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 Replies: 17 / Views: 2,639 |
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
I found a 1829 half dollar, but I can't tell what shape it is in due to a bunch of dirt being on it.
How do I clean it safely?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
Post a picture if you can. Don't clean anything yet.
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New Member
 United States
37 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
It's mostly "crusty" which is very good. Dirty many times mean original and shouldn't be played with. However, those darker spots are distracting to me. I might try soaking it in acetone and lightly use a cotton swap to see if those dark spots can go away. There are others that will say to leave the coin alone and that might be the safest bet. If I were a buyer, I would not choose that coin due to the spotting, though.
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
Does the coin have any value at all? I don't know what is good or not out of my collection.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
Yes, it definitely has value. I don't specialize in this series so someone else here could tell you what they feel the coin could bring in its current condition.
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Moderator
 United States
6563 Posts |
Basic 1829
G-$60
F-$80
VF-$120
XF-$150
that's just to give ya a quick idea. I don't really wanna venture a grade with the spotting personally.
I would try some acetone and nothing else just to see what it does
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
Looks like F to me but that is dependent on what lies behind those spots.
Soak it in acetone for an hour, use a Qtip to gently remove the spots. Do not rub or wipe the coin. Rinse well with distilled water and pat dry.
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No longer with us
United States
207 Posts |
Looks like a $75.00 coin!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
I don't think the photo is that great. It looks like a combination of the slightly out of focus picture & the cellophane from the 2x2 is hiding some detail on this coin. Looks to easily be F, and possibly higher.
I'd try the acetone soak. I'd be very cautious about rubbing it, even with a Q-tip, it might leave hairlines. You could also end up with a coin that has light spots where the dark spots used to be.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Prior to anything attempt to just rinse the coin with DISTILLED WATER. Not tap water, distilled water. If that is just DIRT it will or should just rinse off. DO NOT use cotton swabs, Q-tips, etc to wipe. Blow dry with a hair dryer on warm. Not hot, warm. If you insist on further cleaning, then use the Acetone method. Try a forum search for topics on Acetone or coin cleaning.
Basically do not clean coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
My experience shows Qtips do not leave hairlines on circulated silver as long as you apply when wet and do not press down with too much force. I would not try it on proof or MS coins.
Try a Qtip on a cheap coin with a little olive oil. No hairlines even under 10x.
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
I'm of the opinion that coins should NEVER be wiped or cleaned with any physical force or pressure no matter how minute. Obviously this is a well worn coin, but wiping and rubbing can leave marks that would destroy a coin in a higher grade. I recommend placing the the coin in a saucer of luke warm distilled water for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinsing well with distilled water. Gently pat dry (without rubbing) or use a warm blow dryer. If you're still not satisfied, you can try acetone. Follow directions regarding safe use of the chemical. If using acetone the coin will air dry quickly.
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
It is soaking in distilled water right now.
Afterwards, I'll get a scan of it. Should I submit it to be slabbed?
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
Slabbing is a personal choice. I only have coins of significant value certified. I'm certainly not an expert grader, but I think a pretty conservative grader. I would not expect the coin to grade above F or to be worth more than $70 or so. If you choose to have it certified keep in mind that there are really only 3 or 4 top tier grading companies (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, ICG) and that if the coin shows signs of cleaning they will likely return it to you uncertified. If you are new to certified coins I'd recommend reading in this forum about the TPG's (Third Party Graders)first. |
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 2,639 |
Posted 02/06/2008 8:32 pm
