What’s your “go-to” solvent when acetone doesn’t work?

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DNADave
DNADave Posts: 7,350 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

I bought a collection of WLHs in a Whitman folder. I looked at the better dates 1938-D 1921-S and the early coins in book 1. I didn’t look at the back of every coin. (Insert lesson learned).
Four coins ended up being glued very well into their holes. Acetone had zero affect after several days.
I think it may be an epoxy resin.
What would you try next? Before the wire brush.
I’m sure they’re ruined, but I’d like them to be a little cleaner for the junk pile.



Comments

  • philographer
    philographer Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Oh my goodness. That’s horrible!

    He who knows he has enough is rich.

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,069 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 29, 2019 3:15PM
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    I would just scrap them. Not worth the cost of the solvent for common date circ.

    You can try hexanes if you want to experiment.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 29, 2019 3:20PM
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    Paint remover, turpentine, mineral spirits...Great practice coins. Wish I had them. Keep playing and NO SCRUBBING. Let us know what worked. I'm 100% sure some of us here could take that stuff off.

  • Oldhoopster
    Oldhoopster Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 29, 2019 3:58PM
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    Xylene may work. But if it does, your probably going to have ugly, mottled toning.

    Member of the ANA since 1982
  • djm
    djm Posts: 1,565 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    EZest will work but you probably won't like the looks of the coin when your done.

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    If you send the '42 to me, I will try some of my methods....(I like that date, and would work to ensure the coin is not damaged)....Cheers, RickO

  • Goldminers
    Goldminers Posts: 4,414 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    A propane torch might work, and you might get a colorful, artificially toned half as a bonus. ;)

    My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set

  • cameonut2011
    cameonut2011 Posts: 10,916 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    toulene
    2-Butoxyethanol

  • acloco
    acloco Posts: 955 ✭✭✭
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    goo gone

    Successful BST transactions with: jp84, WaterSport, Stupid, tychojoe, Swampboy, dragon, Jkramer, savoyspecial, ajaan, tyedye, ProofCollection, Broadstruck x2, TwinTurbo, lordmarcovan, devious, bumanchu, AUandAG, Collectorcoins (2x), staircoins, messydesk, illini420, nolawyer (10x & counting), peaceman, bruggs, agentjim007, ElmerFusterpuck, WinLoseWin, RR, WaterSports, KeyLargRareCoins, LindeDad, Flatwoods, cucamongacoin, grote15, UtahCoin, NewParadigm, smokincoin, sawyerjosh x3
  • Batman23
    Batman23 Posts: 5,494 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow, that is worse than the tape I used to use to keep coins from falling out. I like the freeze and heat idea. Liquid Nitrogen might be a little extreme though.

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,069 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @MrScience said:
    Try immersing them in liquid nitrogen - the stresses caused by differential contraction between the glue and the metal may cause the glue to delaminate....

    This will sometimes work at higher temperatures than liquid nitrogen. You can safely cycle heat and cold using a regular freezer first. May not be a big enough temperature change, but most people don't have access to liquid nitrogen.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Kliao
    Kliao Posts: 5,802 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow! Why Were they glued to the book?

    Collector
    Over 100 Positive BST transactions buying and selling with 57 members and counting!
    instagram.com/klnumismatics

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,762 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Kliao said:
    Wow! Why Were they glued to the book?

    They were probably loose in the album and were falling out.

    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

  • Goldminers
    Goldminers Posts: 4,414 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Some on internet say to boil them to try to get the glue softer and then see if most of it will come off with a fingernail rubber/plastic scraper. Then the remaining residue try fingernail polish remover, or other solvents mentioned above.

    Aircraft paint stripper (methylene chloride) might work. Supposedly it does not hurt most metal including sterling , but I used this on a 90 year old car frame and it is powerful stuff and will burn if you do not wear gloves. There is a water based version that washes off better.

    My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set

  • Hemispherical
    Hemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @MrScience said:
    Try immersing them in liquid nitrogen - the stresses caused by differential contraction between the glue and the metal may cause the glue to delaminate....

    This is a good idea. If you don’t have liquid nitrogen handy...

    Put them in the freezer for awhile then drop them in very hot water.

    Something will happen...

    Caution: Beware of splash back.

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @djm said:
    EZest will work but you probably won't like the looks of the coin when your done.

    Don't think it will affect the coating.

  • Baley
    Baley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Electrolysis.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • ifthevamzarockin
    ifthevamzarockin Posts: 8,915 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Dry ice may help to super cool enough for the glue to crack. ( Use caution & gloves! )

    A soak in lacquer thinner might work also. ( Use caution! Very flammable & strong fumes )

  • thefinn
    thefinn Posts: 2,657 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I don't use Acetone. I use Methylene chloride. Period.

    thefinn
  • Aercus
    Aercus Posts: 383 ✭✭✭✭
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    If I have to go a bit harder, I will typically use xylenes. Beyond that, MEK and others can be amazing, but the health risks increase, and do you really want to shave off some life expectancy for common silver? Also, some mechanical work, such as attempting to freeze off the material, might be a good first pass. Any sort of large glob of glue will take a while for a solvent to work through and simply breaking it off can be faster.

