Benefits And Hazards Of Acetone?

Originally posted by USArmy Paratrooper

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Is acetone harmful to copper?

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I have used acetone to wipe fingerprints off copper coins, when I put them in 2x2's and haven't noticed any problems. I do remember someone posting that copper may tone if you use acetone on them when the weather is cold.

Steve

I have used acetone (or xylene) on U.S. Large Cents and Half Cents (all pure copper) and have never had any kind of problem with those products damaging the coins in any way. That said, I have heard anecdotal information from several other collectors who claim that acetone has done some damage (especially unwanted toning) to their copper coins. My opinion is that these coins were probably toned under the gunk that the acetone removed, so it was not visible until the crud was gone.

My advice is to test either product thoroughly on cheap coppers before you even think about using it on your good stuff. Also, in cold weather, I use the stuff indoors, but in a room with a good exhaust fan (laundry room, bathroom, etc.) and please do NOT get any heat source anywhere near acetone or xylene. You will have a serious problem if you do. Do not expose yourself to breathing too much of either chemical. Take breaks often. Don't try to spend several hours at once cleaning all the coins you own. It'll make you quite ill.

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Originally posted by 98riv

Can I use the same method on a Flying Eagle cent? It has some green stuff on the coin and would like to remove it before it spreads even more.

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Anybody?

conservation = cleaning
by a profesional service = $$$

Like the Doris Day song
Anything they can do I can do better

After all I got 5 years in university and a degree in corrosion prevention and corrosion stopping

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Originally posted by Metalman

Hi 98riv

what is the current grade of your FE ? if it is in the higher grades I would not recommend anything but conservation by a professional service.

The value of the FE's is on the move !! I tried unsucessfully to buy a 1857 EF/AU over the weekend,, it ended well above 90.00.

Rick

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Thanks for the reply. I really don't know the grade. Here is a picture from the ebay auction I won.

I won the auction for $3.50 shipped. It looks a little worse in the picture then it does in real life. I am worried that the green will spread and ruin the coin even more. Thanks for the help.

I think acetone will not remove the real verdigris
What you need is have somebody that knows what he is doing
neutralise the active chemicals on the coin