PVC Contamination HELP

hotpockets01

I was just getting ready to send some coins in for grading when I noticed on two of my Walkers some Greenish, Blueish stains or highlights. I'm assuming this is PVC contamination. Is this a good guess and if so can it be cleaned off. I've heard of a product called Acuton I think it is. Is this stuff safe?

fivecents

Acetone works great on removing PVC unless the PVC has damaged the surface of the coin. You can buy acetone at Walmart.

MrSpud

Acetone is your best bet with the PVC. It dissolves off the residue without stripping off the outer layer of the coin. Try to use 100% pure acetone, it usually says how pure it is on the side of the can in the hardware store. To be extra sure it is pure, put a few drops on a mirror and let it evaporate, if it doesn't leave a visually detectable residue it should be OK. Soak the coins individually in the acetone in a glass container, preferably covered, for a while. Change out the acetone a couple of times to get the last of the residue. Then pour off the acetone and let the coin dry which won't take long. Don't let the acetone touch anything plastic or it will dissolve it. Avoid breathing in the vapors and don't let it catch on fire, it is very flammable. Better yet, read and follow the advice on this MSDS on acetone Acetone MSDS . I hope this helps.

Julian

I was actually counseled by the Susan Maltby, the Coin World conservation columnist, to use odorless mineral spirits, but acetone is a member of the same family.

BAJJERFAN

Acetone is not a member of the same family But I would probly use it over the OMS or ODORLESS MINERAL SPIRITS!!

nwcs

Pure acetone will help you. Make sure it is pure 100%. But remember that it will remove only the surface contamination. If it has actually etched into the coin surface, nothing will help. When you rinse, rinse it several times in 2 bowls and then let air dry.

Conder101

After looking at the properties listing for OMS I'd say I wouldn't use it. Almost twice the viscosity of water and it evaporates slower than water. High percentage of paraffins, means that it would probably leave an oily residue. Nope, I'll take acetone.

hotpockets01

After the coin has been cleaned and dryed properly, will it be able to be graded? I think the PVC contamination came from the slab the company who graded it used. While we are on the subject of good coins being ruined. Does anybody think you can actually see the ware, say on a Walker from taking it, in and out of it's flip. I had a beautiful 1941 S Gem UN with no visible ware on the wing tips. but just from taking it in an out of the flip some shinny spots are starting to show. Will the grader at PCGS and the other services take points off for this?

ldhair

<< <i>After the coin has been cleaned and dryed properly, will it be able to be graded? >>


As nwcs said "If it has actually etched into the coin surface, nothing will help"
As far as flips go, they can cause a coin to loose points.
Friction is never good.