Cleaned / Dipped Uncirculated Silver Coins

I don't know much about it, but I've only seen/heard collectors talk about "cartwheel" when referring to older silver coins, Morgan/Peace dollars that have original surfaces, never cleaned, some call it luster. They do reflect light when moving them around and the reflection appears to move in a circular manner. For these old coins it is really cool IMO. I haven't heard many people using the word cartwheel referring to modern bullion such as Silver Eagles.

It doesn't take much experience to notice a coin has been cleaned if it was abrasively cleaned, has scratches which should never be done. It takes experience looking at coins to tell the difference between cleaned and not cleaned. Sometimes it's hard to tell and even dealers can disagree if a coin has been cleaned or not. Some collectors dip coins in acetone to help them look better. Most collectors do not consider this cleaning since you are only dipping them and not touching the coin surfaces with a cloth or whatever. Collectable coins that people think are cleaned or the TPG designate as cleaned are not worth as much and the uncleaned ones.

There are pros who conserve/restore coins.

If you use the search line here on CCF, type in "cleaning coins" and you'll find more discussion about this.

Meh. I don't get too hung up on cleaning, dipping or any other method for attempting to make a coin look more attractive. You can read hundreds of posts on this forum and elsewhere and not find much for common opinion, even on specific coins. A lot of experts out there. If it's obviously cleaned you will recognize that in all likelihood. When in doubt don't buy the coin or opt for a TPG opinion which affords a little comfort and an easier sale down the road. If you really like a coin and it has nice eye appeal to you then go for it.

I agree. A valuable coin should either be left alone or sent to those who know how to restore them, clean them correctly. But many collectors have dipped/cleaned common circulated coins of low value, modern and ancient, to experiment to see if they can make them look better. Many ancient coins have had some restoration/cleaning. Many have been found in the ground and are encrusted. I've cleaned a few of mine.