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 Replies: 17 / Views: 19,358 |
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Valued Member
United States
54 Posts |
Hi everyone, I am a more or less a lurker on this forum, so this is my first post!  I would like to get the community's opinion on this. I roll hunt JFK half dollars and today I got a really tarnished / dirty one today. Has anyone ever used silver cleaning or polishing solution on their coins? I know that cleaning coins is a huge no-no, but in this case I am willing to make an exception because I feel as though this coin has very little numismatic value, and frankly I only keep it because it's 90% silver (junk silver perhaps?). I just wanted to make the coin more eye-appealing when I am looking at it. What are your thoughts? Should I go out and get some cleaner for this coin? I have attached an image so you guys can get a better look. Thanks for your responses in advance!   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
I dip bullion coins like your JFK in E-Z-est for a couple seconds then rinse in cool running water and pat dry. MS70 also works well on those type of pieces. Never rub the surfaces of the coin and never use any abrasive cleaner. Also, coins showing wear tend to look unnatural when dipped (E-Z-est). A 1964 silver Kennedy probably never circulated so it shouldn't matter much on it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Just me, but I think that toning looks nice.  |
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Valued Member
United States
368 Posts |
I think the toning and tarnishing like this looks absolutely horrible too
with the ones I have found that are really dark, almost completely black
I simply would soak it in warm water
then pat it dry
then soak it
then pat it dry
A lot of garbage came off, no cleaning needed
just my opinion
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
I totally understand why you want to clean it. I found my first 64 in a box but it's so bad so I soaked it in citric acid solution for a few days and it cleaned out nicely.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
809 Posts |
I would just sell it for junk silver, they dont care how ugly it is!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
Really, what's the point of cleaning them? They are just bullion either way. Just put 'em in a roll and forget about 'em. Personally, I like raw and dirty. Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2150 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
53 Posts |
I would leave it as is...cleaning devalues any coin. whether dirty or toned, it still contains .36169 oz of silver.
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Valued Member
 United States
54 Posts |
Quote:
Really, what's the point of cleaning them? They are just bullion either way. Just put 'em in a roll and forget about 'em. Personally, I like raw and dirty. I just wanted the coin to look a little nicer when I go through them. I'll also try to soak it in warm water like slash suggested. If not, then I'll go out and find some E-Z-est. I just didn't think that cleaning would devalue a coin which I believe the value is in the metal content of the coin. I do appreciate everyone's opinion though - and they are all well received! Thanks! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1534 Posts |
Quote:
cleaning devalues any coin. Not in all cases. There are certain coins where a dip would help the value and there are always exceptions to that rule. Of course, acetone and conservation products aren't considered cleaning. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6381 Posts |
White vinegar will reduce some kinds of tarnish and is very effective at removing the greenish haze that forms on some silver-clad halves. Just a few minutes of soaking can make a big difference. You can heat the vinegar in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave before adding the coin; this will speed up the solvent action. For bullion-value coins like circulated 1964 Kennedy halves I see no downside in trying it. Just rinse with clean water afterward and pat dry. Edited by Jaobler
11/21/2010 3:27 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
687 Posts |
Kennedy halves are the perfect coins to test or practice cleaning coins. I've used E-Z-est on a few that I've found or been given and the results aren't too bad. If anything it's taught me that cleaning most coins is a waste, but since they aren't worth anything over the bullion value I didn't lose anything except time.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Quote:
...but since they aren't worth anything over the bullion value I didn't lose anything except time.
And think of the fun you had playing with them! Sometimes I "conserve" my silver bullion coins as an enjoyable pastime. |
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
Exactly, bullion. Don't even bother.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
121 Posts |
I dip some of my junk silver in ammonia. Can get some of the dirt out of the devices. Can do wonders and doesn't mess the luster up. This is the perfect coin to experiment with. Test different dilution amounts as you get more 90%. Just don't let it set in too long. Don't use on copper as it will turn it pink.
Maine_Jim
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Replies: 17 / Views: 19,358 |
Posted 11/20/2010 7:24 pm
