Posted 07/16/2014 1:17 pm
Dipped copper has a horrid pinkish-orange appearance and is usually quite obvious in-hand, commercial coin cleaners such as E-Z-Est and Jeweluster should never be used on copper.
Dipping silver is situational and you should always err on the side of caution before taking the final plunge. A nice uncirculated silver coin with a hazy patina or a few light fingerprints can be briefly dipped and the luster should be preserved. Circulated examples(<AU) should not be dipped because it gives them a decidedly unnatural appearance. Coins with thick heavy patination should not be dipped either as that is a situation where you can lose a significant amount of luster. Overdipping a silver coin can also impair luster. The advice for silver generally applies to nickel alloy coins as well.
If you really must dip a coin, use a solution diluted with distilled water(at least 1:2) and dip for the shortest time possible(2-3 seconds). Rinse the coin after dipping under running tap water to ensure that all dip solution is removed from the coin. Give it a final rinse with distilled water and acetone to remove any residual water. Dipping is an advanced technique because it does take experience to recognize a good candidate and it is worth noting that many more coins have been ruined than helped by dipping so if you are unsure of yourself- DO NOT DO IT.
Dipping silver is situational and you should always err on the side of caution before taking the final plunge. A nice uncirculated silver coin with a hazy patina or a few light fingerprints can be briefly dipped and the luster should be preserved. Circulated examples(<AU) should not be dipped because it gives them a decidedly unnatural appearance. Coins with thick heavy patination should not be dipped either as that is a situation where you can lose a significant amount of luster. Overdipping a silver coin can also impair luster. The advice for silver generally applies to nickel alloy coins as well.
If you really must dip a coin, use a solution diluted with distilled water(at least 1:2) and dip for the shortest time possible(2-3 seconds). Rinse the coin after dipping under running tap water to ensure that all dip solution is removed from the coin. Give it a final rinse with distilled water and acetone to remove any residual water. Dipping is an advanced technique because it does take experience to recognize a good candidate and it is worth noting that many more coins have been ruined than helped by dipping so if you are unsure of yourself- DO NOT DO IT.
