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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,517 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2177 Posts |
and I was just looking around, browsing. I saw a large cent (about 1850- don't remember exactly) it was graded EF and the brown color was very nice and even like dark chocolate. I suspected something and asked the dealer if the coin had been cleaned and he said no. I asked him again because it looked like something had been done. It was a very nice looking coin. He said he had left the coin in olive oil for a bit, that it gave the coin a protective surface. I asked him if he had rinsed it in distilled water and he said no.
I wanted to buy the coin but thought I'd post this here and find out what everyone thinks.
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Valued Member
Australia
99 Posts |
he isn't the mosy truthful dealer is he. Olive oil is used to clean coins, which he first denied. Then he says it was to give it a protective cover. olive oil is acidic and will eventually do more harm than good. Call his bluff and offer him half
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
interesting I never realized that olive oil was acidic, I guess I learn something every day
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Valued Member
Australia
99 Posts |
it contains oleic acid. Not a high concentration though which is why is good for cleaning up old coins..I use it to clean ancients. But I wouldn't like to leave it on as a protective cover
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Valued Member
United States
157 Posts |
thingee,
If you don't mind me asking, how much was the dealer asking for the coin?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2177 Posts |
Daniel, he was asking $20. It certainly isn't much but I don't know even if that is too much in regards to the dealer using olive oil.
I also asked him if he had rinsed it in distilled water and said that he hadn't rinsed it at all.
I'm trying to figure out if this coin is worth getting. It does look like a nice grade. So I am listening very carefully to what members have to say. Should get this one cent copper, about 1950, nice grade, dipped in olive oil and selling for $20? Please advise.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Thingee, I suspect if you can get a census of members, many of us have used olive oil to clean copper coins. After I dip in EVOO (Rachel's extra virgin olive oil), I then dip in acetone and then distilled water and air dry. In defense of the dealer, I expect many of us would not consider olive oil or acetone "cleaning". I think of cleaning as something that is going to damage the surfaces and negatively effect the coins value. Done with a modicum of sense, olive oil and acetone typically do no damage. There are those here that would say that acetone when used on copper coins in the presence of UV rays will tone or discolor them. Not in my experience, but I am now careful that when using it on copper, I cover them so as no UV ray contact. I also do not leave them in the acetone very long. I personally would not be afraid of the coin or the dealer. The fact that he stated that it had been in oil when you inquired the second time would indicate to me that he gave it further thought and told you the truth. If he was really trying to hide something he would have never admitted it.
Jim
Edited by Jim1953
06/03/2007 4:55 pm
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
I am from the old school I guess as I NEVER clean a coin with any significant value and never will.
I have gone through life with a great distaste for a liar or thief and have found if you find one you have probably found the other. My advice would be to find a new dealer! Money, and or profits, does not always bring the best out in all people, if you know what I mean?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
If it was EF and it met your other qualifications, then $20 really isn't a bad price.
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Valued Member
United States
157 Posts |
thingee,
I think if the coin really pleases you, and if he's not asking too much, which he's not, then go ahead and buy it. I am sure you will probably be the proudest and most thoughtful numismatist the coin has ever been owned by over the last 150 years or so!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2177 Posts |
Daniel, I like your last reply!  I read all comments here and I decided to stick to what I am currently collecting: Buffalo nickels, pre buffalo nickes and Walking Liberty half. I can't get enough of the long, powerful and graceful stride that lady does. I went to a different shop which I have always been more comfortable with and got me some buffalos. So I am happy.  Thanks everyone for the useful and helpful comments. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
An XF 1850's large cent that looks nice for $20? I'd take it sight unseen.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3233 Posts |
The coin may not be bad at all. If you get it for $20, there's not much downside. I would bathe it in acetone to take off any possible other residues or possible Blue Ribbon off of it.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,517 |
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Posted 06/02/2007 10:58 pm
