how do I know if a coin has been cleaned

sanitarium1inmate

Is there a book out there that will help with tell tale signs of cleaned coins and how to identify them. I have bought a few coins like peace and morgans but I am not too sure if the have been cleaned. I know from the look of them that they have not been dipped but I just need a little more knowledge on the signs of cleaners. Thanx in advance. Kris

DustyCoinbox

Wow - one could teach a class on this subject alone! The best thing to do is to visit your local coin shop, when (s)he's not busy, and ask to see examples of coins that have been subjected to various types of cleaning.

Meantime, there are some examples on ebay:

Mechanical cleaning often leaves parallel hairlines : Mechanical leaning

Heavy abrasive mechanical cleaning can look like this: Heavily Cleaned

Chemical cleaning can leave a coin flat and without luster: Chemical cleaning

Polished coins will be too shiny, but may be flat where worn: Polished

BlindedByEgo

Search "cleaned" and "coins" on this forum and find a wealth of info. Try "coin" and "books" in a forum search, as well.

sanitarium1inmate

on the 32 s quarter and the overpolished morgan, after a little time would you be able to tell if they were cleaned say like about a good 10 years down the road. I'm not trying to find ways to cheat people but just get a clue as to some of the professionals that take peoples hard earned money,like from me that has really no insight on dipping and such. I can tell if a coin has scratches like from a cloth but I have read on here of people using acetone and q-tips. I just don't want to be a sucker to these types of people.