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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,298 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3636 Posts |
Just a quick question - while browsing a dealer's inventory, I ran across a Texas commemorative that was graded UNC details because of lacquer. Isn't lacquer something that can be removed using acetone? Or does lacquer actually damage or alter the coin surfaces over time? I've never dealt with this before, but I'm curious that if lacquer is something that could be safely removed from the coin, then why have it holdered as this one is without taking care of it first...  Edited by hokiefan_82
06/14/2022 02:15 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Acrylic lacquer is harmless for coins, and is readily dissolvable in acetone.
Spray acrylic lacquer provides an airtight seal for coins.
However, never use it for this purpose, because it can peel or chip off, leaving some areas of the coin protected, and some not. This can lead to differential toning in the unprotected areas and to leave a coin visually unattractive.
If the lacquer seal is perfectly intact and is protected inside a slab, you can most probably get away with it, and have a blast white coin last forever, or at least until the slab is broken.
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Moderator
United States
94786 Posts |
Even lacquer can yellow over time. This is something I would not advise for protection of a coin. I would have tried an acetone soak to remove it first before slabbing.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3636 Posts |
Thanks, and no, I would never even consider applying lacquer on a coin myself. I'm just wondering why someone would submit a coin to be slabbed without removing the lacquer first, unless they simply didn't realize it until afterwards and didn't want spend even more money to crack it out for resubmission...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4680 Posts |
Whoever submitted likely wasn't aware it was lacquered. I wasn't aware PCGS would even holder it if it was obviously lacquered. That said, lacquer will not permanently damage or etch the surfaces and I've have several instances of safely removing lacquer without adverse affects. I've also submitted several coins previously lacquered that I safely removed before submitting and receive straight graded. As Sel mentioned, I does protect the surfaces and creates a barrier to prevent oxidation. Nitrocellulose lacquer being more breathable than acrylic. (That said, I would still NEVER coat any of my coins with this method).
I will typically soak in acetone for a couple minutes, lightly roll over with a qtip, and repeat this process 2 more times, each with fresh acetone.
Lacquer can change the way the light reflects on the surfaces, sometimes hiding light superficial breaks in luster. Until it's safely removed, tough to spot these. I'd have no problem buying a coin like this if the price was right, with high optimism of it being a problem free coin once conserved properly.
Looks like a nice example with a nice strike.
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Moderator
United States
94786 Posts |
So, would you crack this one open de-lacquer it and send it back in for a straight grade?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5661 Posts |
Depending on the price, it might be worth cracking it out and soaking in acetone. Then if it looks like a 65, it could be resubmitted. It's likely that the original submitter didn't realize it was coated in lacquer. I once submitted a coin that I thought was problem-free, and it came back as having some glue residue.  |
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Moderator
United States
94786 Posts |
Quote:
and it came back as having some glue residue. Well that sucks, Too bad you didn't catch that first. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3636 Posts |
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I'd have no problem buying a coin like this if the price was right, with high optimism of it being a problem free coin once conserved properly. Looks like a nice example with a nice strike. It's crossed my mind. The seller's asking $275 which appears to be between MS64 and MS65 in recent auction prices for this coin, so I'll likely pass... Member of SPMC, FCCB, ANA and ANS. My U.S. Classic Commemorative Complete Set: https://www.NGCcoin.com/registry/co...sets/278741/My U.S. Fractional Note Set: https://notes.www.collectors-societ...eSetID=34188 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I never would have bought it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4680 Posts |
Quote:
It's crossed my mind. The seller's asking $275 which appears to be between MS64 and MS65 in recent auction prices for this coin, so I'll likely pass... I would pass as well. That's a ways off from my "price is right" amount, considering it's a gamble until it's conserved. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3636 Posts |
I definitely agree with you there, Ty2020b.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I learn by asking a very knowledgeable and reputable coin dealer how a copper Indian Head could remain full red for well over a hundred years and that was his quick reply, lacquer. So to answer the question, I would agree with the other reply of it not being an issue in the slab or not. And yes, acetone would dissolve it after a long soak.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
06/27/2022 10:34 pm
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,298 |
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Posted 06/14/2022 08:44 am
Uncirculated American Silver Eagles 
