Improperly Cleaned

kimber45ACP

Implies there is a way to clean the coin that will still allow it to be graded.
What is the method that is acceptable, and must it be done by PCGS to qualify for a real grade?

Marauderrt10

<< <i>Implies there is a way to clean the coin that will still allow it to be graded.
What is the method that is acceptable, and must it be done by PCGS to qualify for a real grade? >>

no idea. But i sent in a SLQ that was previously graded and it came back improperly cleaned with no hairlines to be found.

PerryHall

If a coin has been cleaned and it's impossible to detect, then it's a proper cleaning---no hairliness from an abraisive cleaning and no degradation of the luster from being in a chemical dip for too long.

PerryHall

<< <i>Implies there is a way to clean the coin that will still allow it to be graded.
What is the method that is acceptable, and must it be done by PCGS to qualify for a real grade? >>



A dip in acetone to remove PVC or fresh fingerprints or other contamination is considered to be acceptable. A dip in e-z-est to remove tarnish is sometimes acceptable and many such coins resides in PCGS slabs but some collectors find this type of cleaning to be unacceptable.

coinguy1

"Improperly cleaned" can be a catch-all for coins that have been cleaned in any number of ways and which look too unnatural to receive a grade. One thing to keep in mind is that the cleaning method itself might be considered proper/acceptable - dipping for instance - but that if it is overdone, it can result in an "improper cleaning" opinion. So it is often about the look of the coin, rather than the precise method of cleaning.