What is this and what causes it?

DesertRat

This is in a proof set in its original packaging. I have a few proof sets that show evidence of a similar haze beginning but this is the worst by far. What is the cause and can it be fixed safely? When this begins to show on coins is it better to crack the coins out to avoid further deterioration?

Thanks

ksteelheader

That particular coin is hazed. A dip in acetone will remove it and not harm the coin...Ken

DHeath

Many of the 1970 sets develop exactly the kind of toning you photographed. It is very typical of that one year. Sometimes it manifests itself as beautiful target toning on the Lincolns, and it's not unattractive on the clads. It usually has a blue color when tilted under natural light. My guess is that the mint used a different rinse in 70 than in other years.

DesertRat

Thanks Ken, was beginning to wonder if I was on ignore here. . So would you suggest just leaving it alone or will it eventually damage the coin? I don't necessarily want to crack out the sets that have haze unless it is to preserve the coins.

DHeath

Link to a Lincoln looker.

DesertRat

Nice! Don I am getting that exact type of toning on not only the Lincoln but on all of the other coins in my 1970 proof set. The Dime is the only one that is targeted as you say. The Lincoln is definitely "toning" in my set but the others look more like haze. Hopefully the pics will show what I am talking about. The white on the left of the cent is on the case not the coin.

Cam40

i have a 1982 proof set with that same looking haze on all the coins.

havent done nuthin to it so far.
maybe if i dont do anything they,ll all be monster toners some day?

or turn to crap.....

DHeath

What Cam said. I'd do nothing with it except see what it looks like in 10 years. White sets are easy to find. Nice toners aren't.

magikbilly

Hi,
I would also leave them alone. I like that dime.

Best,
Billy

keets

i think the blue color is peculiar to nickel or the copper/nickel alloy. it's fairly common on Jeffersons and other nickel coins. i've also seen it on 1971-72 Ikes which were roll only coins and other clad issues ranging from 1970-1996. it also seems to occur more frequently on 1982-83 Jeffersons than on other years, more roll only coins. i have always assumed that in the Proof sets it happened due to poor storage, heat or moisture, but Don's rinse theory is logical. this type of toning is very prevelant with the Brown Box silver Ikes.

i love a good mystery. let's get out the lamp and ask some questions!!!

al h.

Myqqy

I've been wondering for a long time if cloudy haze ever becomes colorful toning, or if it just remains unattractive and takes over the coin.....