| Author |
 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,088 |
|
|
Valued Member
Germany
138 Posts |
Hi everyone, I have an 1882 Seated Liberty dime that has some black "stuff" on it. It almost kind of looks like dirt, but I'm wondering if this is the result of the coin being kept in a not so coin-friendly place. The "stuff" is on the obverse in several places, but most prominently around the date. I'd also like to note that taking pictures of a coin is much tougher than I thought  I can try my hand at better photos if need be. Any thoughts on what this might be? Thanks for the help!       |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1195 Posts |
I am 100% right on this: that you should leave it well enough alone and make no attempt to remove it yourself.
I think it's just standard issue coin tarnish + dirt form circulation.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
225 Posts |
And it is a beautiful coin!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5826 Posts |
I double agree with argentum,
This is a coin that you should not attempt to used any agent on it, if you really want to do it, send it into NCS.
It is a nice coin the way it is.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1211 Posts |
I don't know guys. 1882 = common date for the series. The fields already look cleaned. I am sure an acetone bath wouldn't hurt this coin and could potentially remove that dirt.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
Sorry, I am with the do not clean camp. I think the coin is nice the way it is.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
100 Posts |
Use a toothpick and pick it out. If it's dirt it will come right off. The toothpick won't damage the coin at all.
|
|
Valued Member
 Germany
138 Posts |
Wow, really? It's great to hear what the majority thinks (and unexpected!  ). I picked this up a week or so ago. It is a common date, but I thought it looked pretty good even with the black stuff. The price was what I felt was appropriate for XF details. It doesn't matter if this is dirt or damage. I have no plans to alter the coin. I am just curious what the black stuff is. Thank you all for the responses! |
|
Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
We use the numismatic-specific term "crud" to describe this phenomenon.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1721 Posts |
The one big problem with using a toothpick is the dirt between the coin and the toothpick will act as an abrasive. I've experimented on some very low end coins and they always looked scratched when I was done. Sometimes they looked better but the micro scratches were still there.
If cleaning is still on your mind I would recommend a long acetone bath followed with some Verdi-Care. Experiment with some modern or low end coins.
When in doubt, leave it alone.
|
| |
Replies: 9 / Views: 1,088 |
|
Posted 12/06/2012 03:56 am
