PCGS Coin Sniffer question

Bruggs

I was wondering if the coin sniffer that PCGS is said to be using would detect a coin "conditioner" or preservative. I'm lucky enough to have some of the original coin "CARE". This is the old time stuff that really does a wonderful job on copper. Would this, or any product that doesn't really change the surface of the coin, be a substance that would red flag the coin and have it end up a in genuine holder?

kurtdog

It's a "conditioner?" I'll answer, only your hairdresser knows for sure.

Steve27

My guess would be yes, since it probably leaves a residue on the coin.

llafoe

<< <i>My guess would be yes, since it probably leaves a residue on the coin. >>

PTVETTER

blue ribbon is a subance tested for so I'm guessing it will be detected!

ricko

Yes. Cheers, RickO

kurtdog

I think the bigger question is, "If you feel you need a chemical analysis on a coin before you can figure out whether or not you can appreciate it, do you think you need to find a different hobby?"

questor54

<< <i>It's a "conditioner?" I'll answer, only your hairdresser knows for sure. >>



Or Brylcreme - "A little dab will do ya!"

PTVETTER

If you put the conditioner only on the hair and the curls become enhanced will that improve the grade?
It's just a question

kurtdog

<< <i>If you put the conditioner only on the hair and the curls become enhanced will that improve the grade? >>

Hey, quit giving them ideas!

questor54

Coin 'conditioner' for preservation is a bit of a slippery slope (no pun intended). Lacquer was also intended as a 'preserative'. Sometimes chemicals can have unintended consequences. I have seen some 'conditioners' that make coins look downright greasy - such as the old time stuff from HARCO. Harold Cohen (Har Co) when he was still alive, demonstrated the product on some Lincoln cents and (in my opinion) made them look unnaturally shiny.

halfcentman

<< <i>I was wondering if the coin sniffer that PCGS is said to be using would detect a coin "conditioner" or preservative. I'm lucky enough to have some of the original coin "CARE". This is the old time stuff that really does a wonderful job on copper. Would this, or any product that doesn't really change the surface of the coin, be a substance that would red flag the coin and have it end up a in genuine holder? >>



You beat me to that question.

With all due respect to PCGS, I have to disagree with PCGS for not grading a coin just because it has BR or Care.

The problem is this. Let's just say the coin is really dirty and grimy. You hit it with some Xylol and about three Q-tips on each side. When you do this, you leave a copper coin bone dry. If it stays like that, it is going to corrode and rot.

By PROPERLY appling BR or Care, you are PRESERVING or restoring the coin. There's a way to do it, and all I am going to tell you is that it takes patience.

messydesk

<< <i>If you put the conditioner only on the hair and the curls become enhanced will that improve the grade?
It's just a question >>

questor54

There are questions in our great hobby which will never be answered:

AT .vs. NT

Slabbed .vs. Raw

Conserved .vs. Doctored

Cleaned .vs. Original

There are no definitive answers. It just comes down to the individual collector and the marketplace. KNOWLEDGE comes in to help a collector make an informed decision. To the extent the PCGS Sniffer (or any other technology) helps to provide that knowledge, I am all for it.

lkeigwin

Blue Ribbon is explicitly mentioned on the Sniffer list. I don't remember if CoinCare was too but I suspect the two are much alike.

I agree with halfcentman.
Lance.