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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,724 |
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Valued Member
Canada
286 Posts |
I bought this coin set of Canadian pennies I didn't notice until I was hanging it that the COA has a portion that states
"These coins have been cleaned and restored to original luster using collector approved methods"
So I am curious what do you think he was talking about? Coins 101 Don't Clean Coins!
What collector approved methods are there?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
Quote:
These coins have been cleaned and restored to original luster using collector approved methods"
Oh dear, looks like you have been scammed Mate  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
There are numismatically accepted ways to restore(clean) coins. Things like acetone and verdicare when used carefully and correctly by a professional, will clean dirt and restore luster without affecting the metal, scratching the surface or devaluing the coin.
At least among those who aren't ardent original coin buyers.
Edited by denco7
02/16/2013 10:08 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1796 Posts |
If you can post some pictures we can all take a look to see exactly what was meant by that. :-)
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Valued Member
 Canada
286 Posts |
The coins are not rare dates or anything special they just show the progression of Canadian coinage of the last 100 years.
It just never occurred to me that any form of cleaning is acceptable, and I was curious what forms are.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1796 Posts |
Conserving coins is a serious art, much like conserving a painting. The whole "never clean coins" should be taken in the same way as you wouldn't take soap and water to a Rembrandt.
There are specially formulated solvents and techniques to remove verdigris and corrosion, as well as other means to restore an even patina that take years to master. Not really something that can be shared easily on a forum. :-)
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
It is my understanding that "Lustre" on a coin is thin layer of metal created by the immense pressure imparted to the planchet to create the coin.
once this is removed it cannot be replaced.
I cannot see how the claim of "cleaned and restored to original luster using collector approved methods" can be true.
I know the term "Restoration" is used to describe a "Cleaned" coin, This will only clean the coin.
There is NO possible way to restore true lustre to a coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
It all depends who does the cleaning. If NCS does it, it's conserving a coin. Most anyone else and it's cleaning.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
"These coins have been cleaned and restored to original luster using collector approved methods" 1. To make this a real statement, all you need is one or two coin collectors that clean coins with a brillo pad. Now with them, you have collector approved methods 2. I've seen so called collectors use auto polish on coins. That too would make it a collector approved method. 3. If a collector plates coins to make them look like original luster, now too you have an approved collector method. Wording on almost anything today requires an attorney to know if real, serious, honest, etc. Watch TV carefully and you'll see how carefull they are as to what they say. OK so you got a sort of cleaned set. Depending on what you paid, don't worry about it. It's yours now and if cheap enough, just don't tell anyone what you told us. |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
Quote:
It all depends who does the cleaning. If NCS does it, it's conserving a coin. Most anyone else and it's cleaning.
That's a bit like If a doctor does something stupid and someone dies it is called an "Accident". If anyone else does something stupid and someone dies its called "Murder" |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
AH! Nice analogy! If you don't mind I will be using that one...(Actually, when you look at it that way, it really is true!)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
If anyone else does something stupid and someone dies its called "Murder" No that's manslaughter. The reason for the "Never clean coins" admonishment is to get a newbie to STOP whatever it is he is about to do. You typical newbie has so coins he feels are "old and dirty" and he thinks if they were clean and shiny they would be worth more. Now typically such a person is not going to wade through a ten page article of the proper techniques and methods to clean or degrease a coin without creating visible damage to the coin. They are looking for something quick and easy right NOW and if you don't put a stop to them immediately it's going to be too late to try and mitigate the damage later. SO we hammer into them "DON'T CLEAN YOUR COINS" over and over. After they have been around for awhile and have learned some things about what unmessed with coins look like and why they are desired, THEN they can be gently eased into the proper techniques of conservation learning what chemicals and methods will remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants without affecting the surfaces or toning. And when it is best to just leave well enough alone. By the way, "restored to original luster" on items such as this typically means "polished". Edited by Conder101
02/18/2013 1:29 pm
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,724 |
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Posted 02/16/2013 10:05 pm
