Spots On ASE?

Banemorth

Good Morning! Quick question...

I have several early ASE's 86/87/88 and noticed these small white spots developing on the surface of the coin. They're still in their original mint packaging. What exactly are these spots, how do I get rid of them without damaging the proof surface of the coins and how do I prevent them from developing on my new coins?

Thanks guys

notwilight

$64,000

Banemorth

<< <i>$64,000 >>



o.O

ricko

They are called 'milk spots' and originate from the mint's process. It seems, though not concluded, that their appearance can be stimulated by environmental conditions. It has been said that an acetone bath BEFORE milk spots appear (such as at time of receipt of the coin) will prevent this phenomena. At this time, there is no known method of removing them after they appear. Cheers, RickO

Banemorth

Well that sucks Oh well

Banemorth

If I were to send these out to get graded would milk spots lower their grade?

Also would you recommend pulling my 25th ASE set out of the holders and giving them an acetone bath?

GRANDAM

Yes to both questions. Be sure to dry the coins after acetone bath, don't rub them. Pat dry with cotton towel.

I then immediately hit both sides with a hair dryer until warm to the touch to eliminate any remaining moisture

GrandAm

Banemorth

Thank you for the advise Gram I plan to do this tonight!

19Lyds

<< <i>Yes to both questions. Be sure to dry the coins after acetone bath, don't rub them. Pat dry with cotton towel.

I then immediately hit both sides with a hair dryer until warm to the touch to eliminate any remaining moisture

GrandAm >>

Huh? Clean Acetone will evaporae rather quickly.

Does Acetone actually work on proof milk spots?

Banemorth

<< <i>

<< <i>Yes to both questions. Be sure to dry the coins after acetone bath, don't rub them. Pat dry with cotton towel.

I then immediately hit both sides with a hair dryer until warm to the touch to eliminate any remaining moisture

GrandAm >>

Huh? Clean Acetone will evaporae rather quickly.

Does Acetone actually work on proof milk spots? >>



Rick said it won't remove them just prevent them from appearing if they haven't yet.

GRANDAM

<< <i>

<< <i>Yes to both questions. Be sure to dry the coins after acetone bath, don't rub them. Pat dry with cotton towel.

I then immediately hit both sides with a hair dryer until warm to the touch to eliminate any remaining moisture

GrandAm >>

Huh? Clean Acetone will evaporae rather quickly.

Does Acetone actually work on proof milk spots? >>



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It is supposed to evaporate but I am Obsessive / Compulsive so I use the air dry to be sure

ricko

I dip them in pure acetone... soak for a few minutes (cover the dish, it evaporates quickly), then I rinse in clean alcohol, hot flowing water and blow dry with a hair dryer. Now, let me be clear... the acetone bath was a recommended preventative. I have used it (and know others who have... in fact it was first proposed by Russ), however, I cannot technically prove it works... although none of my ASE's have developed milk spots. Cheers, RickO

ModernCoin

<< <i>I dip them in pure acetone... soak for a few minutes (cover the dish, it evaporates quickly), then I rinse in clean alcohol, hot flowing water and blow dry with a hair dryer. Now, let me be clear... the acetone bath was a recommended preventative. I have used it (and know others who have... in fact it was first proposed by Russ), however, I cannot technically prove it works... although none of my ASE's have developed milk spots. Cheers, RickO >>



A rinse through hot water is fine as long as you put them back into pure acetone. Tap water without a doubt contains trace elements so personally I would either use distilled water, or hit the coins with acetone again. Either way though an acetone rinse is probably a good idea for any US mint pure silver.

ModernCoin

<< <i>Thank you for the advise Gram I plan to do this tonight! >>



If they're already spotting than at best all you will do is halt the progression of the spots. If you have a lot of ASEs I would concentrate on rinsing the ones that haven't developed any spots yet before dealing with the spotted coins. Good luck with whatever you do though .

***Btw, it should be noted that we're all talking about the 100% pure acetone that you buy at the hardware store. Do *NOT* use "pure 100% acetone" fingernail polish remover as that crap has perfume and what not.

Banemorth

Would MS70 or any other gentle cleaners be able to safely remove milk spots or nay?

Thanks for all the great advise!

ModernCoin

<< <i>Would MS70 or any other gentle cleaners be able to safely remove milk spots or nay? >>



NO product on the planet will remove a milk spot safely once it has developed.... PERIOD . The first person to figure out a way to remove them without altering the coins's surface is going to potentially make a lot of money

57loaded

<< <i>Would MS70 or any other gentle cleaners be able to safely remove milk spots or nay?

Thanks for all the great advise! >>



if it's on the mirrors of proof or devices on a reverse proof, you have a great shot with MS-70.

a dip can remove some spots but i wouldn't do it unless it was bullion or not being sent for grading.

use the acetone recomendations here and just don't put a "wet" acetoned coin back in it's capsule...acetone does evaporate quickly but i use a hair dryer or dust-off spray cans, to dry.

Banemorth

Excellent advise everyone thank you!