Can acetone remove small light brown spots on silver?

Geoman · September 21, 2007 6:17AM

We all know about and have seen the white colored milk spots on the silver eagles.

I bought some rolls of uncirculated silver Roosevelt Dimes that when opened, all have small "light brown" colored spots in a few places. Most are light in colored, and look similar to the white colored milk spots on the silver eagles, with the exception the color is light brown. Have others run across this? Or seen this? I am guessing it is pretty common. I think these rolls have been stored away for 40-plus years.

Is there anyway to remove the brownish spots? (It isn't carbon spotting.)

I know some people have "dipped" or used acetone to remove haze. I have never tried this, and was wondering if it would remove this brown splotches. A lot of the coins are VERY nice, high MS quality - if it wasn't for the brown splotches.

7Jaguars · September 21, 2007 6:22AM

Acetone will remove them only if grease/hydrocarbon based on surface and will NOT affect any oxidation, which is of the metal itself. As a milder acid if it is oxidation, you may try lemon juice soak for 20-30 min. but to rinse off afterwards with water and mild dish detergent, rinsing last and tamping dry with a clean white cotton towel. obviously, DO NOT RUB with towel. The lemon juice does not seem to dull luster as much as usual dip for coins.

ricko · September 21, 2007 6:23AM

It is hard to say... acetone will not remove milk spots... so much depends on what comprises the spots. Certainly worth a try.. I would also try olive oil at the same time (different jars)... if you try the olive oil, it may also be helped by 'rolling' a q-tip gently across the spots after soaking. A magnified picture posted here would help perhaps.. Cheers, RickO

Can acetone remove small light brown spots on silver?

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