Can dipping a coin get you an "impropperly cleaned?"

TheLiberator

I have one of my grandpa's old better date barber dimes and it is very dark but it looks uncirculated. There are a couple of REALLY dark spots on it and I was wonderig what could happen if it was dipped...

Ethical questions aside, when should a coin not be dipped? What kinds of natural finishes hide imperfections and do I risk loosing the chance to slab it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

hookedoncoins

If you do it improperly.

I would practice dipping some cheap coins to get practice because if you don't know what you are doing you can mess things up a lot worse.

The most common problem with dipping (that could get a coin bagged) is overdipping a coin, leaving the coin dull with absolutely no luster.

saintguru

IF YOU CAN'T GARGLE IT YOU CAN'T DIP COINS IN IT!!

FatMan

Just remember, you can always dip a coin. You can never un-dip one. Are you sure removing the coins skin will enhance your enjoyment? Please, for all the original coins lovers, don't dip it.

coynclecter

Be sure to do a search here for the proper technique. You can do more harm than good if not done right.

Russ

<< <i>There are a couple of REALLY dark spots on it and I was wonderig what could happen if it was dipped... >>



Generally speaking if the spots and/or toning are really dark the amount and degree of dipping necessary to remove them would destroy the luster and original skin of the coin. Dipping is for light surface contamination that is easily removed.

Russ, NCNE

nwcs

A coin should not be dipped if the toning has already progressed too far -- as it sounds in your case. Also, any coin which might be a AU-58 or below shouldn't be dipped as it will magnify the problems. I also think that if the luster isn't there to support a dip, it shouldn't be done.

TheLiberator

Case closed. No dipping for this baby. I think it is just too dark. I have dipped a SLIGHTLY toned morgan before with great sucess but this dime is DARK. I'm not gonna do it. Do you guys agree from the pic or.... could this guy be dipped propperly by someone who knew what they were doing? (Not me..!)


Thanks guys!

nwcs

That dime is too far gone. Also appears to be AU-55. Dipping it would make it look much worse.

ziggy29

I don't think you could dip that one because you'd probably have to dip until the luster was almost stripped, and the coin would have a dull, almost cleaned appearance that's even less desirable than this color.

Iwog

As a rule, never dip circulated coins.

TheLiberator

Thanks again guys!!

Wes