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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,045 |
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Valued Member
Canada
318 Posts |
Hi everyone, I have quite a few silver coins. Most look like the ones in the photo below. I wonder if a quick dip will improve the look, without damaging the coins? I appreciate your help!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4539 Posts |
Definitely not. Dipping a circulated coin will just give it an unnatural, cleaned look.
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Moderator
 United States
51758 Posts |
100% pure acetone is fine but probably not change the look. Silver dip will damage the coins. John1  ( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion )
Searched 6.5 +/- Million Cents Since 1971
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5012 Posts |
 Leave well enough alone
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
81585 Posts |
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Valued Member
Topic StarterCanada
318 Posts |
I've heard you ALL nice and clear!!!!! I will not dip these at all! Thank you!
So, is that a general rule for ALL silver coins? Or for all coins in general?
I've posted about dipping before and it seem lake many are dipping US pennies and other coins.
Is there a rule?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
742 Posts |
US pennies and copper in general are not coins that should ever be dipped. It will cause a chemical reaction with the copper present resulting in a bright pink that later turns black ruining the coin. Silver coins with unattractive toning can benefit from dipping but it has to be done carefully as you are changing the surfaces and the way light reflects on coin. I use acetone personally to remove surface debris and pvc when I run into it. For the most part I prefer coins with original skin on them in lieu of shiny ones. So yes you can dip gold and silver but stay away from dipping copper or zinc.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9236 Posts |
What do you plan on using for dip?
The coins you posted are melt value coins.
Experimentation with those particular coins will not reduce their value.
I suggest you start with acetone first.
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning...
-from PCGS website
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Valued Member
Topic StarterCanada
318 Posts |
Hi DBM,
Yes, I was certainly thinking of acetone as I have inquired in another thread, and it seemed to be the product of choice.
I'd like to protect them as much as possible. And I really think shinier coins look cooler!
Maybe one day, my son or grandchildren will learn to love the coins as much as I do. They mean a lot to me as they were passed down from my late mom. Most likely, they'll be worth a lot more than they are now, right?
So what are we talking about in terms of melt value?
I had a collector offer me 20$ each, which, needless to say, I refused.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9236 Posts |
Take the $20, unless they have special sentimental value, you can buy coins like these from dealer's melt buckets for $5.50 each.
Acetone will not make the coins shinier, it will only remove the crud not the tarnish.
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning...
-from PCGS website
Edited by DBM
04/08/2023 4:36 pm
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Valued Member
Topic StarterCanada
318 Posts |
Thanks DBM!
And yes, they certainly do have sentimental value. 20$ is not life changing.
Perhaps, if I do come across a rarity that may change my life, then maybe I'll sell.
For now, I'm hanging in to all my mom's coins.
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Valued Member
United States
153 Posts |
I appreciate the comment by DBM ... melt value coins are great to do your experimentation ... no harm no foul
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1007 Posts |
One thing I have noticed using acetone on low value nickels: some of the dirt accentuates the details. A long acetone soak will remove much of the tiny dirt, but you can end up with a very washed out looking coin. Sometimes a worn coin looks better with some dirt and tarnish in the cracks and crevices to bring out some of the finer details.
I think experimenting with acetone has led me to the conclusion that 15 minutes tops is enough, and only to remove crud and sticky films.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,045 |
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Posted 04/08/2023 10:57 am
