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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,509 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Hello - I'm a new member and was wondering about using acetone in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to remove deposits from copper cents. Do you think this is an acceptable method? Also - What about using the same method for silver or gold coinage? I have a large number of Lincoln Wheat Ear Cents (my favorite) that need some help with deposits of dirt and grim. Please let me know what you think.  Thank You! |
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Valued Member
United States
226 Posts |
Generally speaking, cleaning coins is a NO-NO!. But I feel that if you want to just remove dirt, grease, oil, etc. then acetone or olive oil is OK for copper coins as long as you DON'T brush or rub the coin with anything. Allow the coin to soak for several hours and then carefully rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Always test the cleaning procedure on a coin of little value first. Coins with values over $100 should be professionally conserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
I would not recommend using acetone in an ultrasonic cleaner due to the large volume of acetone required- you might find yourself a bit intoxicated(and not the good kind  ) due to vapors, not to mention the fact that you should not use a VOC in an electric powered device due to spark risk. A soak in acetone in a covered glass container should suffice for removing any organic material from a coin. Be aware that it will not remove any corrosion or anything chemically bonded to the metal such as toning. |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
9375 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1014 Posts |
one word... LOL  |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10982 Posts |
Thank you very much for the input. I was just reading the thread on Lincoln craziness and realize how careful I need to be. I do have a Lincoln Wheatie in 1931-S F-15. I won't be playing with that one!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
I've used acetone on gold with no problems.
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Valued Member
United States
111 Posts |
I have always *heard* that ultrasonic and collectible coins do not mix. They say the ultrasonic cleaner can scratch or leave hairlines. I guess it depends on what may be in the solution, especially if by accident. That was all I needed to hear, so I've never tried it.
After the acetone, some folks will rinse in tap water, and then give a short soak in witch hazel. After that, a distilled water rinse is the best way to go. They put all kinds of additives into the the minerals and salts that are already in tap water. After the distilled water rinse, you would pat dry with a soft cotton cloth. Don't wipe, and don't use paper of any type.
Most of the time cleaning coins is not a good idea. But if you're like most collectors, you'll probably try it anyway. Go easy. "Less" of most anything involved in cleaning is better.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
WELCOME
Please remember that Acetone is highly flameable. If you use any device that is electrical there is always the chance of a spark somewhere. One spark with Acetone may not be something that would make your face look better. If you feel the utter urge to use something that is very flameable, just place the coin in a glass container with the Acetone, remove, rinse with distilled water. Do a search on this web sige for Acetone. Might find many topics.
Normally Acetone will not hurt any coins but the improper usage might. For example many people dip a coin in acetone and allow the Acetone to evaporate on the coin. This leaves as residue the same thing the Acetone removed.
Many times it is better to leave the dirt on the coin rather than distroying the coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
One more thing. NEVER, EVER use tap water on coins. Pending where you live there could be Fluorine or Chlorine in the water. If you have a water softener, the water is now full of NaCl from the softener. In some areas the water is well water and full of Iron compounds such as Fe3O2. Regardless, DO NOT USE TAP WATER.
Next do not use anything to dry coins such as a cotton swab, towel, etc. After a DISTILLED WATER rinse, blow dry with a hair dryer on warm only setting.
If your new to cleaning coins you will hear things like using Olive Oils, Witch hazels, lighter fluids, Lemon Juice and on and on and on. Mostly remember the people that tell you to do that have nothing to worry about if all goes wrong. To them it's just Ooopppps, I just said that but had no idea of what I was saying. Those are your coins so be carefull.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,509 |
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Posted 01/23/2008 5:04 pm
