Dipping.. Does it REALLY Matter?
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I hear so many mixed reviews on dipping coins..
Some say it's bad ethic for coins, some say it enhances the luster and may even get it graded a few steps up.
My question is, what do YOU think of dipping? Is it the big sin of the coin industry?
Honestly, I don't have a big problem with it once in a while to get haze off a coin or something..
What I do not approve of, is cleaning.. Heavy cleaning.. Where hairlines are left..
Look forward to hearing some thoughts..
b
Some say it's bad ethic for coins, some say it enhances the luster and may even get it graded a few steps up.
My question is, what do YOU think of dipping? Is it the big sin of the coin industry?
Honestly, I don't have a big problem with it once in a while to get haze off a coin or something..
What I do not approve of, is cleaning.. Heavy cleaning.. Where hairlines are left..
Look forward to hearing some thoughts..
b
0
Comments
HOWEVER there are instances where dipping can improve the look of a piece. Making this decision depends upon years of experience and "an eye" that will benefit from the procedure.
As a general rule, one should never consider dipping a coin that grades less than AU-58. Virtually all advanced collectors find circulated “white” silver coins to be very artificial looking and very unattractive. As for Mint State and Proof coins, some pieces take on a very unattractive form of tarnish that is best removed if it’s not gone too deep. But after the coin has been dipped all of the dip residue must be removed or the coin will turn back to a color that could be even more ugly the toning which prompted the work.
Larry L.
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
<< <i>The first dip does no harm, the 10th destroys the coin...you need to be an expert (or have a really good microscope) to know how many times it's already been done. So do you feel lucky, punk? Well do ya?!!! [Bad Clint Eastwood]
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
Anthony Swiatek, I am told, took microscopic pics of a coin both before and after a dip showing how the raised metal flow lines were just destroyed.
<< <i>Unfortunately there are some coins that just need to be dipped due to stroage problems etc., when a coin gets so dark you can no longer see the design it's ready. Thinking that's the same as AT'ing or doctoring a coin is really delusional. >>
Thinking that dipping a coin that is so dark that you can't see the design is a good idea is delusional??? Once a coin has gone that far you either won't be able to remove the toning or you will have to remove so much of the surface that what's left is dull and lifeless....and yes doctoring a coin is doctoring a coin contrary to popular opinion around here
One could easily state that they AT'd the coin to improve the overall appearence just as easy as one could say they dipped the coin to improve the appearence.....it's all the same thing and it in both cases you end up with a coin that is no longer original.
<< <i>Dipping.. Does it REALLY Matter? >>
To some it does, to some it does not.
For what I collect, it does not. (Moderns)
If I were to change what I collect, I'm sure it would.
It should be noted that regardless of what the coin is, a non-MS coin, should never be dipped in Jewel Luster, E-Z-Est, metal brightener, or what not.
Non evasive dips such as Acetone or alcohol are ok but it should also be noted that dirty acetone leaves a dirty residue and can actually create haze.
Just like anything else, you really need to know what you are doing otherwise you're just asking for trouble.
The name is LEE!
"One thing I know for sure.. it removes luster, I don't think it enhances it."
Yep I find this to be true also. The Luster bit the big one on this Doctored and destroyed coin.
Basically I think some people should do some research before stateing die hard opinions about dipping and what it does to a coin.
Cheers.
Ken
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
of damage...I think Ken saved this one.
Steve
<< <i>Just call me a Coin Doctor that destroyed the following coin.
"One thing I know for sure.. it removes luster, I don't think it enhances it."
Yep I find this to be true also. The Luster bit the big one on this Doctored and destroyed coin.
Basically I think some people should do some research before stateing die hard opinions about dipping and what it does to a coin.
Cheers.
Ken >>
Ken, what kind of dipping did you do on that coin -- a quick dip in EZest, or a light swab of MS70, or something else?
<< <i>Dipping.. Does it REALLY Matter? >>
Yes. It matters to me.
If I know a coin has been dipped I won't buy it.
In fact, I once turned down an opportunity to buy a significant colonial rarity because an expert told me they thought it had been dipped. That was enough for me. I was certain that I would grow to hate the coin and regret the purchase.
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<< <i>Dipping.. Does it REALLY Matter? >>
Yes. It matters to me.
If I know a coin has been dipped I won't buy it.
In fact, I once turned down an opportunity to buy a significant colonial rarity because an expert told me they thought it had been dipped. That was enough for me. I was certain that I would grow to hate the coin and regret the purchase. >>
then you won't be buying 90% of white coins dated prior to 1930 , with the exception of Morgan dollars (and even a good percentage of these have been dipped).
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
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<< <i>Dipping.. Does it REALLY Matter? >>
Yes. It matters to me.
If I know a coin has been dipped I won't buy it.
In fact, I once turned down an opportunity to buy a significant colonial rarity because an expert told me they thought it had been dipped. That was enough for me. I was certain that I would grow to hate the coin and regret the purchase. >>
then you won't be buying 90% of white coins dated prior to 1930 , with the exception of Morgan dollars (and even a good percentage of these have been dipped). >>
You're probably right. And I won't be buying many Morgan Dollars either.
Yep I find this to be true also. The Luster bit the big one on this Doctored and destroyed coin.
dipping can be good and it can be bad, it can enhance a coin's appearance or it can irreversibly harm the coin. despite what Fairlaneman said and showed with the pictures, there is one thing which is undeniable about "dipping"-----it removes something from the coin surface, it doesn't add something to it. in the case of the Mercury Dime he showed, something was removed from the coin surface to allow light to reflect back and "show" the luster.
nothing was added to the coin by DIPPING it and to insinuate as much is irresponsible.
Knowing when and when not to give the bath is the key
Acetone is often needed, I have no problem with that. For modern coins to remove haze, I think dipping is OK. Just stay away from the classics, enough of them have been permanently ruined by dipping. Secondary toning is not a substitute for originality. Don't believe the dealers who claim dipping is not doctoring, they are only protecting their own financial interests without regard to stewardship of original coins.
<< <i>I hear so many mixed reviews on dipping coins..
Some say it's bad ethic for coins, some say it enhances the luster and may even get it graded a few steps up.
>>
Some say cracking out an AU58 coin and trying to sell it on eBay as a "GEM BU" is bad ethics.