| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 666 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
6452 Posts |
Picked this off ebay for a buck. Where they are not toned, the fields are quite flat and have strong luster. For a moment, I almost thought it was a ruined proof. In hand, the rims don't look as squared as a proof nickel, the steps aren't as clean, and the devices aren't as crisp. Due to the mottled toning, I am considering a long acetone bath to lift the patina. As you can see from the second set of pics, that brown color is quite pervasive across the surface. Also, prior to any acetone soak, I believe it is traditional to allow a 24 hour period for scoffing and harrumphing from the patina purists.      The coin looks much nicer in the axial box (first two pics) than in normal light (second two pics). It looks grimy sitting in the plastic flip. |
|
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Personally, it doesn't do much for me.  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
36491 Posts |
Looks like it spent years in a coin envelope.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
73628 Posts |
Acetone might help. It's worth a shot.
Errers and Varietys.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5661 Posts |
I would be surprised if acetone did anything, but I agree it's worth a try. Not particularly attractive the way it is.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
6452 Posts |
Just an update on this coin. It has been soaking in pure acetone for 24 hours. I can already see that a lot of that brown haze on the obverse has dissolved. The reverse hasn't changed as much. I will give it another day or two, then pull it out for a photo session.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Standing by!  |
|
Moderator
 United States
94728 Posts |
can't wait for the 'Big Reveal'.. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I'm in the process of assembling a toned set, selected only from coin dealer stock and at coin shows. So I've seen more than enough similar to this one. I think it has alot to do with how and where it was stored , but may also occur from contaminants on the surfaces. Just my thoughts. For the record, I would add one similar if it had a touch more color.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6452 Posts |
My speculation on the toning is exposure to smoke. I have purchased a few coins from that era, only to have them reek of old cigarette or cigar smoke. Always reminds me of pop-pop's collection. He was a Dutch Masters man, and Phillies Blunts when he was conserving cash.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19112 Posts |
Eager to see the post acetone result.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
If it came off with acetone, it is not toning, it was simply a surface residue.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6452 Posts |
Well, some disappointing results. I will photograph later for the record. But the TL;DR is that the coin looked much improved only while it was wet with acetone. Unfortunately, when I plucked it out and the liquid evaporated, the reverse is back to that same dullish brown patina. The only portion that came up to a nickel gleam was the already clean half of the obverse.
|
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 666 |
|
Posted 01/16/2024 7:14 pm
