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 Replies: 42 / Views: 4,097 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
Are there any types of coins that shouldn't get an acetone bath? I've been doing it already with the usual silver, nickel, bronze and copper business strike coins.
The ones I'm specifically wondering about are the steel cents and the proof and mint set coins. There are some that look like they need to come out of their holders and wrappers because one or more coins is getting discolored.
If there are any other types you wouldn't put in acetone, let me know!
Also, I've seen some people say they've left coins in acetone up to 24 hours to release some particularly sticky gunk. Is a longer bath in acetone safe? I have a couple coins from pocket change that look to be in pretty great condition, but they have some kind of goo on them that loosened up a bit with a shorter bath, but it won't come off without rubbing—I'd like to give them a longer soak if it wouldn't damage the coins.
Thanks!!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19126 Posts |
Others will weigh-in here, but I've never had an issue using acetone for long soaks--some upwards of several days to eradicate PVC film on copper and clad coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
As I am old I forgot and left some soak for a week and had no problems.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6524 Posts |
I don't think I would put a "coloured" coin in acetone. Nerer tried
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
This is my experience, maybe it is different for other series.
I don't put nice Clad coins in acetone, it messes up the natural luster.
I only know this because I did this to a couple Ike's and they got all wonky..
*Looks around for Jbuck*
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Quote:
I don't put nice Clad coins in acetone, it messes up the natural luster. I have never, ever had this problem.  Quote:
I only know this because I did this to a couple Ike's and they got all wonky..
Maybe because of something else that was on the coin?  Quote:
*Looks around for Jbuck*  I could not count the number of circulation finds I have rinsed, never an ill effect as far as messing with luster. Now, I have had more that one coin where the now dissolved organic material had either protected or ruined the surface area it occupied. That area is noticeably different than the rest of the coin. For example, it is shiny new where the rest of the coin had toned, or it is corroded where the rest of the coin is normal. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
790 Posts |
How about the steel cents and proofs? Will their surfaces be damaged by acetone?
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Quote:
How about the steel cents and proofs? Will their surfaces be damaged by acetone? Acetone is an organic solvent and should never directly affect the metal surfaces (indirect effect would be by revealing contrasting surface conditions as I said above). The one exception is red copper, and it is very rare as it requires long exposure to a strong light source (like leaving red cents in sealed jar outside in the sun). The light will break down the acetone into acetic acid, which would be able to affect metal surfaces. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3171 Posts |
Yes, acetone will remove the zinc plating on steel cents.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
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Yes, acetone will remove the zinc plating on steel cents. I do not believe this is true. However, given how volatile the zinc coating is, I would not be surprised if any rinse (acetone, water, xylene) expedited the shedding of zinc that is already separating from a steel cent. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
557 Posts |
Thanks for all the info here JBuck!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
Jbuck-I'll PM you and show you what I mean with pics later when I get home.  You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Quote:
Are there any types of coins that shouldn't get an acetone bath? Yes , chocolate coins .  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5177 Posts |
Any coin with any amount of polymer in it should NEVER be exposed to acetone, e.g. the German Climate Series coins.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
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Thanks for all the info here JBuck! No problem! Quote:
Jbuck-I'll PM you and show you what I mean with pics later when I get home. Got it! I will reply shortly.  Quote: Yes , chocolate coins .  Quote:
Any coin with any amount of polymer in it should NEVER be exposed to acetone, e.g. the German Climate Series coins.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7273 Posts |
I put almost all raw coins in acetone as a preventive for getting finger prints.
My last raw coin had a sticky substance on the reverse, it went into acetone for about 24 hours. The acetone turned greenish yellow and the reverse lightened a little. That is always the issue with using any solvent. It can remove something that can show a lighter coin or hide corrosion.
Edited by hfjacinto
12/06/2022 10:04 am
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Replies: 42 / Views: 4,097 |
Posted 12/05/2022 2:13 pm
