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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,751 |
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
I see a lot of modern commemoratives for sale on the internet, in their mint capsules, that have a milky or almost mildewy appearance. Is it something with the holders, have the coins been stored improperly, or is it something else? Below is a typical example of what I'm asking about. Thanks!  Edited by MIA
12/11/2011 12:20 am
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
Milk spots- standard problem with silver coins, like ASEs, Maples.
Never seen them on standard coinage though, but comms and bullion seems to carry the issue.
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New Member
 United States
45 Posts |
I appreciate the response. It's a shame that they have this problem, but at least I know now to avoid buying these for anything more than their silver content. Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2936 Posts |
A three second dip in eZest Coin Cleaner following by a good rinse in filtered water and air dry should take care of the milk spots. I caveat the previous with the word "should"....
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
I am quite the newbie when it comes to collecting. I thought that cleaning destroys the value, or does a quick use of this product not alter the surface? I have a nice pile of '84 Olympics in the back of the safe with this problem, that were purchased for silver content. I may have to do some experimenting.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2936 Posts |
Speaking from experience, a quick dip of under five seconds does not discernible damage to the coin. You will be amazed I think. Buy a jar and experiment away! PG
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Moderator
 United States
188440 Posts |
Quote:
Speaking from experience, a quick dip of under five seconds does not discernible damage to the coin No, but when the spots come back (and they will come back, if you were even successful in the first place as the spots are often deeper that what a quick dip with fix), your temptation to dip it again (it worked the first time, right?) will inevitably ruin the coin. If you do not know what you are doing (that is, if you have to ask what to do and how to do it), then you should avoid any sort of cleaning or dipping, unless you can afford the cost (damaged coins) of the experimentation/learning process. I am not calling paleo a liar. It is just that he has probably has a lot more experience with this than MIA (given the MIA is asking questions to begin with). He probably has a lot more than me since I have avoided dipping after watching a dealer ruin a coin that I was about to buy!  |
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
I appreciate the concern and advice. Should the problem develop with any of the coins in my actual collection, I will not hesitate to seek the help of a professional. I'm hoping to avoid problems with my "good" coins, as I store them in a separate safe, and I have humidity controls (a Golden Rod, as well has a BUNCH of silica gel desiccant). If there is anything else that I could do to prevent the problem, I'd appreciate someone chiming in.
Having already ordered a jar, I plan to experiment on my old, high minted Olympic coins that sell for bullion. I'm also curious on how it would work on coins that I have dug while metal detecting, and have tarnished marks on them, so I may experiment with some of the old junk silver.
Thanks again for the info. It is amazing, the depth of knowledge and help on this forum.
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Valued Member
United States
297 Posts |
This is why I buy low end junk across the board over the years and hobbies. Whether it is a well circulated or holed coin to fill the hole in my album, a well worn comic book that I can read and enjoy, a 1989 Toyota pickup I plan to drive and use, a salvaged title motorcyle that I put 25K miles on riding cross country, or a rusty 1965 Malibu I can take out in the rain.
You have to stop and ask yourself: are you in it for the money or for the love of the hobby?
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
As for the hobby in general, I'm mostly just having fun. I am having a blast searching rolls and change for errors and varieties, and it's more about the hunt than the quality. I've also devoted a lot of time attempting to completing sets with only the coins found while metal detecting.
I do have a few areas of collecting, like modern commemoratives, where I try to acquire quality, low mintage, and coins with a broad appeal, to the extent that my budget will allow. I figure they'll be something nice to pass on to the grandchildren that I am bringing into the hobby.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,751 |
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Posted 12/11/2011 09:22 am
