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 Replies: 10 / Views: 9,939 |
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New Member
Australia
8 Posts |
A recently acquired a 5 oz SBSS Trivium proof coin that has very prominent unsightly oily fingerprints on it, which I was aware of prior to buying, and I'm hoping someone can help me gain knowledge as to whether its possible to remove them ? I'm sure any form of physical contact, even with the softest cloth, would be like sandpaper to a mirror. Maybe some kind of dipping solution? I'm not very experienced with this and have a feeling they'll be there eternally unfortunately. Why anyone would remove a proof from its capsule astounds me  . I know some of you will be thinking it was me  Any suggestions would be most welcome. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2519 Posts |
You can use pure acetone (not nail polish remover!) to dissolve the oil of the fingerprint.
If the fingerprints are not fresh I doubt that they can be removed because they've etched into the surface of the coin. But give it a shot, who knows they're not that old?
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New Member
 Australia
8 Posts |
Thanks. The coin was minted just over 12 months ago. So acetone wont effect the finish and how do you apply it ? Dip, bath ?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2519 Posts |
Soak (bath) it, a dip would be too short time. But don't touch the acetone with your fingers or the oils on your skin will be dissolved in the acetone and get deposited on the coin when you take it out and dry it. You also end up with very dry skin to the point of peeling, something I learnt the hard way. I personally use powder-free nitrile gloves.
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New Member
Australia
8 Posts |
Thank you so much.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
Try some acetone. I tried it with some hazy proof Ikes I got from the bank a few weeks ago with unfortunately no change. When I misplaced my pocket piece a year ago I picked up this Ellis Island for melt to be my new pocket piece. In 2 days in "circulation" the fingerprints were gone but the hairlines started. After a month or so it still looked respectable and I admit I wiped it with a cotton T a few times during. Luckily I found my 3 year pocket piece after a month. I can;t get my stagnant coins to tone but my pocket piece started to develop some nice purple coloration after the first year. It must be the laundry detergent    Edited by jack jeckel
09/12/2014 12:03 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
As already noted use Acetone. One thing you should do first is use the Search tab and type in things like Acetone, coin cleaning, cleaning coins, etc. Acetone is highly dangerous so you have to be careful. You could hold the coin by the edges and just dip it. Leaving it in Acetone for long periods of time accomplishes very little. And if those prints have been there for a long time, to late.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
The key to success with fingerprints is early action. Oils from the fingers contain acids that will etch the metal surface of the coin. This can take only a short amount of time and is permanent (unless the coin is defaced). If the acetone bath fails to remove the print, then you have an etched surface.
Hope it works for you.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19948 Posts |
Quote:
Acetone is highly dangerous so you have to be careful. Highly flammable but not at all dangerous....unless you're using it next to a campfire. LOL Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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New Member
Australia
8 Posts |
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom. Will let you know how the acetone goes.
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Valued Member
United States
452 Posts |
I use a product called 'coin care' on bullion and bars before packing it away when the surface looks like it has been compromised and may further deteriorate due to some foreign substance.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 9,939 |
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Posted 09/11/2014 10:34 pm
