Coin dipping/touching up for the novice?

Newman1908

I wanted to know what type of coin cleaner or dip I should use to practice on some cull silver coins to remove tarnish and damage? Thanks

lkeigwin

What used to be called "Jewel Luster" is now sold as "eZest". This is what most collectors (and the grading services) use. Google it and you'll find many places that sell it.

Good idea to practice on culls. Remember to do a proper, complete rinse after using it.

Think long and hard before dipping a coin. It will remove toning acquired over many years and may diminish the coin's value significantly.
Lance.

Insider2

Try different concentrations of dip.
Dips are acid so neutralize the coin in baking soda and distilled water.
Rinse the soda off in distilled water.

Don't rub the coins to dry them.

Proper dipping is not as easy as people make it out to be. Practice on your culls as if they were $10,000 coins to perfect the proper techniques. You may not realize what you stumbled upon as professionals also do a lot of "touch-up's" rather than full dips.

ChrisH821

I would suggest also practicing on some common uncircs, like '64 Kennedys that can commonly be found with less than desirable toning. I would also recommend picking up some MS70, I've had good luck removing haze from proofs and bringing out underlying luster on dingey uncs, would not recommend using it on any circulated coin. One of the Franklins I used it on grade out at PR68CAM and it was pretty bad before the application. You do have to be very, very careful with the proof surfaces though, they hairline easily.

@lkeigwin brings up good points about rinsing and possible de-valuing a coin by dipping.

Oh and don't forget acetone, it's a staple for removing old adhesive or other organic stuff like oils from the surfaces.

KellenCoin

Do not.