Cleaning Black Caked-On Gunk From1891-O Seated Liberty Dime

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 2,999
mdpmedia Pillar of the Community United States 3546 Posts	Posted 11/08/2010 10:42 pm I think that this coin may grade out to be at least a VF or higher IF I am able to remove the black stuff that has remained even after several cleaning attempts. This black stuff is very hard and only the very top surface of it came off after 3 days of being soaked in olive oil and 6 hours in acetone. I would like to know what other cleaning methods exist that would restore this coin to an acceptable condition. Finally, based upon the coin's current condition what would be the highest grade attainable assuming that this black gunk can be removed without damaging the coin any further? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks Report this Post to the Staff

RealPeso Valued Member United States 426 Posts	Posted 11/08/2010 10:54 pm Have you tried light rubbing with acetone? Seems to work slightly for me, but that does look like some hardcore gunk on that coin. As a last resort, I dip the coins that can't get any worse. Report this Post to the Staff
mdpmedia Pillar of the Community United States 3546 Posts	Posted 11/08/2010 11:06 pm yes, I used a 'soft' bristle toothbrush when it was immersed in acetone. Any other suggestions? Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 11/08/2010 11:20 pm Kind of a mess on that coin. If Acetone does't work and if you really want to try you may want to try some jewlery cleaner from Walmart. If you do, note there are several different types there. One is in a Silver colored bottle and supposedly made for Silver. just remember that the more you do clean or try, the less that coin will be worth. I've experimented with those dark spots on Silver coins and never really had great luck though. Report this Post to the Staff
biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 11/08/2010 11:25 pm A three day soak in oil is not long enough, give the oil time to penetrate and check it again after three weeks. It could take a couple months to loosen it up. However, the surfaces of the coin are already pretty messed up so even with the nice detail I cannot see this as being much more than a $5 coin. Report this Post to the Staff
ACE Mike Valued Member United States 438 Posts	Posted 11/09/2010 02:33 am The low value actually makes it an excellent specimen for experimentation. Report this Post to the Staff
sel_69l Bedrock of the Community Australia 21788 Posts	Posted 11/09/2010 05:20 am I agree with ACE Mike. That black scunge looks like a silver sulphide or chloride film to me, and a commercial jewelry cleaner would be OK. The result is that it will obviously look like a cleaned coin, but that would be better than it is now. The standard answer is 'Don't clean coins', which is normally right, but there are exceptions. It is the condition that allows you to experiment here. Report this Post to the Staff
palaniappan Valued Member India 265 Posts	Posted 11/10/2010 8:00 pm u can use olive oil. but to me dont clean coins. warm wishes. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 2,999

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