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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,922 |
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New Member
United States
34 Posts |
Hello Coin Community!
So for a quick backstory: My grandpa gave me sacagewea dollars all the time when I was little. Now that I've taken an interest in numismatics, and learned of the variety of them that have feathers: I've opened almost every drawer in the house looking for wherever I may have put them. I've found several, and a few of them have features on the tail that stick out. The only problem is being in a drawer for 15 years has gotten them very dirty. I understand that these coins originally came from Cheerios boxes, and its very possible that he retrieve these from those boxes. I can't say I'm definitively sure though.
So to the point: is it worth it to clean them? As in if I clean them and they were the lucky 1 out of 5,000 to have them: would they be nearly worthless?
I have seen a technique that allegedly coin collectors use and that is to put baking soda in your hand and flop or rub the coin around to clean it a bit. However, from my knowledge rubbing is one of the worst things you can do to a coin. I currently only have a magnifying glass to work with and some numismatic equipment is on its way. Yet I'm not sure a microscope will allow me to see through whatever it is on the coin. Does anyone have any recommendations for this task?
Thanks.
Rotavele
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3546 Posts |
Any cleaning of coins can be considered acceptable if it is accomplished in the correct way.
Firstly, put away the wire brushes and Brillo pads and look for a Q-tip with some residue free acetone. Is important to keep in mind that even mild cleaning like Q-tips and acetone could definitely leave fine airline like scratches which would alter any coin's patina: especially important to consider if you want to maintain e an MS-70 type grade.
Be sure to send us pictures before and after cleaning.
Good luck and welcome to CCF.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5828 Posts |
DONT CLEAN THEM!
Use acetone, there are several good posts on how to use it on here.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
If you can't read a coin, something has to be done to read it!
Most ancient coins recovered from burial have to be cleaned to read them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
 You can't just assume you have a cheerio one. Only a few thousand were randomly put into boxes. It was like more like finding a willy Wonka golden ticket than a cracker jack box prize. You had to be lucky to get a box with one. Just think how many boxes sold and do sell daily. And if he did get one and gave it to you do you think he would have removed it from its insert to just be another plain one in the mix. Possibly but doubtful I would think if he was a collector. Collectors kept them intact, kids ripped them out, regular non-collector adults saw it as a coupon. Now to your question. Do you have pics? You say dirty, was something spilled on them in the drawer? More than likely you are seeing toning (a form of tarnish) that happened from gasses being expelled from the wood. If this is the case you should still be able to.see the cross-hatched pattern on the tailfeathers. If it is "gunk" then acetone should remove it Edited by Cascade
09/28/2015 10:01 am
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
If you can provide photographs I'm sure we would be able to offer a better opinion. I would say, however, that I'm in the DO NOT CLEAN camp. The only possible exception, as mentioned is a minimal soak in acetone which sometimes does wonders and cause no harm (make sure you are using an acetone that leaves no residue).
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Quote:
(make sure you are using an acetone that leaves no residue). Excuse my ignorance , but is there an acetone that will leave a residue ?  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1747 Posts |
T-Bop, he might be just clarifying not to use nail polish remover because when people hear the word acetone, the untrained person usually makes that assumption.
For coin restoring / preservation always use 100% acetone.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1249 Posts |
Bottom line is we need detail clear pics and we can point you in the right direction. People want help for free all I ask is for a good picture in exchange. I'm making That my signature
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5964 Posts |
to the forum, Rotavele. Quote:
I understand that these coins originally came from Cheerios boxes Have you considered cleaning them with milk and sugar? Sorry, I couldn't resist that. Seriously though, if they are not readable, you have no choice but to clean them. You do not want to rub them. You should only hold them by the edges also. If you could post pictures, it would be helpful in determining what to soak them in. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
Here is what to look for on your Sac's when you find them.  Note the tail feathers insets on both coins. If it is still in the holder, you can check the obverse with this marker to tell if it is the collectable one without opening the holder:  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,922 |
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Posted 09/28/2015 09:30 am
