Home U.S. Coin Forum

Rescuing coins headache

BodinBodin Posts: 1,022 ✭✭✭
Why is there really no consensus (other than don't do it) for removal of verdigris, pvc, etc on copper, silver, etc?

I'm trying to remove some pvc from circulated Buffalos, Lincolns, and IHCs.

I searched through many years of posts and there are SO MANY different responses. No one seems to be on the same page of success.
Whats worse is that when someone states they have something that works for them, another poster will come along and say "that won't work"

I feel like at some point.....there would be a recipe for success.

I know, I know,.....too many variables I guess.

Comments

  • ShadyDaveShadyDave Posts: 2,217 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think the people who do have "recipes" that work well would prefer to charge you for their services or for the actual recipe or would rather keep it for themselves as a trade secret. I have encountered the same search results as you and I have also come to the same conclusion.

    Experimenting or trying different methods on "junk silver" or common "Lincoln cents" is the only way to really find out what "recipe" works best for particular maladies depending on the severity.
  • ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    an acetone soaked Q-tip works fine for removing PVC as well as most gunk from silver. it dries fast so may have to be re-wetted a few times, i prefer to roll the Q-tip rather than rubbing
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
  • WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,894 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Every coin I submit to PCGS, gets an acetone bath with Q tip also.

    WS
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • BodinBodin Posts: 1,022 ✭✭✭
    alright, i'm gonna figure out my own recipe. And I'm not telling ANYONE!
    ......now where is my MS70 and ranch dressing....
  • coindeucecoindeuce Posts: 13,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There allegedly is an old remedy for copper that involves free range turkeys. image

    "Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
    http://www.american-legacy-coins.com

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As you mentioned, variables will affect the effectiveness of various recipes.... not really any

    secrets... Acetone, Q-tips are usually effective, sometimes a rose thorn is necessary... but the more effort applied, the more likely there is already surface damage beneath. Cheers, RickO
  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Since you already know about MS-70, you are well ahead of the "acetone" folks. Keep your ear low to the ground as there is lots of good info on the forums. Also, different methods and chemicals are used on different coinage metals.



    Some posters know more than others and only give a few tips. I suggest you try ALL of them. Helps you separate the conservation buffs from the "parrots."



    One method I have tried before on Buffalo nickels is two part: Coin Care then Acetone.



    You'll have a very hard time prying out detailed info on copper conservation image
  • coindeucecoindeuce Posts: 13,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I observed a wannabee dealer once recolor a decent 1821 large cent that was too bright, by wearing it daily inside his penny loafers with leather insoles for a couple of months. I guess the discomfort of having the object in his footwear was worth it. The end justifies the means ?

    "Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
    http://www.american-legacy-coins.com

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    [Quote] I observed a wannabee dealer once recolor a decent 1821 large cent that was too bright, by wearing it daily inside his penny loafers with leather insoles for a couple of months. [/Quote]



    See, what I said.. info comes out to those who listen. Maybe that's why us old copper collectors limp around.

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file