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Clean a proof coin...

USMC_6115USMC_6115 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
How do you clean a proof coin? I don't mean scrub it or buff it with a wire wheel, but just to get the dust or finger marks off....

Comments

  • 1jester1jester Posts: 8,637 ✭✭✭
    I suppose you could try dipping it.

    Actually, I don't like proof coins too much because they are so easy to get dirt, spots, or other distractions on them. I mean, if I bought them new from the mint, I wouldn't have too much of a problem I guess. But it bugs me to buy a "used" proof coin (sight unseen) and have it show up with some kind of marks on it.

    imageimageimage
    .....GOD
    image

    "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Luke 11:9

    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." -Deut. 6:4-5

    "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us." -Isaiah 33:22
  • StuartStuart Posts: 9,793 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How do you clean a proof coin?

    Very Carefully image

    Seriously, it depends on what you are trying to remove from the coin.

    - You could use soap & distillled water to remove some loose dirt, grime.

    - Acetone to remove grease, PVC and sometimes fingerprints that haven't yet "eaten into" the coin.

    - Acidic "dipping solution" (diluted) to remove unwanted (ugly) tarnish -- but not pretty toning.


    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"
  • USMC_6115USMC_6115 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>- You could use soap & distillled water to remove some loose dirt, grime. >>



    Maybe I'll try that...What do you do to prevent water spots?
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    Dipping is an evil practice, engaged in by selfish immoral people bent on destroying numismatics for future generations of collectors.

    Russ, NCNE
    eBay consignment sales | | Collectibles from Resco CCC
  • 1jester1jester Posts: 8,637 ✭✭✭
    Dab the coin dry with a soft cloth, then dip it in acetone. I use 3-5 different small jars of acetone to effect a clean rinse.

    imageimageimage
    .....GOD
    image

    "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Luke 11:9

    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." -Deut. 6:4-5

    "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us." -Isaiah 33:22
  • 1jester1jester Posts: 8,637 ✭✭✭
    Russ, you are too funny.

    imageimageimage
    .....GOD
    image

    "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Luke 11:9

    "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." -Deut. 6:4-5

    "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us." -Isaiah 33:22
  • RGLRGL Posts: 3,784 ✭
    Do not use soap on a proof -- you will hairline it. You can try dipping it for a few seconds in a mix of 50-percent distilled water, 50-percent MS-70/Jeweluster/etc., then dip for 60 seconds in 90-pct alcohol to stop the process, dip in distilled water for 60 seconds or longer and then a second distilled water bath. You can blow dry with a hairdryer on cool or carefully pat it dry, without rubbing, with a clean 100 pct cotton towel. Do not rinse in tap water because of the particulates, etc. Only dip once or you will impair the luster. If you are only worried about the dust and a fingerprint (if it is not too old) dip for a few seconds in pure acetone. But, be careful with the stuff. Use in a well ventilated area and no flame (cigarette, etc.) since it is flammable. Let air dry in your fingers holding by rim. Acetone evaporates quickly.
    The Ludlow Collection (DCAM/CAM)
    The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)

    image
  • RGLRGL Posts: 3,784 ✭
    Not that I would ever dip a coin ... that is just what I have read.
    The Ludlow Collection (DCAM/CAM)
    The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)

    image
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    Always try pure 100% acetone first. That's the best first thing you can do to a coin that will only improve and not damage it.
    Blog and Pics
  • OuthaulOuthaul Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sandblast to a flat finish then re-define the devices with a scribe.
  • USMC_6115USMC_6115 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Sandblast to a flat finish then re-define the devices with a scribe. >>



    LMAO!!!

    Hey Bob, you're in MA just like me so maybe you can show me how to do it...

    This is why proof coins drive me nuts...one little spec sticks out like a holed coin...
  • ksteelheaderksteelheader Posts: 11,777 ✭
    Here is one that has been dipped to perfection....Ken


    ...image
  • OuthaulOuthaul Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Massscrew:

    Are you going to the Westford show tomorrow?
  • StuartStuart Posts: 9,793 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ken: That dipping example is about as close to MS-70 perfection as you can get. image

    Is she a modern or classic? Whichever she is, I would like to start a collection of 'em.... image

    Only problem is that someone cropped the photo too closely on the bottom.... image

    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"
  • OuthaulOuthaul Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Whichever she is, I would like to start a collection of 'em.... >>



    You GOTTA be KIDDIN!!! Coins are MUCH cheaper to keep than women!
  • ksteelheaderksteelheader Posts: 11,777 ✭
    Coins are MUCH cheaper to keep than women! But women are more comforting....Ken
  • USMC_6115USMC_6115 Posts: 3,015 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Bob,
    Although I'd love to go to the show, I can't as I'll be at Lowell General Hospital for Lamaze classes. I'm sooooooo excited! I can't wait!!!!!!! NOT!
  • razorface1027razorface1027 Posts: 4,242 ✭✭
    UMMMMMMMMM! TRY USING A FEATHER DUSTER?
    What is money, in reality, but dirty pieces of paper and metal upon which privilege is stamped?

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