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To clean or not to clean that is the question.

Elem21wedElem21wed Posts: 101
in U.S. Coin Forum
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I personally think a light dusting would bring out more detail in the body of the eagle. But I don't have any experience "de-griming" coins. What I don't want is to find it starting to corrode the next time I look at it.

Chris

Comments

  • BlackLodge1BlackLodge1 Posts: 144
    I've been collecting for 34 years and I've always been told NEVER clean coins. However there might be something new out there that I haven't heard of.

    My advice is do A LOT of research before you decide.
    I have all kinds of coins, tokens and a few medals. I'm not a big time Stack's Auction collector. I don't collect for investment or value. When I see a coin I think is neat, I grab it. I collect a few coins by year and mint, like Lincoln and Canadian Cents, Westward Journey Nickels, State Quarters, Presidential Dollars and 2 or 3 others. I have some Proof Sets and Uncirculated Sets. I've been collecting for 34 years, so I have a little bit of everything.

    PS.
    I LIKE IKEs!
  • dohdoh Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭
    Doesn't it already look a little corroded? I see some green. Maybe try some acetone.
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  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Try acetone first... then olive oil... use the pure acetone. Let soak for a day or so.... covered. No more than a light 'dabbing' with a Qtip. If no luck.. soak in olive oil for a month.. perhaps the same light dabbing. Let us know the results. Cheers, RickO
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would leave the coin alone and not get all bothered as it looks fine.
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • BlackLodge1BlackLodge1 Posts: 144


    << <i>Try acetone first... then olive oil... use the pure acetone. Let soak for a day or so.... covered. No more than a light 'dabbing' with a Qtip. If no luck.. soak in olive oil for a month.. perhaps the same light dabbing. Let us know the results. Cheers, RickO >>



    Olive oil eh? Can this be used with any coin for any type of cleaning?
    I have all kinds of coins, tokens and a few medals. I'm not a big time Stack's Auction collector. I don't collect for investment or value. When I see a coin I think is neat, I grab it. I collect a few coins by year and mint, like Lincoln and Canadian Cents, Westward Journey Nickels, State Quarters, Presidential Dollars and 2 or 3 others. I have some Proof Sets and Uncirculated Sets. I've been collecting for 34 years, so I have a little bit of everything.

    PS.
    I LIKE IKEs!
  • Mercury10cMercury10c Posts: 2,958
    Acetone. That green crap looks like it is already eating into the surface. If it's not removed, you will eventually
    have a bunch of pitting. Don't scrub or rub the coin. Just let it sit in acetone for a bit, and then maybe use a q-tip.
    Basically, what Ricko said.
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Make sure to only use Virgin olive oil on Uncirculated coins! image

    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • USAFRETWIUSAFRETWI Posts: 464 ✭✭✭
    I metal detected a bunch of ancients when I was stationed in Italy. My best coin was crusted up with dirt and I put it in olive oil for 6 months trying to get the dirt off. No luck, dirt is still there.
  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,209 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Try acetone first... then olive oil... use the pure acetone. Let soak for a day or so.... covered. No more than a light 'dabbing' with a Qtip. If no luck.. soak in olive oil for a month.. perhaps the same light dabbing. Let us know the results. Cheers, RickO

    Olive oil eh? Can this be used with any coin for any type of cleaning?

    Olive oil can be used to try and soak off some types of crud. But remember, it is an organic vegetable oil which can turn rancid and form organic acids in contact with air, so be sure not to leave any oily residues on the coin after you soak it.

    Acetone is a good solvent that is suitable for removing greases, oils, tars, waxes, gums and other organic contaminants without leaving a residue behind. Acetone won't hurt the surface of any coin. Don't use it around any iopen flames or ignition sources, and don't breathe the vapors.
    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • BlackLodge1BlackLodge1 Posts: 144
    Great! Thanks jmski!

    Now we just have to see what Elem is going to do with his Flying Eagle.
    I have all kinds of coins, tokens and a few medals. I'm not a big time Stack's Auction collector. I don't collect for investment or value. When I see a coin I think is neat, I grab it. I collect a few coins by year and mint, like Lincoln and Canadian Cents, Westward Journey Nickels, State Quarters, Presidential Dollars and 2 or 3 others. I have some Proof Sets and Uncirculated Sets. I've been collecting for 34 years, so I have a little bit of everything.

    PS.
    I LIKE IKEs!
  • dorkkarldorkkarl Posts: 12,691 ✭✭✭
    that coin won't look good no matter what you do to it. why waste time even discussing it? buy a example YOU LIKE, instead of wasting time & effort on 1 YOU DON'T LIKE

    K S

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