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Removing tape residue from gold half eagles...AFTER pics inside...
RedSeals
Posts: 279 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just picked these up today. The 1908 seems to be BU and the 1910-S im hoping is AU.
But they were taped to an old cardboard card inside of an ooold bank envelope. They still have some tape residue on them.
So much conflicting info online about if/how/what to dip with, figured id start here before I do anything.
Thanks!
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I would use pure Acetone from the hardware store. Inside small cup, line the bottom with paper towel and place the coins at the bottom so they aren't touching. Pour in acetone to cover the coins at least 1/2" and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Place the batch in a well-ventilated area. Gently remove the coins from the acetone and inspect them to see if any residue remains. You should be able to remove it all without any friction. Stubborn residue can take several repeats of the above process. At the end, rinse the coins with fresh acetone and let them air dry before placing them in holders.
Acetone is the right treatment. Be sure to use a glass jar, not a plastic one. And have good ventilation. No nearby flames.
You can let them soak as long as you like (I've done weeks) but several minutes is probably enough. Repeat the soak with fresh acetone as many times as needed until the residue is gone. A final dip in fresh acetone or distilled water is a good idea.
Lance.
Acetone is the way to go but it evaporates quickly so keep the container you use covered. Recommend doing this in a well-ventilated area and outside is ideal. Let us know how it goes.
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
Acetone soak. Agitation is OK, wiping is NOT.
Acetone is the way to go.
I prefer not to leave them soaking for long periods of time (few hrs tops). The residue continues to stay in the solution, so if it's not removed after a few hrs, change to acetone and repeat. Rinse with fresh acetone when finished to remove any residue that might have been in the the solution.
Don't pour the leftovers down the drain if you have PVC pipes. I just let it evaporate outside.
Beautiful coins anyway. I love half eagles!
Cant wait to see the "after" images
Yes acetone should work.
New guy here, but very timely post. My fathers coin collection has landed in my lap and there are five 1897 Morgan's with tape marks.
Can I use acetone safely on silver coins?
I'm trying to search the forums prior to posting questions, appreciate all the information on the site. I'll work on the image size, it's all new to me.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised
Yes acetone is safe on all coins when used correctly.
@basetsb_coins on Instagram
Acetone won't react with the metal or toning. It will get get rid of most organic residue, crud, etc. There is always a risk that there is something under the residue that you can't see, or areas are toned unevenly due to the stuff on the coin, but you won't know until you use the acetone
Small wide glass jar, tight lid. Coins in jar tape side up. Cover with acetone and soak overnight. Use clean q-tip to gently roll over glue and (hopefully) lift it off. Use a clean end for each roll. Repeat as necessary.
Have a chIna saucer ready to put the acetone-wet q-tips on. Acetone will totally mess up a varnished wood dining room table. Best to work over a stainless steel or porcelain sink. A Formica table should be safe.
I’ve used acetone on similar coins, then gently wiped the residue off with my bare fingers under tap water, and they have cleaned up nicely, and received straight grades.
Ill be interested to see the coin after a dip in acetone. Toning looks nice.
One more vote for pure acetone to remove the tape residue. Actually, acetone will safely remove all types of organic residues. Instructions above are as I would do it also. Good luck and show us the results. Cheers, RickO
Thanks for the advice all.
This is after two 20 min acetone baths, gently agitated with q tip and finger nails. There is still some stubborn residue left if the date and 2 oclock on the indian, one more dip to go.
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Boy,,,,,, they look like different coins.
Better living through chemistry
Amazing result
BHNC #203
Your gold coins look much better! Congrats!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Some slightly better pics. Anyone want to hazard a guess at what these might grade (assuming they straight grade)?
Successful BST Transactions with: PerryHall, MrSlider, Cent1225, SurfinxHI, Blu62vette, robkool, gowithmygut, coinlieutenant, Downtown1974, MilesWaits, Shrub68, justindan
1908 AU50
1910-S XF45
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
Thanks, I guess ownership really does add a few points...
Successful BST Transactions with: PerryHall, MrSlider, Cent1225, SurfinxHI, Blu62vette, robkool, gowithmygut, coinlieutenant, Downtown1974, MilesWaits, Shrub68, justindan
1908 XF45
1910-S XF45
That was, I believe, Monsanto's mantra in the 1960s & they had a ride into the Atom in 1960s and 1970s Disneyland
Well, just Love coins, period.
Here is one Morgan after 30 minutes in acetone, light brush with Q-tip, it removed the tape and residue.
They all show the tape lines as you can see on the left side of the coin. Any recommendations to remove the markings, or does it matter to coin value? Would a silver polish make a more uniform finish, or would that banish me from the coin world? Advice is appreciated.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised
@COTrails Don't use polish!
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
Thanks for the quick response, no polish, I might try another soak to see if that does anything.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised
The color is going to stick, it is toned! Dont mess with it any more. You will ruin it for sure!