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Gun Solvents and Coins

I realize this post may trigger some pearl-clutching among a few, but I'll post it anyway...

Has anyone used a gun-cleaning solvent like Hoppe's 9 or Ballistol to remove dirt/corrosion/detritus from a coin? Seems like solvents designed to loosen and remove carbon from a firearm might be used on coins.

Thoughts?

Comments

  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,946 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Let us know with before and after pics!

    I bought a 1,000 Walking Liberties that were stored in a WWII ammo can. They all had ugly toning
    and smelled like h*ll.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    They're your coins. Do whatever you'd like. Personally I'd stick with reasonably pure solvents (acetone) or a thiourea dip if really necessary. Many of the gun solvents are a witches brew of ingredients and results might be a little unpredictable. I'd also be concerned about residue issues down the road. Copper & lead fouling are rare problems in numismatics. image
  • OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think it was Perry Hall who said it best when this conversation came up before

    Hoppes #9 is designed to Dissolve COPPER in your gun barrel......so think about it !!

    Steve
    Promote the Hobby
  • So what about using hopps#9 instead of nic-a-date? I really dislike nic-a-date if you have to use something use the rust removing gel for cars so much better.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You can try it on some pocket change or junk silver coins to see what happens.. When done, it would be a good idea to rinse your coins well with acetone.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Double post. Sorry.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • The stuff used to made to be made to get dirt of tape heads - Tricholoro - whatever - gets hazed 1940-42 Pr Lincolns back in the game so I am told without any change in color at all. Hardly even new skins.

    Eric
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 29,328 ✭✭✭✭✭
    holy corrosion i dont think im gonna use that stuff on any coins.
  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,283 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are several different solvents that contain chlorinated hydrocarbons, and I'd be careful about which ones that I exposed any worthwhile coins to. The one I'd consider best for coins would be 1,1,1-Trichloroethane. Not trichloroethylene. Just sayin'.
    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It is not wise to use chlorinated solvents unless doing so in a well-ventilated area (like a chemical hood). There is a toxicity/carcinogenicity concern.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • WoodenJeffersonWoodenJefferson Posts: 6,491 ✭✭✭✭
    My kit did not come with a coin cleaning rod.
    Chat Board Lingo

    "Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,963 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I love the smell of Hoppe's #9 in the morning.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are many gun cleaning solvents (including Hoppe's #9).... they provide varying effects on coins, depending on the alloy. Having performed many experiments, some of which included gun solvents, I recommend sticking to the recommended agents such as alcohol, acetone, olive oil etc.. The other solvents can produce strange effects and if not properly cleaned, will leave corrosive residues. Those seeking tarnish will find most of these substances will produce interesting effects, but will be rejected by TPG's and knowledgeable collectors. Cheers, RickO
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,624 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image @ "pearl clutching".



  • << <i>I love the smell of Hoppe's #9 in the morning. >>



    Hoppe's #9 and Rem Oil...they're like a carnival for the nostrils.


  • << <i>There are many gun cleaning solvents (including Hoppe's #9).... they provide varying effects on coins, depending on the alloy. Having performed many experiments, some of which included gun solvents, I recommend sticking to the recommended agents such as alcohol, acetone, olive oil etc.. The other solvents can produce strange effects and if not properly cleaned, will leave corrosive residues. Those seeking tarnish will find most of these substances will produce interesting effects, but will be rejected by TPG's and knowledgeable collectors. Cheers, RickO >>



    Good points.

    Here's where I'm at...
    I have a $2.5 gold piece. It's ex-jewelry, and appears to have some solder residue from the mountings.
    I'm wondering if Hoppes or Ballistol may do the trick in removing the solder in this particular instance?
  • SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dilute nitric acid should do the trick. But... you won't like the underlying surface---it will look porous after this treatment. The acid won't dissolve gold, but will do a job on copper in the alloy.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]


  • << <i>Dilute nitric acid should do the trick. But... you won't like the underlying surface---it will look porous after this treatment. The acid won't dissolve gold, but will do a job on copper in the alloy. >>



    That's my fear. And that's why I'm wondering if gun-cleaner solvent will solve the problem.
  • I tried the hull cleaner I use on my boat on a cull half. Seemed to work fine until I added a penny to the mix and and hit it with a hot water rinse. I now have a copper clad half.

    image
    image
    image
    Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    jeff

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