Help with Recognizing Cleaned Coins, etc

TerrapinWill

Everyone here seems so informed so I wanted to ask a couple questions. Can someone, or eveyone, explain how you can tell if a coin has been cleaned and/or what method was used to clean them. Also, if a coin has been cleaned, can anything be done to repair, or fix that problem, or is it to late. I sent coins to NGC, after reading so many criticisms here of PCGS (time, cost increase, arguments with their grades) and two of my 1878-s came back improperly cleaned. I had no idea, but it turns out I was just ignorant. So can you teach me some pointers.......

nwcs

The best way is with experience and showing your coins to people who can see the problems so they can show it to you. It's hard to describe textually. With some coins it is just the way they look. With others it's the hairlines or scratches. As far as fixing a cleaned coin, about the only fix is to circulate it more to reduce the appearance of circulation.

clw54

The only way is to see a lot of them. If you're at a coin show, look at ANACS graded coins identified as cleaned. They'll have a different look than uncleaned coins.

jdsinva

This question almost sounds like a business opportunity for some enterprising individual. Creating a well illustrated booklet to display the various forms of cleaning and other undersirable enhancements would be a handy reference. Me, for example, I can probably spot most kinds of cleaning on silver but I've seen copper and gold that was supposedly cleaned and I wouldn't have had a clue.

ms70

If you're lucky you might find a good dealer who will take the time to show you at his table.

Jdurg

One thing that I always look for is dark/dull areas where the raised portion of the coin meets the fields of the coin in comparison to the rest of the coin. If overall the coin looks nice and shiny and without wear, but in the crevices it looks dull and/or dark, then it's probably been cleaned. (Most likely by dipping the coin in one of those jewelry cleaning solutions. This will remove the tarnish and dirt from the broad areas of the coin, but the crevices and areas where the relief meets the field tends to stay dull and tarnished). I've got some coins that have been cleaned before, so when I get a chance I'll post them here so you can see what I'm talking about.

coinguy1

Hand's on experience and help is, by far, the best way to learn. For example, you would be well served to find a knowledgeable collector or dealer to review your two 1878-S dollars with you and show you the evidence/signs of cleaning.

Once you have been taught what to look for, it will be much easier to detect in the future.

MadMonk

I would like to add that some cleaning will not show up well in coin show lighting. If I'm considering buying a raw coin at a dealer who does not have a grading lamp, I always go to a dealer friend who does to check the coin out. Never trust bourse overhead lighting.

cladking

As has been said the best way to spot cleaning is to look at a lot of coins and to have
someone help. There are a few characteristics which can be put into words. Frequently,
especially with heavily cleaned coins, the entire coin will have a very uniform color. It may
show little wear and have no luster. Worn coins will have an unnatural shine to them and
even the scratches are sometimes polished out.

The signs become much more subtle where the cleaning was done well and, of course, you
can't see proper cleaning (removal of contaminants or dirt), though even this can reveal
problems which hasd been hidden. Also watch for signs of polishing or abraision.

Even the worst cleanings can be hidden if the coin is worn down a lot more but this might
mean two or even three grades and is difficult to do.

DorkGirl

There are a lot of tell tale signs. Some call them hairlines, there will be tiny scratches on the coin when you tip it in the light. The coin just won't look right, too bright, too shiny. After you have had a lot of coins in your hand, you will be able to spot it better, most of it is experience.

See how this Peace dollar looks, too shiny, the color just off a hair....



Same with this Morgan, the toning on it is beautiful, but see how bright and shiny her face is....



Compare them with this uncleaned coin, see the silver just looks different..


The very best way to learn without spending a bunch of money in the process, is find a dealer you can talk to and trust and have them show you, or buy some cheap cleaned coins on ebay. You need to find someone who is honest enough to tell you they are cleaned.

stev32k

I think the best way to learn is to clean some yourself. Get a handful of cheap coins like mercury dimes and use the all the most common cleaning methods. Baking soda, vinegar, tarnish remover, acetone, hot soap & water, and any of several coin dips are just some of the methods used. Doing the cleaning yourself allows you to see before and after, and once you have cleaned enough yourself you will be able to spot them pretty quickly.

DUIGUY

Have a good example of messed with morgan. will mail it to you no charge if you want.

ER

Becky,

Myqqy

Any chance you could post some pics of the coins that came back improperly cleaned??

TerrapinWill

if i can figure out my digital camera, i will post...currently I only have access to scanner....need a child to teach me how to use camera....