1882 IHC For Grading And Opinions

Another one. http://goccf.com/t/353982&SearchTerms=52raymo

Dipping a silver coin in many cases will details a coin at a reputable TPG. It is considered cleaning or surface alteration.

You can sometimes slip them past the graders if it was a dilute dip or an old dip that has retoned. I have dipped a few coins before using dilute solutions followed with an acetone rinse, but never on any valuable coins or anything I'd try to get into a TPG holder.

Dipping actually removes a microscopic layer of surface metal from the coin, which changes the natural striations of the planchet as struck, resulting in luster that is different (e.g. "all over" luster and no cartwheel) or is entirely missing.

Dipped copper will always be detailed (well, ok, 99% of the time.)

I will tell you all the same thing I tell everyone else on this subject: Get two old common-date silver coins from the same coin series that are close in grade (AU range) and dip one, and then photograph both coins after, and compare the difference in luster. AU 1922-1923 Peace or 1921 Morgan dollars work great for this for larger coins, or 1964 Kennedy half dollars, Franklins/Walkers, Washington quarters or Mercury dimes. You need to learn how they look in hand and in photos and the best way is to dip one yourself. Just remember - only dip the coin for a couple of seconds, then immediately give it an acetone bath to neutralize the surfaces, followed by a bath under hot water.

I bought a jar of the e-z-est silver dip for testing and for use on junk silver, etc.

I have been diluting it at about 5 parts water to 1 part dip (20% dip) to start and doing 2-3 seconds maximum immersion, then repeating if needed.

Again, this is not recommended for any valuable coin or anything you plan to send in for grading!

Good analysis, @paralyse. Definitely don't try dipping copper, you cannot win.

For Pete's sake, this stuff is not poisonous to your skin.

Putting any amount of water with E-Z-Est reduces it's ability to remove tarnish. Water is only used when rinsing off the solution. I have used this product since 1972.
Verdicare won't change the color of the coin so it is safe and not considered dipping. Same with Acetone which works great removing gunk and tape residue.

Same to you Blast4, and everyone else on this site, Merry Xmas!

OK, gents, I know you were all just as curious as I was to see what this coin really looks like. I took 4 shots of each surface with slightly different lighting. I'm frankly kind of amazed - the coin cartwheels beautifully - how can you fake that? The strike is razor sharp, and the coin exhibits very few small marks. Fields appear to be clean and lustrous. Reverse is a bit darker than the obverse, but I don't think it's AT, since why would anyone tone one surface and not the other. I believe the one spot that may have been cleaned a bit is right above the C in CENT, but it's pretty minor in my opinion. The floor is open for comments - darned curious as to the consensus here. BTW, I mentioned in an earlier post that I had done business with this dealer before - went back and checked my records. This is the third coin I've bought from this guy. First one got sent back for pictures that didn't show problems. Second coin was the 1893 IHC that I posted about a month ago. This is the third.