Cleaning Proof Coins

martif

Can anyone advise me as to how to properly clean those frothy hazy proof coins? A good example of this is the 1981 Proof set. Every one that I have ever seen has these frothy coated coins in it. Any suggestions?

You can also e-mail me at martif05@direcway.com

nwcs

Many of those 81's get that toning. It's tricky to clean a proof without leaving damage. A very mild dip might help.

Hedger

I would not attempt it. Anything that touches the surface on a proof is bound to damage it.

LeeG

If you do a "Search" using the keyword "Dipping" all your questions will be answered. From my personal experience, I don't recommend it unless you know what your doing. Happy Collecting!

martif

Thanks Lee. I am new to the forum so I didn't realize that I could 'Search' for things like this. I found my answer after searching. Alot of people like MS70 so I guess that I will try that. Just as an FYI, I use Tarn-X with fantastic results. It completely removes natural tarnish, without removing any metal. However I have come across some Kennedy's that have brown spots on them that just can't be removed. They were there before I started the dip, and they are still there afterwards. It is only mildly effective on that proof froth like you get on the 81 proof coins. There is always residue left if the proof is too frothy. It does work well on natural toned or tarnished proof coins though, and leaves no residue. I have had coins graded that I have dipped in Tarn-X and they have come back just fine.

Thanks for all of your help.
Mario

martif

Thanks. See my reply to Lee below about what I have used.

ldhair

I would have thought that Tarn-X removes metal.

Russ

<< <i>I would have thought that Tarn-X removes metal. >>



It does. Just like eZest and Jewel Luster.

Russ, NCNE

arlea1957

why is it that when russ posts I have to read it........ baa baaaa baaaaaaaaaaaaa

tnx Russ for all you infinite wisdom..

DRUNNER

I have found MS70 with a neutral rinse is perfect. Never had a problem . . . takes the haze off and (depending upon how you apply it . . . ROLL a Q-Tip is best) no hairlines, etc. I submit almost all to PCGS after . . . have done well. They are stunning after . . .

This thread has appeared before . . . and several others concurred at that time.

DRUNNER

ldhair

Tarn-X must be acid based. As such it should strip any haze.
Is it possible that what is left behind is actually a bit of mint frost?

No offense but I don't trust Tarn-X.
I guess it can be neutralized after use like other dips but what can it leave behind?
I have to wonder what the coin will look like long term.

Boom

What is the best way to get those little "water spots" off a Lincoln Proof? Thanks.

martif

Thanks for all of your opinions. I just ordered some MS70 today. I will try that.

On the Tarn-X label, it states that it doesn't remove any metal. I have been using it on silver, clad and copper with very good results. I have sent these coins for grading and they have never been returned with a 'cleaned' anotation.

It will, however NOT work with 1943 Pennies, the zinc just curls up. Also, do not use it on Indian pennies. It seems to eat those up and ruin any features on the coin. It works fantastic on any toned or tarnished proof coins, and does not diminish the mirror or cameo at all. I do handle it more carefully with proofs though and am sure to only keep the coin in the solution for up to 5 seconds maximum. The regular strikes can stay in much longer if you wish, but never more than 20 seconds in my opinion. If it didn't get the tarnish off and brighten the coin within 20 seconds, it isn't going to.

But it is only marginally good on those frothy proofs like the 1981 I have pictured. It just doesn't seem to fully remove it. (The pictured coin HAS NOT been cleaned with Tarn-X and is just an example of what I am talking about). There is always a hue of froth left.

Russ

<< <i>On the Tarn-X label, it states that it doesn't remove any metal. >>



All acid based solutions remove metal. If you don't believe that, just leave a lustrous silver coin in the solution for too long and see what happens. It will become dull and lifeless because a layer of the surface metal has been stripped away.

Russ, NCNE

Cameonut

I have occasionally used MS70 to remove haze. The trick is to use it at lower strength than comes out of the bottle. I mix one part MS70 to 3 parts water. This stuff is more like a soap - very slippery. I use a set of those blue plastic coin tongs to hold the coin. Then use a Qtip and very gently swab the coin with the MS70 mixture. If it doesn't come off the first time, do it again. Then rinse, rinse, rinse to remove the excess solution. Then blot dry between tissue papers. Be very gentle lest you add a bunch of hairlines.

Shooter1963

How do you remove a fingerprint from a proof coin? Will MS-70 or Acetone work?

Boom

Hi Shooter. Welcome to the Boards. You sure came to the right place if seeking information as there are many knowledgable people here however, when it comes to these topics, I don't know the answers myself.

edited for spelling corrections