White gunk in old green holders

REALGATOR

Lately I have noticed a white substance on gold coins in PCGS old green holders. Here's an example of Bust $2 1/2 with the substance between the left facing talons and shield.

What is this?

Boosibri

Coin looks to have nice color. Sometimes talc was applied in older collections which I would guess that this is.

ricko

Unless it changes over time, nothing short of an SEM scan will definitively identify it. Cheers, RickO

PerryHall

I've also seen this on older gold coins in old green label slabs. They may have been lightly cleaned with a baking soda and water paste which used to be a common practice at one time. I've never heard of talcum powder being put on coins and I don't understand why this would ever be done.

Boosibri

It could also be jewelers rouge however the coin looks quite nice. Never know.

TomB

I don't know what it is, but I have seen it on silver coins, too, both certified and raw.

PerryHall

Originally posted by: Boosibri

It could also be jewelers rouge however the coin looks quite nice. Never know.

I'm guessing that coin's color is a lot paler that what is being shown in that pic. Most likely cleaned with a baking soda/water paste that wasn't totally rinsed off. If jeweler's rouge was used it would have a polished look and wouldn't have received a "body bag" during the green label era.

topstuf

AMAZING strike for a $2.50

topstuf

Originally posted by: PerryHall

I've also seen this on older gold coins in old green label slabs. They may have been lightly cleaned with a baking soda and water paste which used to be a common practice at one time. I've never heard of talcum powder being put on coins and I don't understand why this would ever be done.

Maybe....being it is little.... it was changed and powdered prior to diapering.



...

golden

Originally posted by: topstuf

Originally posted by: PerryHall
I've also seen this on older gold coins in old green label slabs. They may have been lightly cleaned with a baking soda and water paste which used to be a common practice at one time. I've never heard of talcum powder being put on coins and I don't understand why this would ever be done.

Maybe....being it is little.... it was changed and powdered prior to diapering.

...

stman

I've often wondered what I see similar on silver coins. Mainly bust halves.

I often see it in the devices and have passed on coins because of it. It will be in the date, and inside other devices. Not in OGH though.



I have to pass as I take it as some kind of old cleaning residue, or polish. Even when slabbed, and stickered I still pass. One area wouldn't be a big deal I guess, but it will be in multiple areas. Not sure if it's the same issue you show here.