generates heat (like an oven).

Now acetone can be used on most coins but copper is kinda iffy. Some people have reported problems with acetone rinsing brilliant copper coins. Others have not had a problem. And most seem to report than brown copper is not affected much. That has been my experience.

Another thing to remember is that there is the slime that is still on the coin and the slime that has etched into the coin surface. If it hasn't etched in yet, you can still save it. Otherwise you can help it but never get it back to non-damaged.

As for when you want to get a professional grader to look at it... Depends on value or sentiment. Everyone's choices are different. If a coin is valuable enough to you, and you are willing to shell out some money then that's a good time to do it. Or if you want to preserve a coin in a good holder for long term for whatever reason.

kranky

Welcome! I will let others comment on using acetone on your coins.

What would you want an "expert" to tell you? Do you want an offer for your coins, do you want grade opinions, or something else?

With respect to using the software program's photos for grading - are the coins circulated or uncirculated?

nwcs

Also, when it comes to handling coins, the less the better. And always only hold them by the edges. That way you can avoid fingerprinting them.

PutTogether

I'd just like to add that your questions are NOT too novice for this forum. And welcome.

rotom

Hi Krank,
The reason I would consider contacting an expert would be to determine of the collection is actually worth continuing in its present form. I know that someday I would consider selling it; or if I was financially independent- passing it to my kids. However, I don't know if the collection could be considered more of a pleasure collection or investment.

The software I bought is called Coin Keeper Deluxe by Hobbysoft. When you enter your choice of grade, it brings up a photo of that grade with descriptions of wear points. I found it easy to use grade-wise, but have some issues with some of the data entry. I think they have an on-line demo if you want to see it.

rotom

Hi Dennis,

Is there anything else I should consider using on the copper? Most of the coins are very brown, but have light wear. I know better than to change some characteristics, but am I possibly allowing degredation of the image instead of caring for the color?

cladking

Welcome aboard. Acetone is extremely volatile and the vapors will explode. Immerse
the coins without rubbing and then rinse well with isopropyl alcohol or clean acetone.

If there has been a smoker in the house the crud on the indians may be tar from the
cigarettes. This usually won't cause damage and is fairly east to get off of circulated
coins.

Don't clean the mint and proof sets.