    PS: since most people don't have a fume hood, make sure to use organic solvents only in places with plenty of air circulation, preferably outside. Read the SDS or other safety instructions before using any unfamiliar solvents.

    Aercus Numismatics - Certified coins for sale

  • georgiacop50
    georgiacop50 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭✭
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    Trichlorotrifluoroethane but its hard to find anymore

  • Aercus
    Aercus Posts: 383 ✭✭✭✭
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    @georgiacop50 said:
    Trichlorotrifluoroethane but its hard to find anymore

    That one is known to deplete ozone from the atmosphere. Please don't use it.

    Aercus Numismatics - Certified coins for sale

  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @MrScience said:
    Try immersing them in liquid nitrogen - the stresses caused by differential contraction between the glue and the metal may cause the glue to delaminate....

    That's an interesting concept. I wonder if using this idea he could take a can of computer keyboard duster and turn it upside down so it releases the freezing liquid contents directly onto the glue? Aren't the contents nitrogen or something similar?

    Use gloves and eye protection!

  • Broadstruck
    Broadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Previously owned by a Rocket Scientist who adhered them for space travel?

    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • DelawareDoons
    DelawareDoons Posts: 3,444 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    You will all laugh but. WD-40.

    "It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."

  • drwstr123
    drwstr123 Posts: 7,053 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I am not suggesting that you use it, but I would use Carbon Tetrachloride.
    (Atmosphere: Nitrogen-78%, Oxygen-21%, Argon-0.93%, Neon-0.00182%, Methane-0.00015%, Krypton-0.00014%, Hydrogen-0.00005%,...)

  • DIMEMAN
    DIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @DelawareDoons said:
    You will all laugh but. WD-40.

    And then pull off with duck tape? ;)

  • messydesk
    messydesk Posts: 20,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @ms70 said:

    @MrScience said:
    Try immersing them in liquid nitrogen - the stresses caused by differential contraction between the glue and the metal may cause the glue to delaminate....

    That's an interesting concept. I wonder if using this idea he could take a can of computer keyboard duster and turn it upside down so it releases the freezing liquid contents directly onto the glue? Aren't the contents nitrogen or something similar?

    1,1-difluoroethane refrigerant (R152a).

    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • 7Jaguars
    7Jaguars Posts: 8,020 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    50% ammonia

    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
  • ccmorgan
    ccmorgan Posts: 1,232 ✭✭✭
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    Warm them gently with a propane torch 150-200*F and gently higher if needed. At those temps the coins will not tarnish and the adhesive should peel off.

    Love the 1885-CC Morgan
  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,069 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @ms70 said:

    @MrScience said:
    Try immersing them in liquid nitrogen - the stresses caused by differential contraction between the glue and the metal may cause the glue to delaminate....

    That's an interesting concept. I wonder if using this idea he could take a can of computer keyboard duster and turn it upside down so it releases the freezing liquid contents directly onto the glue? Aren't the contents nitrogen or something similar?

    Use gloves and eye protection!

    The liquid in a duster is at ROOM TEMPERATURE. The can gets cold due to expansion of the liquid to a gas during ejection. Same principle as a refrigerator or air conditioner. You'd be better off just throwing it in a freezer, I would think.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Ronyahski
    Ronyahski Posts: 3,120 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @georgiacop50 said:
    Trichlorotrifluoroethane but its hard to find anymore

    Agree. But I gave trying to get it, hard to find.

    Some refer to overgraded slabs as Coffins. I like to think of them as Happy Coins.
  • jmski52
    jmski52 Posts: 24,011 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    toulene
    2-Butoxyethanol     - these are worth a shot

    xylene, in lieu of toluene

    if acetone didn't work, MEK probably won't either

    Trichlorotrifluoroethane - worth a shot

    turpentine

    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • philographer
    philographer Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow, after all these recommendations, sounds like you’ll need to get a hazmat truck over over to your house when you’re done!

    He who knows he has enough is rich.

  • planetsteve
    planetsteve Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭✭
    edited October 5, 2019 8:32AM
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    Lots of compounds suggested here. I know the basics of chemistry but I’m getting a bit lost. When we want to go a step beyond acetone, what are we looking for in a chemical?:

    — less polarity? Even to the point of being insoluble or immiscible in water?

    — higher molecular weight?

    — specialized “stripping” or “degreasing” properties? Surfactants?

    Here’s a straightforward source that kinda ranks several of the chemicals mentioned here, and the stripping/degreasing actions:

    https://www.ehow.com/list_6868703_relative-cleaning-strengths-solvents.html

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