Is acetone safe for gold and platinum too?

ModernCoin

Howdy guys! I tried searching the forum, but even after clearing my cache and cookies I could not get the search function to work in either chrome or IE. Anyway I'm sure it's been asked before, but I I don't know so I'm asking now. Is it safe to "clean" gold and platinum coins in a 100% acetone rinse the same way you clean a silver coin? By "clean", I mean a simple soak in pure acetone before a final soak in a different bowl of pure acetone and then air drying the coins. Obviously I'm not going to rub the coins in any way . I have a few lower mintage AGE's and burnished plat eagles that I would like to submit for grading but there are fingerprints and dust/dirt on some of them and I'm looking for a safe way to remove as much grime as possible without damaging the coins.

I know this is a noob question, but I would truly appreciate an honest answer as I have a significant number of gold and platinum coins plucked from bullion bins that I would like to clean if possible. Just so I'm absolutely clear here, I do NOT want to alter the surface in any way. I simply want to remove grit, that's all. Thanks for your help guys !

botanist

Absolutely yes.

jmski52

Some have concern over the possibility of acetone reacting with the copper component of a coin, but I'm not so sure that it would be a problem. If the acetone is clean and dry (which most acetone is) I think a brief splash and patdown would be fine.

BAJJERFAN

Usually the search function works for IE. I have 8.0, but don't know about 9.0......The somewhat Neanderthal FuseChat software doesn't work with Chrome or FireFox over 3.6.25 ... Some here seem to have good luck with everything. Get rid of the FF upgrades and go back to 3.6.

ricko

Acetone will not harm gold or platinum.... it will only remove organic crud. Cheers, RickO

PerryHall

Safe for precious metals but follow the warnings on the label since it's highly flamable and should be used with good ventilation.

7Jaguars

Only real problem is if it is not pure or the container has other residue crud or the surface of the coin is not patted down (NO RUB!) as some of the dissolved crud will relayer on the surface.


Home Depot is where I get mine, still fairly cheap.
BTW although it is flammable I would not rate it extremely so but no open flames or heating elements nearby!

georgiacop50

Heck yeah!

If your gold is well mixed alloy (think modern gold coins) it is pretty much impervious to any solvent except aqua regia.

Older gold if it still retains it's original skin carries some risk, especially if copper spots are present. But that risk is minimal.

If you have pristine Brasher Dubloons, gem Sesqui slugs, or Cameo Proof Libs, then find someone with mucho experience.

All else-- the reward factor will often exceed the risk factor.

Barry

Yes. It's an organic solvent and won't react with metals.

jmski52

Acetone IS extremely flammable.

streeter

<< <i>Only real problem is if it is not pure or the container has other residue crud or the surface of the coin is not patted down (NO RUB!) as some of the dissolved crud will relayer on the surface.


Home Depot is where I get mine, still fairly cheap.
BTW although it is flammable I would not rate it extremely so but no open flames or heating elements nearby! >>



USE acetone outdoors. It is highly flammable. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

Acetone can ignite at room temperature. Take it seriously.

ModernCoin

This would definitely be done outside. Thanks for the advice everyone, it's certainly appreciated