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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,082 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1959 Posts |
I just bought this 1821 Large Cent. It was in a NGC VG-10 problem free slab. I'm happy with the purchase and couldn't help but break her free from her prison cell as soon as I got it. There is a lot of "crud" hugging the devices. I see this a lot with Large cents. Collectors/dealers rub various oils on them to "condition" them. This oil turns crusty and waxy over 100+ years and can be picked off with a toothpick, but this is a little more than normal. I don't want to compromise the patina. I could, of course, leave it alone. NGC didn't seem to have a problem with it, but I kinda do. Will acetone or Verdi-care take this off? I wanted opinions before I started monkeying with this coin. I'm a chemist, but not willing to experiment on my coins. I want to improve it not impair it! Any insight or advice welcome.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1436 Posts |
I personally would start w/ an Acetone bath first and see what happens. If still not satisfied w/ that, then try Verdi-Care... I bet you'll see great improvement in the appearance.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1959 Posts |
Thanks Dave H, that's probably what I'll try.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5417 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
If it works, you're going to have halos of brighter metal where the crud is, because the surface hasn't aged like the rest. Don't know if you're going to like that.
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Valued Member
440 Posts |
I would have left it in the slab.
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Pillar of the Community
778 Posts |
I also would have left it in the slab.
I will admit to freeing one that had the beginning of green corrosion though.
Good luck,
Bill
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
At this level of wear, as Ssuper stated, the metal would really stand out under that crud.
I'd leave it personally.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1959 Posts |
SsuperDdave, I thought of that so I removed some with a toothpick and it seems to have even color.
As far as removing it from the slab...... I never look back. I don't ever regret it. I like to handle the coins. Especially Large cents. They feel nice in hand. Plus, I have a book to put it in.
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Valued Member
United States
291 Posts |
The wear on that coin is so unusual. The denticles and the lettering in LIBERTY are strong, but the face and hair are weak. Almost looks like someone took a tool to the coins to make certain parts standout.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
SsuperDdave, I thought of that so I removed some with a toothpick and it seems to have even color.
I wouldn't really know how to advise you, then. In your shoes I'd be sore tempted to remove the stuff too. |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
I have applied an acetone bath to few of my coins, including coppers, and overall my experience has been positive. The final appearance of the coins improved. However, be advised that acetone's mildly non-polar character means that it will remove organic deposits, including surface oils, and this will tend to give coins so treated a washed-out, somewhat lifeless look. What I do after the dip is to let the coins sit on a window sill for a long time. This restores some of the lost sheen.
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Valued Member
United States
301 Posts |
Ive tried a dip on a few coins and usually turns out ok. I had a 1910s wheatie I dug up metal detecting, I soaked it in olive oil for 2 weeks, used a cutip and toothpic to clean all the crud, then soaked in acetone, then water, blow dried, then left it sit under a grow light for a week before putting it in a manila envelope with a silica packet for a few months. Came out great! I've been considering trying to test PCGS by sending in. Best advice, is go slow, take the time and the results will show!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
Whatever you decide to do to it be sure to update the thread so the rest of us have a reference as to what to do or not to do.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1959 Posts |
Thanks for the advice GERMANICVS and coinaddict1795. jack jeckel, I will post pics, but haven't done anything yet.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,082 |
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Posted 05/30/2014 2:45 pm
