Removing PVC from a coin

DDR · July 11, 2006 11:06PM

I have a Trade dollar in AU condition. It was recently bodybagged by ANACS for "PVC damage." I can't see the PVC damage on the coin, although the coin does have a washed out look like it has been cleaned or dipped (sorry, no pic). Is there any way to remove the PVC damage? Would another dipping be worth a shot?

Barndog · July 11, 2006 11:07PM

acetone helps to get rid of pvc

saintguru · July 11, 2006 11:10PM

Try some hot grape juice with a dollop of vaseline mixed in. If that doesn't work then you're screwed.

Outhaul · July 11, 2006 11:13PM

tmot99 · July 11, 2006 11:48PM

<< <i>Try some hot grape juice with a dollop of vaseline mixed in. If that doesn't work then you're screwed.

>>

I'm not sure what else saint might do with this combination, but I don't think it will help in your situation.

Acetone bath will usually do the trick. Try to get a high purity acetone. I haven't had too many problems with hardware store acetone, but have seen a residue on some coins, mainly proofs. I do lightly blot dry which also probalby helps. I have a squirt bottle that is used in labs that I can do fresh rinses at the end. Depending on the piece, I also use a cotton swab and very lightly roll it on the coin. This helps to dislodge PVC and also gives you an indication if there is still PVC there. The swab will turn green as it absorbs the PVC residue.

DDR · July 11, 2006 11:56PM

Thanks, tmot99. I once had success removing a spot of PVC damage from an UNC Buffalo nickel, using a Q-tip. The Buffalo nickel was easy, since I could plainly see the green spot, but the Trade dollar is different because I can't really see the PVC damage. In this case, would it be best to dip the entire coin in acetone, wipe it with acetone, or use a Q-tip?

tmot99 · July 12, 2006 12:03AM

I would try soaking it for a little while. Give it a rinse with fresh, then ROLL the Q-tip soaked in fresh acetone on it and see if you see any green on the Q-tip. Don't wipe or scrbu with the Q-tip. Keeping things wet with acetone and rolling is your best bet. I wouldn't do this with a proof for high end MS coin, but an AU coin you should be safe with. Even if you imparted a single hairline, it goes with the grade.

bushmaster8 · July 12, 2006 12:09AM

If the BB says PVC Damage, the coin may not be "fixable".

If there is active PVC, acetone will clean this off. But if the slime stayed on the coin for years, it may have damaged the surfaces of the coin.

XpipedreamR · July 12, 2006 12:17AM

Bushmaster...that's not PVC, just beautiful original toning

Conder101 · July 12, 2006 12:20AM

Right, If it just has the "PVC" slime on it, acetone will fix it. If the slime has been on there awhile and PVC damage has occured, forget it, the surfaces are etched and there is no fixing that. (The washed out look makes me think that it has probably been etched and that etching has disrupted the luster.)

DDR · July 12, 2006 9:45AM

Would this be a job for NCS?

morgannut2 · July 12, 2006 9:54AM

--Simple: since it's AU anyway 1)wash in acetone as said above

2)put it in your pocket with other change for a month or two

3)sit it in a sunny window for 1 month to pick up some tone

4)resubmit!

Removing PVC from a coin

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