| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,963 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
521 Posts |
Hello,
Is there any way to remove a fingerprint from a proof coin without scratching it?
Microfiber cloth maybe?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
Ac-e-tone.
Acetone I think would work!
|
|
Valued Member
United States
220 Posts |
It depends on how long its been on the coin, but acetone is your best bet.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
521 Posts |
Thanks for the tip. The print looks new, not toned and set in if that makes sense.
Soak, swirl or roll with a q-tip?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
Soak in acetone, and if it's been there a while then acetone won't do anything.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1620 Posts |
Correct me if I'm wrong but I always read that the acetone would take away that proof luster and fade the coin
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Australia
4411 Posts |
Quote:
Correct me if I'm wrong but I always read that the acetone would take away that proof luster and fade the coin I have acetoned quite a few proof coins and never had an issue. If the fingerprint has been there for a little while there isn't much you can do about it. |
|
Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
 with Enworb. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
It depends how long the stain has been there. The natural oils from skin are acidic, and will begin a slow reaction with the coin as soon as contact has been made.
If the fingerprints are removed immediately with acetone, there should be no problem, because those same oils will also readily disslove in acetone.
Once the reaction between the metal surface and the skin oils have become advanced enough to be visible, I don't think the acetone will be of much help, unfortunately.
The next step is a very long one in terms of time. It means that you will have to wait intil natural patination is strong enough to hide the fingerprint stains. That process can take more than a lifetime. Most collectors would still prefer their coins to have a just minted fresh look to them, even after 100 years, if that were possible. That is why air tight containment is used.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19935 Posts |
Fingerprints are complicated and most often cannot be removed. Fresh prints can usually be removed with acetone. If that doesn't work, chances are the print is permanent. Acetone is safe for use on ALL coins.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Listen to BadThad he knows what he speaks of!  Acetone will only remove very fresh fingerprints, it will not remove old ones, it will NOT hurt the coin if done correctly, fresh acetone only, well ventillated area - I always work outside when using acetone. Absolutely no open flame or smoking near it. "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2311 Posts |
I touched one of my Kennedy's proofs by mistake while trying to put it in a holder. I used a dry Q-tip and softly wiped it off.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
With acetone, fresh dabs no prob.
|
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 1,963 |
|
Posted 02/08/2013 10:31 pm
