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 Replies: 20 / Views: 3,724 |
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
All, I have gone with using the CAPS Albums which use the AirTite holders for the coins. I think I have seen a few people in the forums mention putting coins in a quick "Acetone Bath" before they add them to their albums. Would this be a good idea to do for all my coins before I put them into the AirTite holders? I am "mainly" collecting some of the newer series right now (Roosevelt Dimes, Jefferson nickles, Presidential dollars), but am also starting with Franklin Halfs and maybe Kennedy Halfs soon.. I typically buy coins either in 2x2s, Mint Cello (Uncirculated), or even Proof Sets (I break them out). And then I have been carefully placing them in my AirTites and putting in my CAPS Album. Should I start giving them all a quick dip in Pure Acetone first? Do I need to do this for ALL the coins, or maybe just some of the older ones, like the silver roosevelts or Franklin Halfs? And is it just a quick dip in Acetone and then air dry? Interested in opinions on it, as well as the exact technique to follow. Just want to try to preserve my coins for my kids/grand kids and avoid any fungus and reduce chance of premature toning/spots. Thanks as always for the advice. Michael |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1601 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
Probably a good idea.
That could save you annoyance in the future.
As for techniques the dipping process doesn't have to be quick.
PURE acetone won't damage metal coins.
And it won't affect established toning.
Acetone will correct for latent fingerprints and other debris on your coins.
And don't forget, acetone is toxic to breathe and highly flammable!
Be VERY careful using it.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
I usually don't use Acetone on modern coins ,only raw classics . So it's a matter of choice if you want to bathe all your coins . It certainly won't hurt and probably be beneficial for the long term .  |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
I collect coins of all eras.
So do museums.
Museums never display or store coins albums capsules or slabs.
I display / store coins in 2x2's in albums. Some display / store in 2x2's in trays in cabinets somewhat like museum.
Slabs severely interfere with the way I store / display coins.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Using Acetone is OK but may not be needed if coins have not been handled.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
Caution: The acetone can melt or fog plastic, so be very careful to keep it away from holders and TPG slabs until the acetone has evaporated. Ditto loupes, phones, and staplers etc. One drop, two seconds on a snap-tite.  |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
If you dip in acetone, will it stop any possible toning in the future? John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
No. Toning is simply pretty rust. Acetone dissolves many contaminants, but doesn't interact with the metal or the tone. If anything it might allow toning.
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Moderator
United States
188429 Posts |
Quote:
Would this be a good idea to do for all my coins before I put them into the AirTite holders? Yes. I would. Quote:Caution: The acetone can melt or fog plastic, so be very careful to keep it away from holders and TPG slabs until the acetone has evaporated. Quote:
Acetone dissolves many contaminants, but doesn't interact with the metal or the tone. If anything it might allow toning. Both comments are worth repeating.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
It is safe to use acetone with polypropylene(#5 plastic/PP) but avoid other types of plastic.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
If you dip in acetone, will it stop any possible toning in the future? No, it has removed any organic material on the surfaces including any oils that could be helping to keep air and moisture away from the coin surfaces. Since the metal is now completely exposed (assuming no toning) toning is probably now MORE likely unless it is kept in a dry enclosed environment. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
These are my results: Before acetone bath .   After acetone bath .   |
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
Wow! Looks like a whole new coin!
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Valued Member
 United States
314 Posts |
Wow.. agree that is quite a difference just from an "acetone" bath..
I agree it looks 1000% better..
But if you then sent in this coin for grading, would it perhaps come back as "Cleaned", which could actually reduce the value?
Just trying to weigh the pros and cons of doing the acetone bath...
Michael
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
An acetone bath is not considered cleaning by TPGs. Just don't use a tool or brush.
Soak, dissolve, swish and repeat.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 3,724 |
Posted 06/29/2017 09:24 am
