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Acetone on a very crusty higher grade coin
BIGAL2749
Posts: 742 ✭✭✭✭
I usually do not clean or dip coins but is this one of those exceptions where acetone may take off some crud but leave balance of color?
I just do not want a coin that looks processed in any way.
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Why do you want to mess with a 350 year old coin?
That's usually my feelings and bought it today without any intension of touching it but wondered if some dirt and grim could be removed.
That is a very impressive coin. I would be afraid to mess with it.
It's not crusty crud, it's character. 350 years of travel and stories. Don't do it.
While I think the coin looks totally appropriate for it's age, there may be some crud that retards it's appearance. But the downside is that some of the spots on the coin will be much more visible. Acetone will not remove those spots. While conservation might improve the look of 95% of the coin, the spots will now be a focus point. The coins looks nice now and I would not try to improve it....given my lack of experience in that arena. But the decision is yours, and needs to be measured by the current value of the coin.
OINK
My vote is to leave it alone. It's nice the way it is. The dirt on it is probably historical too!
Duplicate
I don't think acetone would change much. It won't remove the spots. I see some but not a lot of organic dirt.
So I don't see much benefit or much downside. I'd play it safe and leave it alone.
Lance.
And don't try French dressing.
Acetone shouldn't hurt it but probably won't change its appearance much. If you are going to get it slabbed, let the grading service conserve it first before getting it graded. They have chemicals and techniques that aren't available to the typical collector.
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
Put me in the "let it be" crowd.
Put me in the....words of wisdom..
CC
Acetone will only affect the organic deposits.... and remove them. What is left may or may not be attractive. Certainly it will not affect the coin or any tarnish on the surface. Personally, with that coin, I would leave it as is...Cheers, RickO
Don’t fool with it.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I don't see any thing that needs removing, like pvc or old glue or whatnot. the acetone might remove a thin layer of organic patina, though, and make some areas look too bright. I wouldn't touch it, looks great as is!
Especially if it is worth real money, only let professional conservation people treat it.
Use a rose thorn to pick at the dirt.
I'm with the "leave it alone" group. I think it looks very nice and crusty as is. JMHO.
If you have not done this at least 100 times, leave it be. It would be nice to have that coin professionally conserved. it is definitely a candidate. Note the term professional, otherwise you are going to add that (very nice) coin to the pile of coin doctor discards that are everywhere.
leave it be!
Latin American Collection
It’s strange that if asked the same question, I’d strongly advise touching it.
When I bid on the coin I was never planning on touching it but after winning it, the idea to ask those who have experience with acetone bath came to mind. Temporary insanity and
NOT going to touch it!
I liked it much better than a competing coin (price wise) on which I did not bid
that's a great coin nice skin. no friggen way would I do anything to that coin.
Not only Let It Be, but Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
er, uh ... yeah, just let it be!
I tried the rose thorn deal, ended up scratching the coin (it as copper). As the Beatles once sung, Let It Be!
Louis Armstrong
Just say NO!
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
If you are determined to ruin the coin, just drop it in a pot of boiling Tarn-X for an hour or so.....
That way the result can be easily predicted.
the yellow around the periphery has me worried about PVC - I would (but have also done it over a hundred times)
Looks good as is.
Just leave it as is. The downside to messing with it is high.