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 Replies: 14 / Views: 960 |
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New Member
United States
2 Posts |
New member from L.A. County. I started collecting 3 years ago with some 10 oz silver bars, now I have a variety of gold and silver, U.S. and Canadian coins, pre-1933 gold, Morgans, junk silver... I have a problem with some coins that were damaged in a fire. Looking for suggestions about how they might be cleaned up if possible. The damage varies. Many are embedded in what was molten vinyl (from vinyl records that melted...). Some are embedded in a large mass, some with hardened vinyl stuck to them, others just discolored. I know that any numismatic value is lost, and these will undoubtedly be considered "cleaned". I would just like to make them recognizable again if possible. I have considered just re-heating the whole mess to separate out the coins. Anyone with ideas? I will try a long soak in olive oil for some, for others, in acetone.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10470 Posts |
If it's record vinyl try freezing it so it becomes brittle then chip it away or use a "Non Marring" rubber coated dead blow hammer.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3831 Posts |
I would go with what Marve suggest. Start off with some cheaper stuff. Experiment with acetone to see if vinyl melts.
Hope that works out!
My partial coin collection http://www.omnicoin.com/collection/gxseriesMy numismatics articles and collection: http://www.gxseries.com/numis/numis_index.htmRegularly updated at least once a month. |
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Moderator
United States
15381 Posts |
 to the CCF Best of wishes to you. Let us know how it works out. |
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Moderator
United States
34393 Posts |
@wko, first welcome to CCF. Second, we are a visual bunch here--it would be super cool if you could post a few before (and after) pictures to this thread. Thx!
"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
7933 Posts |
I would avoid the reheating route if possible. Reheating vinyl conjures up the notion of chlorine compounds attacking the silver. Plus, I doubt it would all come off.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
to the Community! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1765 Posts |
They are ruined now, so anything you try can't hurt, so sad. I like Marv's freezing idea. Watch out for the debris, it will be very sharp. Goggles and a face shield. Shame about the records too. Double stinger.  "We are poor little lambs...who have lost our way...Baa...Baa...Baa"
In memory of those members who left us too soon...
In memory of Tootallious March 31, 1964 - April 15, 2020
In memory of crazyb0 July 27 2020. RIP.
In memory of T-BOP Oct. 12, 1949 - Jan. 19, 2024
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1502 Posts |
Black fire scale on silver is typically there to stay, unfortunately. I have encountered numerous times.
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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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73575 Posts |
To CCF! I like Marve's suggestion. Errers and Varietys.
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Moderator
United States
94614 Posts |
to CCF. A shame on what happened your silver and gold collection, also to what was probably a wonderful record collection. And not to mention everything else that got destroyed. But as Spence requested, a few before images would be nice if you care to post any here. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3619 Posts |
Just a question, rather than a suggestion. Wouldn't acetone dissolve the vinyl?
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New Member
 United States
2 Posts |
Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll try Marve65's suggestion (freezing), and soaking. I tried acetone, but in an open tray, so the acetone evaporated pretty quickly. I'll try a closed mason jar or something similar. I have pictures, most are way too big to post (file size). I'll try to condense some of them.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10029 Posts |
Acetone dissolves vinyl. As you discovered, something closed will be needed. You cannot dissolve any of the metal with acetone so no worries about losing silver value.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19108 Posts |
Sounds like a fun adventure. Eager to see the results.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 960 |
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Posted 10/08/2025 03:19 am
