Chopmark guys: Clean or dirty?
Weiss
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I'm not talking about dipping or MS70ing or 80 grit sandpapering.
Not "cleaning cleaning". Just, would you rather have the chops filled with the opium, dirt, snot, etc. Or would you rather have the chops carefully excavated with a toothpick?
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My vote is “not cleaned”, although I’m still picky about the coins I pick up. Too much dirt/corrosion/China gunk is a turn off.
Talking about examples that are sufficiently circulated to have these features, I'd rather have the coin as original as possible. Someone who is interested in chops is interested in the story of the circulation.
I'll let someone else pick out the snot, thank you!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Leave them be.
The grime is part of the originality.
Especially with chops, which are seemingly difficult to actually authenticate, evidence of originality is key.
A well worn and dirty coin with clean chops would be suspect to me.
I would quarantine them for 3 weeks.
Dirty chops show up the best but then you cannot see the interior "fabric" of the mark. Which do you think is more important?
I prefer them uncleaned.
Minor Variety Trade dollar's with chop marks set:
More Than It's Chopped Up To Be
Another thought. On circulated pieces - dirty. On MS pieces - clean.
I still prefer some dirt, even on ms pieces. Afterall, it is theorized that the majority of trade dollars were smuggled out of China in barrels/jugs of tar.
I mean, not a ton of gunk, but I do prefer the look of a little bit of it.
although, it does seem most of my unc pieces dont have gunk. you may be on to something with this thought.
Minor Variety Trade dollar's with chop marks set:
More Than It's Chopped Up To Be
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Minor Variety Trade dollar's with chop marks set:
More Than It's Chopped Up To Be
@TradesWithChops said: "Afterall, it is theorized that the majority of trade dollars were smuggled out of China in barrels/jugs of tar."
I'd like to read about that. Reference?
As I would expect them to be, Aside from the reference to barrels of tar, gunk gets there through circulation and being passed from gunky hand to gunly hand. An unc coin should have clean chops.
The three coins in the first photo are totally acceptable in their present condition.
That may not be long enough. Hit them with dilute bleach (that will nuke viruses). Of course, you would end up with purple-to-black coins, but they would be safe to handle.
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I consider those coins acceptable as is.... that is accumulated grime from commerce. That being said, most of it would come off with acetone if it bothers you, it is mostly organic....a good soak and rinse vigorously. Cheers, RickO
I dip in acetone to remove all loose organic objects.
You knew the answer before you asked. We like em dirty.
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