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 Replies: 13 / Views: 4,285 |
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New Member
Canada
6 Posts |
I have inherited a Canadian coin collection and have no expertise in this area. There are several silver coins from the early 1900's that have quite a heavy tarnish. Should I clean these before having them graded or attempting to sell? Your advice is much appreciated. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
A resounding NO! Cleaned coins are damaged coins and will only lower their value. Tarnish will not generally hurt the value.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1931 Posts |
you could post some pictured here and we could let you know what the grades and values are as well.
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New Member
 Canada
6 Posts |
Thanks for the advice. You saved me from making a very big mistake. Along the same lines, some of the coins (uncirculated) were stored in cases lined with foam and the foam has deteriorated and adhered to one side of the coin. I think I know the answer, but leave it as is? When I get organized, I will post photos of some of the coins and ask the experts for grading and value ideas.
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
10743 Posts |
First of all smigor... Welcome to the Forum.  Take the other posters advice, and don't clean anything. Post some pics, and someone will help you with your coins.  Enjoy the Forums...  |
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New Member
Canada
6 Posts |
Can you advise what is the best way to dispose of pre 1968 silver coins that have no value other than as scrap silver? Thank you also for the welcome to the forum - I am sure I will be posting a lot over the next while as I sort through the collection.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1082 Posts |
Are you sure they're only worth scrap? I've seen quite a few "not bad" coins in among what other people call "scrap".
A lot of coin dealers will buy junk silver; shop around for the best rate, though.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
636 Posts |
Ya think this guy ended up cleaning them?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1248 Posts |
hi, welcome,
the coins in the cases... were they is red foam type material?
i had the same experience wit proof sets. one side super proof cameo, the other stuck with this red foam stuff. The sets were original mint issues!!
if this is the case, spend the coins, because they are now damaged. the red stuff contains something which attacks the coins and creates a pitting effect.... can not fix it.
Hope yours is not that stuff.
good luck
HHB
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1051 Posts |
Losing coins to the red foam plague is bad enough, but imagine one of them is a LB 1973 quarter! (yes, it has happened before).
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1082 Posts |
If you're talking about black tarnish on Canadian coins, my experience is that it will rub off with just your finger, and nothing else.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1248 Posts |
Oh NO, the red foam stuff attacks the surface.. and I mean attacks.
it eats it, put holes in it... one side is perfect, proof or PL... until you take it out of the holder.....it is a mess....
and that was issued by the mint!!
my inquiries were NOT answered....
speaks volumes...
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
618 Posts |
How thick can tarnish get? I am sure it gets so thick as to cover up fine details. What does one do with caked on tarnish ?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1192 Posts |
Definitely don't try to clean them up. Tarnish isn't a bad thing on old coins. Collectors value an original looking coin. If you try to turn a darkly tarnished coin to a brand new white one, it won't look good.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 4,285 |
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Posted 10/06/2009 4:06 pm
