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 Replies: 16 / Views: 4,813 |
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Valued Member
United States
57 Posts |
I have a 1908 Double Eagle, about XF condition, that has about 100 years of grease and grime on it.
What would folks recommend I use to clean it ? Maybe something like Formula 409 and an old toothbrush ?
Thanks for any advice,
rs
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1747 Posts |
I hope you are only kidding about the 409 and the toothbrush. this would immediately destroy any numismatic value to the coin.
you should never use any brush on a coin, or even use a towel to wipe it off.
The only safe way to clean coins is using 100% pure acetone, put it in a glass jar (plastic will be eaten by the acetone) and let it sit for a few days. Make sure you do this in an area with good ventilation, because acetone is not good to breath.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
 Let me add that the jar should have lid. Acetone is very volatile. For more information go to the Search Coin Community ( top left ) type in acetone. Can you post a before picture both sides. Then an after treatment picture. Edited by bpoc1
12/10/2015 4:01 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
828 Posts |
Nooooo....... No brush, especially on gold. I would let it soak in acetone for a while. Do you have a picture, maybe there will be other suggestions
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Valued Member
 United States
57 Posts |
Acetone is not very nice stuff, in sufficient quantity it is a carcinogen.
There must be something not quite as toxic for removing grease/grime ?
What is it about Formula 409 that folks don't like. This is Gold after
all and not much can attack it.
Just curious,
Thanks for the replies,
rs
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5210 Posts |
Acetone only. Quote:
What is it about Formula 409 that folks don't like It is a free country and it is your coin. If you want to go against the unanimous consensus here then by all means get out the toothbrush and start scrubbing.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I think he was kidding about the 409. Yes, start with an acetone bath and perhaps a Q-tip to gently nudge the surfaces while it's immersed. Get back to us!  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1747 Posts |
if you only want a shiny gold coin to have in your pocket, or to display on your shelf, then by all means use any cleaner you want, feel free to use an SOS pad, and steel wool to get that really stuck on stuff.
However if you care about the coin, and perhaps want to maintain ANY VALUE above gold spot pricing then only use the acetone.
Note that any surface under the grime/grease will have toned significantly differently than that which was not covered and you may be left with brighter spots on the coin.
-nuff said!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Quote:
Acetone is not very nice stuff, in sufficient quantity it is a carcinogen. That is absolutely false, acetone is most certainly NOT a carcinogen. As far as solvents go, acetone has a very low toxicity profile and it is even produced in the human body as a byproduct of metabolism. |
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Valued Member
United States
57 Posts |
What a pack of friendly and knowledgeable folks.
Ask as simple question that goes against YOUR idea of Gospel
and it's off to the pits with him.
If I can't ask for a simple explanation to a question, then
I'll refrain from asking any further questions.
Far be it that I should question "Gospel" !!
rs
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8518 Posts |
Take before and after pics when you try the 409/toothbrush .
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Gold is SOFT!
Use soft rubber gloves.
Use plain old pure, mild soap 'n water for gold coins, and rub gently.
Pat dry with a clean towel, blow dry if you wish.
All gold coins respond very well with this treatment.
Those with cartwheel luster really gleam!
Acetone is OK for gold coins, but you can't use soft gloves; they could dissolve. Soap 'n water is more accessible anyway.
Slab them after cleaning, or at least store them in a capsule.
Been doing this for gold coins for more than 40 years; never a problem!
Edited by sel_69l
12/10/2015 6:00 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
828 Posts |
Well, "This gospel" knows quite a bit about this subject. Don't listen, clean it any way you want. Don't cry to us.
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Valued Member
146 Posts |
Dear W1ksz,
Your simple question would take an hour to answer in full. Since I am a two finger typist, this will have to do:
Don't be put off by all the answers you have received. What they are trying to "hammer home" is it is best that you do not touch your coin at all. Old gold coins often develop a "skin" that dulls the surface and is much more attractive to many numismatists than a bright shiny coin.
There are many chemicals besides acetone that professionals use to conserve (properly clean) coins. The important thing is not to rub the surface with anything and make sure the coin is neutralized after treatment. Again, don't touch your coin unless you know what you are doing. Most circulated coins look terrible when cleaned.
Regards
A little swish in
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1450 Posts |
Is this a 1908-S Saint-Gaudens by any chance?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5828 Posts |
no no no no no no no no no no NOOOO!!
Dont clean it!
Read above posts!
SAVE YOURSELF!
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Replies: 16 / Views: 4,813 |
Posted 12/10/2015 2:14 pm
