Gun Solvents and Coins

dollarsandcents

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?

AUandAG

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.

bob

BryceM

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.

OldEastside

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

lostincoins

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.

PerryHall

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.

PerryHall

Double post. Sorry.

magikbilly

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

johnny9434

holy corrosion i dont think im gonna use that stuff on any coins.

jmski52

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'.

Sonorandesertrat

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.

WoodenJefferson

My kit did not come with a coin cleaning rod.

cmerlo1

I love the smell of Hoppe's #9 in the morning.

georgiacop50

Great minds...

ricko

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

TwoSides2aCoin

@ "pearl clutching".

dollarsandcents

<< <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.

dollarsandcents

<< <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?

Sonorandesertrat

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.

dollarsandcents

<< <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.

blacksmoke

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.