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 Replies: 23 / Views: 4,905 |
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Valued Member
 United States
252 Posts |
I want to thank everyone for there information it has been very helpful.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19949 Posts |
Quote:
Red copper can get toned purple if exposed to light under acetone. To summarise, the fresh copper acts as a catalyst to turn acetone into acetic acid. This is what makes the copper purple. Sorry, but that's a bunch of bologna. I've used acetone for decades, it will never turn copper purple under any conditions. I've also tested acetic acid on copper coins, it simply strips the surfaces like any other acid. Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19949 Posts |
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With no adverse effect on circulated copper, silver, nickel and clad coinage.
That said I issue a warning concerning bright red or un-toned copper.
Again, I've used acetone on thousands of bright red, unc copper coins with NO ill effect. Acetone is 100% safe to use on all metals/coins. |
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Moderator
 United States
188437 Posts |
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"Chemical" does not always equal "bad". In today's society "chemical" is an undeserved bogeyman word. Quoted for truth.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
Red copper can get toned purple if exposed to light under acetone. To summarise, the fresh copper acts as a catalyst to turn acetone into acetic acid. This is what makes the copper purple. There is or was a story on the internet some time ago about this. So naturally I tried Copper and other metals in Acetone in the shade, partial Sun and full Sun. Left coins in for weeks and nothing happened. Summation: Used the wrong Sun.  |
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Moderator
United States
188437 Posts |
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Summation: Used the wrong Sun. Perhaps you need unfiltered sun. Maybe a trip to the ISS would be prudent?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2775 Posts |
As I do, I'd listen to the experts here. They know there business and have many more years experience than myself. I will not quote them as not needed. But will quote myself because of my past experience and also they did not quote me entirely. Quote:
Red copper can and will show adverse toning if not done proper or done under the wrong conditions.  Results from 24 hour acetone soak 4-5 months later. No sun light. Just my stupidity for not taking the proper care at the time. Thanks, Doug. Edited by Halo1st
01/29/2016 7:14 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1247 Posts |
no, it won't hurt the coin, just rinse in pure water if you wish.
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Valued Member
United States
252 Posts |
I want to thank every one for there input I really appreciate it I may try it.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2781 Posts |
I've had several copper coins end up with an iridescent rainbow hue after soaking in acetone. whether the acetone is technically, solely and directly responsible I can't say, BUT, it wasn't there before the acetone soak.
SPP_Ottawa, while not a chemist (but can be considered expert on copper coinage) frequently refers to the effect acetone can have on UNC copper under certain light situations.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2271 Posts |
It doesn't matter how you clean a coin so long as you can't tell it was cleaned afterward. Use a jackhammer and wire brush if it doesn't show.
The fact is though that most abrasion and most chemicals that affect the coin or its corrosion products will show on the end result and will damage the coin.
If you want to learn how to clean coins then get some pocket change, a good magnifier and practice. It's a good idea to get your own experience rather than only listen to experts. You'll find that acetone will not damage coins but in rare cases it will remove dirt that had been hiding something very very ugly. This is just one of many reasons you want experience cleaning coins; the true art is to know which coins to clean and which not to clean.
Just make sure you know what you're doing before you clean a valuable coin. Coins that appear to be cleaned can lose substantial value. They can lose their entire numismatic premium.
Time don't fly, it bounds and leaps.
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Moderator
United States
188437 Posts |
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no, it won't hurt the coin, just rinse in pure water if you wish. Always rinse in fresh acetone, not water. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
955 Posts |
Like Kevin43 said thank you,very useful info as I'm also considering trying acetone. Having said that,this is my result of cleaning a coin with not so traditional methods. The Victoria cross , his Moustache and the vertical beads were visible. Have a look. Unfortunately no before pictures   I now know what not to do. Edited by Canacoins
04/07/2016 11:21 pm
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
Wade, I looked through your OFEC photobucket catalog, impressing, I'm only at 82, I have a long way to go.
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Replies: 23 / Views: 4,905 |
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Posted 01/29/2016 3:28 pm
