911 Need A Coin Doctor Stat!

lol

The back of the holder is plastic, and after looking at it again I think whatever was used on the display side was sprayed onto the plastic.

Work with the least valuable coin first.

Before getting started read all warning labels on the solvent you are about to use, wear proper protective wear (gloves, safety glasses, etc) and use in a well ventilated area. (Whatever you do ...be smart and safe!)

Start off using a "weaker" solvent like alcohol and let the coin soak in it for a few minutes. Rinse well in cold running water. Did any of the "stuff" come off? Did it alter the underlying appearance of the coin? If that does not give you the results you want then step up the game by soaking it again for a longer time. Repeat as necessary.

If alcohol did not work try using paint thinner or Acetone. Generally speaking, the more volatile the solvent, the more aggressive it is at attacking the stuff you are trying to remove. Side effect is that the stronger it is, the more chances you have of damaging the coin surface and appearance. You just have to be patient as this crap can be removed.

Back in the 70's, when these holders were made, appearance was everything. The marketers could care less about long term storage. All they wanted was a pretty holder that was cheap and had eye appeal and would help sell the coins.

Good luck!

So after a five minute alcohol soak most of the red gunk came off, however under the loupe you tell that some sort of a chemical reaction started etching the coin. Out of acetone so I'll pick some up tomorrow but I think they're toast. One side of the coins are fine as seen in first picture, have a before and after on it's obverse.

Ouch.

Don't like to admit it but it's kind of a hit on me, should have pulled and checked those coins when I first got them.

Yes I keep coins in safe with humidity control, don't think I've had those 6 or 7 months yet.