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 Replies: 26 / Views: 1,585 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1259 Posts |
I recently pulled out my Dansco Washington quarter album and was stunned to see that at least a third of the coins have various amounts of a black stain as shown in the photos. I am one of those people who never clean coins but maybe some sort of "conservation" can be done. I'm asking for advice... I read several of the post listed in the CCF search glossary about "Polarity Ladder" but I'm not sure if that's the way to go. It appears that it was the actual paper holder and not the slider that caused the "damage" because the edges are affected to a greater degree. Thanks for any help you may offer.    |
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Moderator
 United States
34397 Posts |
@jfe, are you sure that this isn't just tarnish? If that ends up being what it is, then you should consider storing your coin holders in a less humid environment.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1259 Posts |
Thanks Spence.. They are kept on a top shelf in a closet...However they did spend a few months in the garage during a home renovation. I hope they aren't beyond saving.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
I am sorry to see this. It is certainly tarnish acquired from being in a bad environment. I suspect time in the garage was enough to cause it.
They needed more layers of protection during the garage stay: albums inside giant zip lock bags inside sealed containers with desiccants, brought inside and examined frequently (the desiccants need recharged or replaced regularly).
You can dip them to remove the tarnish, but this is not something for an inexperienced person. Dipping can take a coin from bad to good to destroyed in seconds. Proper post-dip care is a must as well.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1259 Posts |
Thank you jbuck.. To be honest, I'm really upset about this issue because it's my fault. Might be best to see if a coin dealer would make an offer because I don't want to mess them up anymore than they are now. I think I'll go sit on my swing with my dog.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
824 Posts |
A very quick dip in E-Z-Est will clean them up. Rinse them with plenty of water.
I think you will be surprised how they turn out.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
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I'm really upset about this issue because it's my fault.  Quote:
Might be best to see if a coin dealer would make an offer because I don't want to mess them up anymore than they are now. Indeed, it may be easier for you to upgrade/replace the tarnished ones. Quote:
I think I'll go sit on my swing with my dog.  |
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
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A very quick dip in E-Z-Est will clean them up. Rinse them with plenty of water. I think you will be surprised how they turn out. Again, I must stress, do not do this unless you have the experience! I would never use an acid thiourea dip at full strength. Also, as stated, rising well is crucial. A final flowing rinse with fresh acetone will remove any lingering water. Never pat or rub dry, nor let water evaporate as it will leave its impurities behind. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73774 Posts |
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Might be best to see if a coin dealer would make an offer because I don't want to mess them up anymore than they are now. I think that's your best bet, in my opinion. You can just sell them and upgrade them with none tarnished ones. I wouldn't try E-Z-Est unless you have experience doing it. Errers and Varietys.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10485 Posts |
I've read where if you crumple up aluminum foil in a small glass bowl/jar, then set a toned silver coin on it, cover the coin with a Tablespoon (or more) of Baking Soda, then pour boiling water over it to cover - that will cause the toning to disappear. Obviously I would try it on a the least expensive first.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1502 Posts |
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crumple up aluminum foil Works very effectively, employed on many occasions. Process is extremely quick, mere seconds just like EZ. Can lead to undesirable results similar to overdipping I swing a metal detector and have a knack for finding dirty old coins. Dirt coin restoration projects - https://www.prodetecting.com/restorationsDirt coin restoration blog - https://www.prodetecting.com/blog/ccawDirt coin dig videos - https://www.youtube.com/@prodetecting |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1259 Posts |
Thanks for the additional comments. It's a new day and perhaps a day to learn something new.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
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It's a new day and perhaps a day to learn something new.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1259 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10485 Posts |
Wow! Great results - which method did you use to get those results?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2834 Posts |
The '59 turned out great. Quote:
which method did you use to get those results? ....  |
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Replies: 26 / Views: 1,585 |
Posted 07/28/2025 3:46 pm
