Does dipping always get the dirt out of the crevices of a coin?

Longacre

When I look at coin online, I try to see if I can tell if they are "original" or not. One way (I think) is to see if there is dirt in the crevices of the coin or not. My question is--- if a coin has dirt on it, is that an indication that the coin was not dipped (at least not recently)? In other words, is it the dip that takes the dirt off of the coin, or does the dip just make the coin brighter? I have also seen coins that had dirt, but which were also a little bright. Any thoughts?

AlaBill

To expand this question, is there any way to determine if a coin is original from a photograph or from viewing it on the web?

RYK

To expand this question, is there any way to determine if a coin is original from a photograph or from viewing it on the web?

I think it would be easier to tell that a coin is unoriginal than to tell that is original. I would argue that that applies both to judging a coin in a photograph and judging a coin in your hand.

KurtHorn

<< <i>To expand this question, is there any way to determine if a coin is original from a photograph or from viewing it on the web? >>



No, not really, as it is so simple to play with a photo to make the coin "look" the way you want it to. Use photos to judge amount of detail and look for problems, scratches, rim dings. Stick with good feedback, ask the seller questions if you're not sure, be careful!

Frequently seeing toning only in crevices screams that it has been cleaned.

Stunner

As far as dipping no, this doesnt always remove the dirt from the crevices. This might be achieved by dipping the coin several times, but then you're losing the natural luster.

Dahlonega

Often 'dipping' may combined with 'buzzing' (ultrasound) which will remove some of the 'dirt'
I am unable to discern if a coin is original based on auction photographs. In my opinion there is no substitute for inspecting the coin other than having someone you trust do so.

Shamika

Dipping will not usually remove dirt. However, I would be surprised if anyone would actually dip a coin without having removed all of the dirt beforehand. Otherwise, you may not be able to neutralize the dip which will in turn ruin the coin (or part of it). However, anything is possible these days.

I general, I believe the presence of dirt is a good sign.

DaveG

I think you really need to see the coin in-hand to tell if it's "original" or not. Sometimes a coin that's "too light for its own good" in a picture is just a victim of a lousy picture.

As far as "dirt" goes, you really need to consider what the coin should look like: a VF coin will look very different from an AU coin. For example, a circulated (VF or XF, let's say) 1850 Liberty Seated should look "gray", not "white", so such a coin that does look "white" probably isn't original. On the other hand, a nice AU coin from 1850 might look "white", but it it is original, it should have some "crust" (toning, light dirt, etc.). If you see such a coin, and your first thought is "Wow, that coin looks like it was minted yesterday!", then your second thought should be "Maybe it's not original."

As for gold coins, particularly pre-Civil War gold, I look for dirt and differences in color across the surface of the coin (things like luster in the protected areas, for example.) If I see a VF gold coin that's bright yellow instead of a darker "mustard" color, I get worried. If I see an AU coin that has absolutely no color differences across the surface of the coin (a uniform shiny-ness), then I get worried. On the other hand, if I see an XF or AU coin where the surface is a darker yellow rather than bright yellow (i.e., "crust") and there's some luster remaining in the protected areas, then I get excited.

As far as an AU-58 coin goes, imagine the difference between a car that has just been washed and waxed and a car that hasn't been washed in a few weeks. If you see a 150-year old coin that gleams at you like that freshly waxed car, maybe you're looking at a dipped coin.

wjd283

<< <i>When I look at coin online, I try to see if I can tell if they are "original" or not. One way (I think) is to see if there is dirt in the crevices of the coin or not. My question is--- if a coin has dirt on it, is that an indication that the coin was not dipped (at least not recently)? In other words, is it the dip that takes the dirt off of the coin, or does the dip just make the coin brighter? I have also seen coins that had dirt, but which were also a little bright. Any thoughts? >>



A coin can be dipped and still have smoe dirt type spots on it.

A dip can remove a lot of dirt and toning making it appear brighter.

An overdipped coin will look washed out and dull with little luster.

If an auction pic looks dull I woud'nt bid.

coinkat

I think it would be easier to tell that a coin is unoriginal than to tell that is original. I would argue that that applies both to judging a coin in a photograph and judging a coin in your hand.

RYK:

Thanks for advancing the argument that an original surfaces designation is long overdue to help preserve the original coin population. I collected no motto Libs once upon a time and quit because it was not worth it.

GAT

I have seen Morgans that were cleaned and retoned that still had black dirt in the reeding.