| Author |
 Replies: 6 / Views: 3,313 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
307 Posts |
Hi All, Since the resurgence of demand for older coins and the new collectors or buyers wanting to have coins graded, I have noticed the designation of improperly cleaned coin more often. Since there is no other grade on the slab how is the value of the coin affected? My next question is what is the proper method or is there a proper method to clean a coin? Any input on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks
--Moved to Main Coin Forum by the Staff
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Coin Chaser ... welcome to the forum.
Normally, value is decreased by half for problem coins and more if the problem is severe. ANACs and ICG will slab these coins with a description of the problem and a net grade. Others simply state the problem and omit the net grade, leaving it up to you to determine a grade.
Any cleaning that moves or removes metal from the surface of a coin is to be avoided (polishing with a cloth, metal cleaners, coin dips). Acetone is non-reactive to metal and may be used to remove organic contaminants from the surface of a coin (glue, tape, oils, dirt, etc.). Thoroughly rinse with distilled water following an acetone bath and do not rub to dry.
If the coin has toning, acetone will not remove it. Once toned, it cannot be removed with disturbing the metal beneath. Repeated dips in solvents like E-Z-Est will result in a drab looking surface that cannot be returned to original luster. So avoid dips totally on coins you want to keep.
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
307 Posts |
Hi, Thanks for the reply. I have been collecting coins for many years but have only been interested in commemoratives the last 14 or so. I feel that that the new younger group is more interested in the brightness using a cleaning method rather than keeping the originality of the coin. So be it. My son and grandchildren bought coins at the Orland show and all are very happy with there purchases. I offered an opinion that some of the coins were cleaned which is a no no.THEIR REPLY WAS THAT IN TIMES PAST MAYBE THAT WAS TRUE NOW COLLECTORS WANT NICE SHINY COINS. With the prices that I saw being paid for cleaned coins I wonder if this is the starting of a trend. Grading has always been a standard that determined value. Is this Changing? Thanks again
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
I've been collecting since the 50's and cleaning coins has been a no-no from the beginning and holds true today. Some new collectors may desire gleaming coins that have been "helped", but they will find if they try to sell, that their enthusiasm for these isn't shared by the majority in the hobby. I improved some coins early in my collecting life and learned the hard way that I was the only one who thought they were improved.  We all learn this lesson at some time. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
Quote:
My son and grandchildren bought coins at the Orland show and all are very happy with there purchases. I offered an opinion that some of the coins were cleaned which is a no no.THEIR REPLY WAS THAT IN TIMES PAST MAYBE THAT WAS TRUE NOW COLLECTORS WANT NICE SHINY COINS. Interesting. Cleaning coins has been a bad thing the entire time I have collected, although it's my understanding that at one time it was an acceptable practice. I guess it's possible that it goes in cycles. Unfortunately there is no way to unclean a coin, so if it does go in cycles more coins are ruined every X years. |
|
Valued Member
United States
186 Posts |
14th Commandment: Thou shalt not clean coins.
Look it up 2nd Leviticus I think.
Ok, cleaning a coin is like stripping an antique and re-painting it.... antique part gone!
But just like cleaning the Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel, if done by professionals it's OK.
|
|
Locked
822 Posts |
Quote:
But just like cleaning the Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel, if done by professionals it's OK. Hogwash. Getting paid to do something, doesn't mean it's done right... and even more so... vice versa. |
| |
Replies: 6 / Views: 3,313 |
|
Posted 08/17/2010 7:46 pm
