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 Replies: 29 / Views: 1,125 |
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
I have never dipped a coin in my life but I am seriously considering it. Several years ago I bought a complete Kennedy half set in a Whitman album. All of the clad proofs have this ugly (to me) dirt brown toning. The other halves don't seem to. Will a acetone bath or a quick dip work on these?   |
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Moderator
 United States
94636 Posts |
looks to be impaired proofs, not sure if a dip would help these.
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Valued Member
 United States
465 Posts |
Any idea what would have caused this? Its only obvious on the proof clad halves.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73579 Posts |
Not sure if anything would help these. They're impaired pretty badly.
Errers and Varietys.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
733 Posts |
I use E-Z-est
But I am not the typical collector
I do not worry about re-sale value
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6449 Posts |
Is dipping an effective strategy on cupronickel coins? I thought that silver and copper coins were the main targets for dipping.
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
Since they are impaired I don't have anything to lose. I will do an acetone bath first and see what happens. Maybe I better get a new album too in case whatever it is infects the other coins.
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Moderator
United States
15381 Posts |
I don't think acetone will do anything. It's effective to remove organics not surface staining due to environmental reactions which is what I believe you have going on here.
That said, it won't hurt to try.
Before you attempt a dip with products like E-Z-est you need to do some research on the proper technique. How long to dip, how to rinse and dry, etc.
I've never used it so I have no personal knowledge to offer.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2213 Posts |
Some don't mind toning, some don't like it. Coins can naturally tone over time depending on the environment they are stored in. Humidity, chemicals in the air like cigarette smoke, the kind of holders they are in can affect the surfaces of coins. I use desiccant cans in my safe to help control humidity for my coins and ammo. Even graded/slabbed coins can tone, the slabs are not completely air tight. You might consider putting the coin albums in ziploc freezer bags, might help some but may not look good on a shelf LOL. Some of my Morgan and Peace dollars are in "air tight" plastic capsules. I think this helps but the capsules aren't really 100% air tight in my opinion. There's different opinions if we should or should not dip coins. See Youtube videos of people dipping coins. Just learn before trying, be careful and don't use anything abrasvie that will scratch the surface. I would not dip an expensive collectible coin, afraid I might make it worse. Edited by livingwater
02/17/2026 07:56 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19108 Posts |
Agree with nickelsearcher...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2330 Posts |
Quote:
Is dipping an effective strategy on cupronickel coins? I thought that silver and copper coins were the main targets for dipping. THIS  DO NOT DO IT! 90% and clad are completely different. Trust me. The clad...if only dipped for a second will strip away the surface and make it dull. Acetone over and over again...but DO NOT DIP. smat |
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
I will follow your advice smat45. They will go into acetone this evening for a bath. Unless a miracle happens I will likely be replacing them. I will post some pictures after their baths.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2330 Posts |
Because of my work schedule...I have left clads in acetone for a week or so with no problems.
And if that didn't work...
A little Q-tip (gentle persuasion) could assist...gentle is the key...as well as changing out for new acetone.
Good luck!
Look fwd to your progress.
smat
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Pillar of the Community
United States
733 Posts |
Quote:
smat45 wrote
The clad...if only dipped for a second will strip away the surface and make it dull. What product does this to clad coins? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2330 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
733 Posts |
Have you dipped clad coins in E-Z-est or is this something you just heard or read?
Because I have dipped clad coins in E-Z-est and it didn't damage the finish.
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Replies: 29 / Views: 1,125 |
Posted 02/16/2026 7:22 pm
