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 Replies: 13 / Views: 2,534 |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello,
I have a constitution Silver Dollar Commemorative Proof and there are 2 "stains" on the coin itself. To me it looks as if someone got a huge fingerprint on the coin. I had to pull the coin out of the air-tite container to see this and having the coin outside the air-tite container bothered me so I don't think I'll ever do that again.
My question is how, if even possible, can I "clean" or remove the smudges?
At least I know what to look for in the future.
Thanks,
Rich
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
I wouldn't bother removing the stains on the coin, since it may cause further damage.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
I agree with spider the chance of further damaging the coin out weighs the advantages of trying to clean the smudges off .
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19942 Posts |
What's wrong with trying a distilled water and then acetone soak? However, chances are what you're seeing is irremovable.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
If it is an old fingerprint, then it has probably already etched itself into the mirrors and become part of the coin. You could try a dunk in acetone but if you are not comfortable handling a proof outside of the airtite, then I would just leave it be.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Thad there is nothing wrong with trying , but on proof issues and mirrored fields even if you managed to remove whatever is on the coin it may look worse exposing whatever affects what is there may have had on the coin .
If what is there looks like milk it won't come off anyway , that haze that forms on some proofs is pretty much there to stay unless you dip the coin and that messes up the mirrors .
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Pillar of the Community
United States
860 Posts |
I have seen proofs comparison photos in an NCS ad a while back where they did remove a milky haze using a secret formula with no noticeable damage to the mirrors. Of course it was only photos.
Jim
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
What most forget is just what are you future plans for that coin? IF you plan on never selling it nor plan on giving to someone, then it shouldn't matter what you do with it. It is YOURS. A carefull attempt to remove by soaking or dipping in Acetone or Distilled water may or may not work. IF removed, there co uld be a gouge, hole, etc under such spots. Then too if your not carefull you could end up leaving your own prints on that coin. Then too during such attempts you may drop the coin and create a dent. If you really don't have a lot invested in that coin it may well become an experimental piece.
As I said so much depends on your future plans, likes, interest, etc.
I'd let it stand as is.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
Basically, if it really bothers you, do something about it - either try cleaning it, selling it or just give it away so it doesn't bother you anymore.
I got a bad 1979 mint set a few years ago. Rather than fool with it, I opened it up and spent it because I knew it would tick me off everytime I would run across it if I kept it.
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Valued Member
 United States
420 Posts |
Hello, Thanks for all your comments. Quote:
What most forget is just what are you future plans for that coin? My future plans for the coin are to pass them down to my children (when I have them) in hopes that a family heirloom will be created. Quote:
Basically, if it really bothers you, do something about it - either try cleaning it, selling it or just give it away so it doesn't bother you anymore. I guess it really doesn't bother me, especially considering this particular coin was fairly inexpensive, I think I got it for $12 or something like that. Personally I think the "smudge" gives the coin some character. If I ever wanted to profit from coin collecting then I think I would replace the coin but because cleaning coins is not a good thing to do I'm going to just enjoy the character this particular coin offers and never take commemorative coins out of their air-tite holders again. Rich |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Remember that a dunk in acetone is not cleaning in the traditional numismatic sense(a damaging process). Acetone is a solvent and will only remove any organic material on the surface of the coin but will not harm the metal surface at all. This would be considered conservation since the action is meant to improve the appearance of the coin without causing any harm.
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello, Quote:
Remember that a dunk in acetone is not cleaning in the traditional numismatic sense(a damaging process). Acetone is a solvent and will only remove any organic material on the surface of the coin but will not harm the metal surface at all. This would be considered conservation since the action is meant to improve the appearance of the coin without causing any harm. Where can I get acetone? I have heard nail polish remover has acetone in it but I have also heard of pure acetone. I'd like to try pure acetone.....someday.....if it won't harm the coin. Thanks, Rich |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
632 Posts |
I don't know anything about acetone soaking coins but I would assume pure acetone would be the way to go to eliminate impurities that might damage the coin in such things like an acetone solution (A.K.A nail polish removers) It can be bought easily enough from your local Walmart (probably even a walgreens/CVS). I think its like....$1.07 for 16 ounces. Fairly inexpensive and the label should say either '100% acetone' or 'pure acetone'. Just a few tips though. Acetone is HIGHLY flammable and highly volatile. It evaporates in seconds if you say....just spill some on the ground. But do not get flame anywhere near the acetone or fumes or your going to have yourself a bomb. Also mess with the stuff in a well ventilated area for the same reason. The stuffs stronger than huffing bleach. Also, when you buy it, be sure you have your ID on you. I'm 19 and I look like I'm 27 buying a bottle of acetone and they card me every time. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Take it to a coin show, sell it, buy a nice replacement for a few bucks more.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 2,534 |
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Posted 11/11/2008 11:42 am
