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 Replies: 11 / Views: 5,133 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
You guys have convinced me that a quick acetone bath is a good idea when I have a silver or gold (not that I have a lot of that--way out of my price range!) coin that looks like it has film or gunk on it. I haven't seen anything about how safe it is with other metals. I have an Indian penny (bronze), a Lincoln and a nickel that I would also like to bathe. Is it safe? Thanks! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Acetone is safe for all metals .  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
790 Posts |
Thanks! Also, I have a proof Franklin that has what looks like a tiny bit of gum in the hair. Would acetone ruin the finish on a proof?
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Moderator
 United States
188046 Posts |
Pure acetone is safe.  If you are not sure about purity, pour some in a clean container and let it evaporate. It should leave no residue. Also, when using acetone on a particularly grubby coin (probably by soaking) you will want to rinse it with some fresh acetone. Do not rise with water!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4211 Posts |
 What @jbuck said..... |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
Maybe others will share their experience, but when I soak coins, I only put coins of similar composition into the bath. A long time ago I mixed copper, silver and nickel in a bath of E-Z-Est and there was a lot of color change and electro-plating.
Maybe this wouldn't occur with acetone, but I've never tried it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
Thanks! What about proofs? I have one that has a little some kinda speck of goo. Would acetone be ok for a proof or would it ruin the finish?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1275 Posts |
It should be fine as long as you don't rub or wipe it
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Acetone does not react with the metal so it is safe for proofs as well.
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Moderator
United States
188046 Posts |
Quote:
Maybe others will share their experience, but when I soak coins, I only put coins of similar composition into the bath. A long time ago I mixed copper, silver and nickel in a bath of E-Z-Est and there was a lot of color change and electro-plating. Maybe this wouldn't occur with acetone, but I've never tried it. I would expect that with E-Z-Est since it actually dissolves a layer of metal from the coins, but acetone should be okay. However, you are right to be cautious. I always soak coins individually regardless of composition. Better safe than sorry. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19937 Posts |
Acetone is safe on all metals. However, I've found xylene to be superior on copper.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 5,133 |
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Posted 05/02/2017 1:56 pm
