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 Replies: 25 / Views: 3,313 |
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New Member
United States
49 Posts |
So my dad just found out that I'm getting serious about collecting and pulled out his "collection" which consisted of 3 coins, a '64 and a '65 Kennedy and a Franklin (I forget the year on that one). When he pulled them out he was disappointed to discover some discoloration on both Kennedys, though I'm not sure if it's tarnishing silver, or patina or toning or verdigris or even what the differences are between those. He's not interested in the monetary value of them as an investment as they were gifts to him from grandparents and he intends to keep them for life. He asked me to investigate acceptable methods of improving the appearance of these coins for his own personal enjoyment. His idea of improvement of appearance is to return the coins as closely as possible to what they would have looked like as they came off the Mint press.
Suggestions on how to accomplish this?
How do I determine what is the cause of the discoloration?
And how do I reverse or correct it (if possible) without being found guilty of the numismatic no-no of "cleaning" coins?
Before you ask: Unfortunately, I will not be able to post photos for quite some time, if ever, so descriptions will have to do. On that note, the discoloration appears to be an iron rust or coppery color.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
 Gotta have em to give any reliable advice. |
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New Member
United States
30 Posts |
Since you can't provide photos, would you say that the "iron rust" looks like the halves in this photo?  |
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New Member
 United States
49 Posts |
Yes, the top right of those 6 is the closest, top left is the next closest. Though on his coins, it is almost universally around the edge, near the "LIBERTY" legend and the date, effectively surrounding the entire outer edge of the obverse, and has not spread as far inward toward the bust as on those two coins. But the coloration and pattern, like the little blotchy spaces that are still a silvery color in the middle of the discoloration are very similar to his coins.
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New Member
United States
30 Posts |
They sound kind of like these then (around the rim). The bad news is I have no idea how to clean it. But now hopefully experts will be able to chime in! I am also interested   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
Ooops, missed the part about not being able to post pics. My bad.
The only way to treat tarnish like that is to do a dip in a product like EZ Est. A short 5-10 second dip followed by a thorough water rinse will remove the tarnish. I would highly suggest practicing on some known lower grade halves before doing it on your coins.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
A short 5-10 second dip followed by a thorough water rinse will remove the tarnish. I have to differ here - 10 seconds is a "kill it for all time to come" dip. I would never leave a coin in E-Zest for as long as 5 seconds. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
nope, it does not remove the luster like that. I have done several tests and it takes upwards of 30 seconds to fry an MS coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19935 Posts |
What you're describing is the normal toning process. Personally, I would leave it alone because that toning is generally liked by collectors because it demonstrates the originality of the surfaces. The best action would be to rinse the coins in a high quality acetone and put them into AirTite brand holders to arrest the toning process. If want want to have some bright, shiney coins, just buy some. These are very inexpensive in high MS grades.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
nope, it does not remove the luster like that. I have done several tests and it takes upwards of 30 seconds to fry an MS coin.
In full-strength solution, or do you dilute? Hmmm. I'm gonna have to think about that, and possibly do a little experimentation. Maybe I can come up with some ugly Mint State toners at Philly. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
I did it on Kennedy halves that were MS luster but banged up beyond belief. I cant find the pics anywhere. Gonna have to do it all over again. LOL And yes, straight from the jar. Open the lid, dip the coins, rinse. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
Edited by smokeriderdon
07/30/2012 6:50 pm
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New Member
United States
49 Posts |
OK, there have been some responses that seemed to have missed a key point so I'll restate it and paraphrase for clarity:
These specific coins are heirlooms. Significant sentimental value. Buying new coins defeats the purpose. The idea is to improve the appearance of an object with sentimental value, not acquire new objects because they look better.
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Moderator
United States
187832 Posts |
Quote:
The idea is to improve the appearance of an object with sentimental value, not acquire new objects because they look better. In my opinion, the risk is not worth it, especially where sentimental value is concerned. BadThad offers the best advice... Quote:
The best action would be to rinse the coins in a high quality acetone and put them into AirTite brand holders to arrest the toning process. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
The problem there is that acetone will do nothing to remove toning/tarnish. as I said, a short dip will remove the tarnish and improve the look of the coins.
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Moderator
United States
187832 Posts |
Correct. Personally, I would not want to remove the toning or tarnish.  Point is, while you are certainly adept at the art of dipping, I would not want a new collector experimenting with it (at least not on coins with strong sentimental value). |
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Replies: 25 / Views: 3,313 |
Posted 07/30/2012 4:49 pm
