To Clean Or Not To Clean - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 1,048
Christy Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 6:35 pm I'm soaking my 1922 Peace in acetone, trying to remove a black spot. I was wondering why I shouldn't do the same with my 1883 Morgan and a 1892 Colombian half? Aren't they silver too? Are they more valuable with toning? Christy Image: 1892ColumbianExpoO.jpg 75.95 KB Image: 1883MorganF.jpg 94.45 KB Report this Post to the Staff

KenKat Pillar of the Community United States 4085 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 7:03 pm Acetone won't really remove toning - it mostly is used to remove organic substances from the surface of the coin. Some people will dip a coin [in a silver tarnish remover] to remove haze or toning, but it is generally considered undesireable - especially on coins with wear where it is obvious that they have been cleaned. Ken ---edited to clarify dipping was not in acetone but a different substance --- My 7070 US Type Set My 7100 Lincoln Cent Set (now with updates!) Edited by KenKat 02/16/2009 7:28 pm Report this Post to the Staff
KenKat Pillar of the Community United States 4085 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 7:07 pm p.s. I think your coins are very attractive just as they are - I especially like the Morgan - lots of character on that one. The toning enhances the detail very nicely. Ken My 7070 US Type Set My 7100 Lincoln Cent Set (now with updates!) Report this Post to the Staff
SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 7:18 pm This is why I'm so hesitant to discuss cleaning/conservation efforts in the forum. Neither of these coins are candidates for the process which would remove toning. First, any coin which is not still Mint State cannot ever be treated, because the result would be so obvious as to destroy any collector value it once had. Second, both of these are so darkly toned that draconian steps would be required, also ruining any collector value the coin ever had. As KenKat said, acetone is merely an organic solvent which will have absolutely no effect on toning, which is a chemical process. I do not advocate the indiscriminate use of acetone, not because of the potential for damage to the coin, but because it's a remarkably volatile substance which must be treated with the greatest of caution. Report this Post to the Staff
Christy Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 7:32 pm Thanks for the information, I'll leave the other two alone! Christy Report this Post to the Staff
vermontensium Moderator United States 16679 Posts	Posted 02/16/2009 7:37 pm That's toning. Leave em swcoin.ecrater.com Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 02/17/2009 09:09 am My opinion is based on what your plans are for your coins. For me I like coins that have the APPERANCE of newness. This means I sometimes clean a coin if really messed up or dirty. I don't like toned coins so I usually get rid of the toning. This is done by methods not likable by true Numismatist. I have used solutions like Walmart Jewlery cleaners, lemon juice, tomato juice, Acetone, Laquer thinners, etc. to clean coins. HOWEVER, this is based on the fact that: 1. Those are my coins and I can do what I want with them 2. I have absolutely no plans on selling any of my coins 3. I'm old and whoever ends up with my coins can say whatever they want about me. I'll never know. 4. I never clean a valuable coin. Only the normal, every day type or ones that have been excessively messed up. Quote: I'm soaking my 1922 Peace in acetone, trying to remove a black spot. I was wondering why I shouldn't do the same with my 1883 Morgan and a 1892 Colombian half? Aren't they silver too? Are they more valuable with toning? Christy As noted the Acetone will not remove, or should not, the toning. As to value. There are actually toned coin web sites. Not sure of the exact name but you may want to check one out. They are the ones that would pay more for a toned coin. The most important thing in my opinion is your plans for the future of your coins. If you are concerned with future VALUES, DO NOT CLEAN COINS. Report this Post to the Staff
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