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 Replies: 10 / Views: 4,625 |
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
I was at my local shop and found a coin I wanted but said no due to milky film a lot of them get over time. The shop owner said "I can get rid of that." After a few minutes he came back with a pristine coin. He said the secret was soap. He used some machine too I believe. My question is is this a legit way to get that milky haze off commemorative coins? Is it harmful? I have several that have started to get that haze and want them pristine just like I bought them.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12272 Posts |
The dealer most likely "dipped" the coin in a mild acidic solution then rinsed it with water or used a solution such as "MS-70 Coin Brightner" on it.
There is a good chance he did not use "a machine" on the coin as a mechanical device isn't necessary to remove the milky cloudiness that you describe.
Solutions such as I've described are commonly used to remove toning, haziness and/or other surface contaminants from coins; acetone is also frequently used.
When used correctly, the solutions are a legitimate way to "clean" coins and do not adversely effect a coin's value.
If they are misused, however, they can definitely lower the value of a coin.
I would recommend searching CCF and reading more about the use of coin cleaning solutions before attempting to use them on your commemorative coins. Proofs especially have very delicate surfaces and can be permanently impaired if not handled properly.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2403 Posts |
HMMM. "Cleaning" is such a bad word when it comes to modern coins. "Secret soap"? Definitely don't like the sound of that either. Used a machine? This would automatically make me not want the coin.
The only "cleaning" I have heard to be acceptable is a 100% pure acetone bath/dip. Not sure if it would take the milky color off of coin or if this is recommended on proof coins though.
Did coin look ok when shop owner was done? Did you purchase coin? If so would love to see pics of it.
Edited by MontCollector
07/08/2016 12:04 am
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Valued Member
 United States
362 Posts |
MontCollector, the coin looked great and I did purchase it. I do need to clarify my comment about using a machine. He did not say he used one I just assumed. He did say he uses just soap and water. He has been a local dealer for about 30 years so I took him at his word. If I was to clean any of my coins I'll take them to a professional.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
How about a current pic of the coin.
And a pic 3 months form now to see how it has weathered?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
827 Posts |
I really doubt soap and water would remove milk spots from a proof coin.
I have tried that, It didn't work.
My guess is he did a quick dip in E-Z-Est
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Valued Member
United States
452 Posts |
The milky film from post production environmental issues (and packaging) may be improved by dipping the coin. If it's a 'milk spot' caused by soap residue left behind on the planet after washing, then dipping will not improve it. The soap 'milk spots' are struck into the coin. They are essentially part of the coins composition.
I don't expect soap and water would improve either issue.
Edited by AES
07/10/2016 10:57 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
coinut I would like to see picture of your coins also that been cleaned.
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
Here is the coin that was cleaned.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
The still looks hazy to me.
How bad was it before?
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
Pretty bad, major hazing from the rim inward. Considering every one that I have looked at was as bad or worse the resulting coin was still by far the best, and I paid $25 for it in ogp so not too bad a deal.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 4,625 |
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Posted 07/08/2016 12:02 am
