A shout out with several questions regarding my newly-graded PCGS AU-53 1850 double eagle
DFrohman
Posts: 98 ✭✭✭
August 18, 025
Hi gang!
I just received a newly-graded PCGS AU-53 1850 double eagle,
and here is a link to the Heritage auction where I just got it:
And a link to its new "TruView" photo (the coin was regraded
AGAIN as an "AU-53" and put in a new "Gold Shield" holder):
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/53635754
The coin came back today in its new "Gold Shield" holder with a
"Coin may benefit from conservation" sticker stuck on the front
of its case.
When I tried to peel off the sticker it left adhesive residue all
across the front of the holder.
I then put a bit of acetone on a tissue and tried to wipe off the
residue, but unfortunately the acetone "fogged" the plastic on
the outside and ruined the front of the case.
Questions:
1) Is there any type of plastic polisher that might buff out the "fogging"?
2) If not, how do I create a mechanical submission for a case replacement,
whereas I will be e-mailed a prepaid and insured return airbill? I tried to
do an online submission but "mechanical errors" were not an option.
3) I am intrigued by the PCGS recommendation that I conserve the coin,
but they didn't state the issue or what their conservation might do.
Any ideas on their thinking after seeing the coin in its original holder (as well as its new "TruView" image?).
Many thanks, and I look forward to your feedback!
David
Comments
Hmmmm.....it does have an odd look.
You damaged the holder.
If you want a new holder, consider submitting for reholdering, at your expense.
Edited for tone.
Peeling off the PCGS label left its adhesive residue across
the front of the case over the coin.
What should I have done, then?
And it has beautiful semi-prooflike surfaces (the dark areas).
Acetone is a fairly aggressive solvent, and can damage certain types of plastics.
A less aggressive solvent would have been more appropriate.
I have been wrong before, and I will be wrong again. Notwithstanding, I do not believe that PCGS will replace a holder, at their expense, because you damaged it while attempting to remove adhesive residue with acetone.
It may be too far gone, but I've had good results using one of the many plastic polishing products. This is the one I usually use but anything similar should work. Use a soft towel, go slow, don't try and use power tools, just good old elbow grease, if this doesn't work then you will have to send back for a new holder on your dime.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Goof-off
https://goofoffproducts.com/
It's been in a holder a long time, since the 1990s probably; a quick acetone dip would probably improve the surfaces, but probably not a grade bump.
I am guessing Heritage sent the coin for reholder and it failed due to something like PVC developing on the coin over time. They didn't want to holder it new with the problem. This seems like the only likely scenario to me. Strange how Heritage kept the sticker on the coin.
WD-40 and Goo Gone are great options as well. Then you wash all the oily substance off with soap and water.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
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Many thanks to everyone and I am all squared-away!
TO remove sticker residue I used just a dab of creamy peanut butter. After the residue is gone I then put some rubbing alcohol on a tissue and gave it a wipe to get the oily peanut butter residue off.
Consider sending the coin for conservation as suggested. You will most likely end up with a much better looking coin AND a new holder.
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No, Goof Off is acetone-based. The OP already tried using acetone, and it just made matters worse. I have used Goo Gone, a milder adhesive remover, on slabs with success, but I don't believe any of them were PCGS.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
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you are correct. I was thinking Goo Gone ended up goofin up
@DFrohman - I suggest that you call and speak with PCGS Customer Support to discuss your specific situation, and ask for their recommendation to remedy the issue.
Based on the photos you posted, I’m guessing that PCGS was trying to recommend conservation to remediate possible PVC Contamination.
I wish you the best of luck resolving this.
(PS - That’s a Nice Looking Double Eagle that may have Semi-Prooflike fields)
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
I use Goo Gone to remove sticker residue from PCGS and NGC holders and it works wonderfully. Use a soft cloth or a Q-Tip and gently clean the area using a circular motion. Don't use a lot of pressure as that may scratch the area you're trying to clean. The citrus smell will dissipate in a few days completely, when the holder is left out in the open.
That's a cool coin !
I've always been a fan of type ones.......
It's beautiful. May it bring you all the health and prosperity you need
Looks nice.
This is what you want to bring a PCGS holder back to life, thank me later-
https://a.co/d/4k0VGhe
Use this first if scratches or plastic damage is deeper, use 3000 (work your way down if needed) and wet sand until smooth and then use the polisher above-
https://a.co/d/33EkJ6W
If you don’t want to do either of those things, you can just crack it out and give it an acetone batch, since it has PVC affecting the appearance. It would save money and time if you were comfortable doing it yourself instead of waiting for them to do it. Then just submit for grading like normal.
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