Coin Cleaning

Geod

I know coin cleaning is taboo. But, I read that you could "dip" coins. What is dipping? What does dipping do for the coin? What do you use for dipping. Where do you get it? Can/should all types of coins be dipped, (sliver, copper, clas, etc)


Thanks

Geod

coinfreak499

Dipping is when you put a coin in a substance to remove dirt and possably some layers of the coin to make it more well... shiney.

Betta285

dipping is the process by which coins are literally dipped in a cleaning solution such as Acetone to remove dirt or toning from the coin. In actuality, you are also removing a microscopic layer of metal which will eventually destroy a coin's luster if it is over dipped. Most dipping products can be found online in places such as e-bay as well as the hardware store. Silver is the most commonly dipped coin and if done correctly it can enhance a coin's eye apeal but if done wrong it ruins a coin. I don't know much about the various solutions used for dipping but i do know that copper should not be dipped in many solutions, maybe some copper collectors could help you out with that. Overall, dipping a coin should always be a last resort and should be avoided at all costs. Some opinions may differ

coinfreak499

heres an example see the shine ( for lack of a better word) on this nickel. A coin that circulated should not have that shine to it.

ziggy29

<< <i>I know coin cleaning is taboo. But, I read that you could "dip" coins. What is dipping? What does dipping do for the coin? What do you use for dipping. Where do you get it? Can/should all types of coins be dipped, (sliver, copper, clas, etc) >>

First of all, I'd not dip *anything* unless I received professional opinions that this particular coin would likely benefit from a careful, properly managed dipping.

Having said that, I wouldn't dip copper. You'll get a funky color out of it that just *screams* "I've been dipped!" You can usually tell with silver, too, but the look isn't nearly as drained and tacky.

Again, to repeat: Don't jump into this. Get some professional opinions about the coin and whether a dipping might help in this case. More often than not, like cleaning, the best thing is "don't do it." But with the right opinions and proper method, there *are* a few coins for which, dipping, like cleaning, may be called for.

numonebuyer

Only professionals should even consider doing anything to a coin that alters its appearance in any way. Of the hundreds of Morgans I have owned, I have used Acetone on one (count it... one) Morgan to remove PVC residue (left over from years of storage in a less than desirable PVC environment). I didn't care what the coin looked like because I had to get that PVC residue off of the coin. As it turned out, the coin was much improved after the dipping excercise.

clackamas

Acetone will not remove a layer of metal and is safe for coins, including copper. "Dip" usually refers to products like Jewel luster that is an acid and will remove a layer of metal. If you dip in Jewel luster do your homework before hand, i.e. read some of the past threads on how to do this, (do a search) there are many threads on this. As a general rule don't use dip on circ coins, copeer or nickel and avoid dipping coins with heavy toning (even in just small areas). Also avoid old coins (75 years old or more) since original surfaces fetch premiums. When dipping you must neutralize the acid or it will ruin the coin in short order. Some people dip then give the coin an acetone bath and then rinse in distilled water.

numonebuyer

clackamas made my point that only experts

<< <i>should even consider doing anything to a coin that alters its appearance in any way >>