PVC help

coinlieutenant

Bought a pretty cool little deal today and got it in the mail. Mostly bust halves, one AU Barber half and some Morgans. 50% of the coins have PVC on the high points, not to the point of damage, but certainly not good.

Anyone have any pointers on trying to get this stuff off. Certain types of acetone?

How long to soak?

J

Djord

I had good luck with rubbing alchohol. I would pull out about every five minutes to check, and inspected with loupe.
After I could no longer see residue I rinsed with cold water and put it in between paper towels to dry.
I did have one high spot that I cleaned with a cue tip and achohol but carefully, and it caused no problem
whatsoever.

MrSpud

Acetone from the hardware store, place about a spoonful on a handmirror and let it evaporate. If it doesn't leave a visible residue it is safe to use on coins. Place a coin in a glass jar, cover the coin with the acetone about 1/2 inch higher than the coin, cover to retard evaporation and let it soak for a while (like at least a half hour but as long as overnight. Pour off that acetone and replace with fresh acetone and cover and let it soak again. Repeat until no visible PVC is present and then replace the Acetone once or twice more with fresh acetone just to make sure it is all gone and then pour off the acetone and let the coin dry on a clean cotton cloth (an old clean cotton shirt is fine). Note-Turn the coin over once without rubbing right after you place the coin on it to let the excess acetone wick off into the cotton. Don't let the acetone touch anything plastic including polyester cloth (use cotton) and be careful what you cover the glass jar with (Don't use any lid with a plastic or rubber liner or it will melt from the acetone vapors). Do this somewhere where there is good ventilation and avoid breathing in the vapors. Avoid flames and sparks.

ar18

acetone all the way

Steve27

You can get relatively pure acetone at Home Depot. For non-proof coins, after soaking for a while, you can use a saturated Q-tip if necessary.

AZLARRY

I have two NGC graded bust halves with the nasty green stuff on them. I will send them into NCS for an acetone bath and then they will send them down the hall for reholdering.