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 Replies: 41 / Views: 7,384 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
979 Posts |
I have these 3 rusty Eisenhower dollars. I want to get them above their currently unsightly state. I bought them from the bank at face, since, wh not? They are dollars for dollars! I bought 4 actually, but one is kinda nice, except for a decent scratch. Anyway, they are so rusty and unsightly, I know cleaning is usually bad but I want to make these nice to look at. I think the middle one in these pics is the nicest by far and could be a cool pocket coin if cleaned up. Suggestion? Tips? Where do I start? I have heard of certain techniques but I don't know what I should try first! Thanks guys!   UPDATE First cleaning with only a short soak with barkeepers friend and light rubbing, this is the coin on the right, the worst one, the only one I have done anything to besides begin carrying them in my pocket   And after a longer soak and more cleaning (still not scrubbing, just rubbing fairly gently)   Tell me what you guys think! I had never heard of anyone using barkeepers friend, but I wanted to try it because it is a light cleanser. Edited by Broseph
07/20/2012 12:13 am
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
I bought a 1965 Great Britain 1 Crown of Winston Churchill to play with. It didn't have rust, but some kind of black coating. I tried acetone, then tried as a pocket piece. Here is the thread on the coin and how it progressed: Advice on Churchill Crown |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Since those are now in a sort of messed up state, you may as well start with solutions like Acetone and/or distilled water. Going further with items such as Tarnex or jewlery cleaners, may well end up costing you more than anything you recover in coin value. People in your situation seldom consider all the expendatures in purchasing items to clean coins and end up with just cleaned coins.
IF your determined to try cleaning them, why not try items from around the house. Such as Vinegar, Lemon Juice, baking soda and water, etc. You will still end up with a $1 coin worth $1 at least.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
979 Posts |
I will maybe star with vinegar then, I have tested it on unvaluable coins to see how it works over time. Also, does barkeepers friend clean coins well? I think I will try differebt things on all 3 coins and experiment with what works best! Sounds fun at least and no, I have no intention of buying a coin cleaner, those are expensive and dont raise value, I realize a cleaned coin is only if you want to keep it for yourself that way
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
Gaaah! Why not just use a Dremel grinder to shine them up?
Seriously, removing "organic" uglies is one thing - tar, old gum, finger crud, substances which eventually will damage the coin. But going deeper? No. Please.
"Pretty" is for collectables with no other value. These Ikes have collected history on their faces, and it shows. Why not leave it, and if you can't stand looking at them, put them into a drawer and ignore them!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1432 Posts |
I would take the middle one and make it a pocket piece. No cleaning first. Carry it with your other change. You will be surprised what it looks like in 3 months or so.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8515 Posts |
Yeah, make middle Ike a pocket piece. Experiment with the others.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
979 Posts |
Ok, I will do three experiments then:
Left coin: vinegar
Center: poket
Right: barkeepers friend, maybe toothpaste if that does nothing
I will post pics as they change!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
I would do nothing. What's the point? If you want to collect these, nice MS coins are cheap....just replacement and save the effort.
NEVER use vinegar on a coin. The acids will completely ruin it. If you're bound and determined to experiment, just buy some EZest and dip them.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8515 Posts |
Can't wait to see the results. Keep us posted.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
979 Posts |
Im getting mixed messages! Are people really going to be mad if I clean these?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
561 Posts |
Coin Collecting 101: Never clean a coin. I have to agree with jbuck, especially not an Ike!  |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
They are yours, so do what you wish. However, if they were mine, I would leave them as is. I have a special love for the Eisenhower dollar, hence the  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8515 Posts |
They will just keep getting worse and then you wont even recognize them. There isn't much value there, its not like theyre hole fillers.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
Coin Collecting 101: Never clean a coin. Yea but if its only value is its melt value or face value cleaning it doesn't devalue it in anyway. I definitely agree never clean a coin with value, but if theres no extra value to the coin other than its make up who really cares? |
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Replies: 41 / Views: 7,384 |
Posted 07/19/2012 09:06 am
