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 Replies: 12 / Views: 10,266 |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
Is there any safe way to remove a carbon spot from an otherwise nicely surfaced 19th century silver coin. By safe, I of course mean safe to the coin, not to me. I'm expendable. Thanks in advance.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
By safe, I of course mean safe to the coin, not to me. I'm expendable. You, sir, are a true numismatist.  It's likely that the spot will not be removable, being part of the planchet rather than a post-mint event. Give it a shot in acetone, just in case it's post-mint. Is it at all raised from the surface? |
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Valued Member
 United States
257 Posts |
I haven't yet had the coin in hand, but the seller acknowledges that it is a carbon spot, and doesn't seem to be raised like a glob of gunk I just had for dinner. Perhaps it is part of being new to this hobby, but I've not heard of the planchet itself being the cause of such a spot. I thought carbon spots were environmental. Were there a lot of silver planchets used that were already marked up at the time of the strike? Thanks in advance
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Opinion is mixed as to their true origin. Some think it's the result of improper preparation of the planchet, some believe they're related to post-mint moisture exposure. I lean towards the first theory, but what do I know? Chances are "all the above" is the right answer. Almost all agree, though, that carbon spots are darned difficult to remove safely. They're more common on copper and gold, but (as you already know) can appear on silver and nickel. Be aware, it's possible for a significant-enough carbon spot to cause a no-grade from a TPG. |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Quote:Be aware, it's possible for a significant-enough carbon spot to cause a no-grade from a TPG. Or at the very least, a downgrade. swcoin.ecrater.com
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
What kind of value are we talking here? If it is sufficiently high, I would suggest going the NCS conservation route. |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
It is an XF/AU 1875 CC Twenty Cent Piece that can be had for $999. Does that rate as sufficiently high? For me, it rates as a potential marriage buster high. |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:It is an XF/AU 1875 CC Twenty Cent piece Figured as much. You are determined to add one of those to your collection. I'd pass this one by. You've shown a lot of patience in this search; continue, and you will be rewarded. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:It is an XF/AU 1875 CC Twenty Cent Piece that can be had for $999. Does that rate as sufficiently high? For me, it rates as a potential marriage buster high. Not sure of if you've seen this coin or not. You never mentioned if you've seen this coin. The reason I mention this is what is a spot to some is a really big spot to others. Then too some may say a spot and it is so small an electron microscope is needed to see it. Is the spot on the Obverse, reverse or both? If you haven't seen this coin and you know it's possibly with a spot of unknown size, shape and substance, I would keep the wife, look for a different coin. Anyway even the over price stated Red Book shows it lower in cost. Is that price with postage, handling, insurances? Is there a return policy? If returned do you pay for a restocking fee? You pay for return postage? A wife may well be a safer choice. |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
I used to collect ex-wives for a hobby, but the hobby got far too expensive. So I'm not sure if the wife is the safer choice economically. From the photos, the spot is very apparent without magnification. It is on the reverse and completely fills in the O of "OF", shadows it a bit to the left (facing), and above it on the denticles towards the rim. I haven't looked in Red Book, but recent HA results shows current FMV between $900 and $1100 for a coin of this grade. SuperDave, yes, I am most determined. I just didn't know that I had gained a noticeable reputation. I guess I'm flattered that someone is actually paying attention. |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
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I just didn't know that I had gained a noticeable reputation. You and I share an interest in 19th-Century silver, and I'm getting paid (figure of speech) to keep track of this place. Obviously I'm going to be stalking you. There's a hole in my 7070 for a Twenty Cent, and I knew very little about them previously. Thanks to your ongoing effort, I now know a lot more. |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
My pleasure, SuperDave. I currently have one each of the 1875, 1875 S, and the 1876. The 1875 CC is, of course, the last obtainable business struck Twenty Cent Piece. The proofs don't excite me much. If you're not picky about which mint mark, the 1875 S examples are, relatively, quite affordable and available. And thanks for your interest. |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
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If you're not picky about which mint mark, the 1875 S examples are, relatively, quite affordable and available. That's good to know - I was rather worried about this one but it looks like an XF45 example is within reach. |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 10,266 |
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Posted 04/07/2009 5:04 pm
