What Constitutes 'Cleaning' A Coin.

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 2 / Views: 1,117
Alexzwarenstein Valued Member United States 59 Posts	Posted 07/24/2011 3:29 pm As I am look down at some Morgans, I see one with finger print, marks. On another one there is a chemical splash that makes a black hard edged shape ripping across the coin face. I am a newcomer to coin collecting,aware at least, (via TV Antique shows) that cleaning a collectible is a no-no. I am completely on board with that..(your'e talking about erasing the earned archaeological history on a worn coin.. it is almost a mystical reverence for time perhaps?). But just say theoretically the coin is MS66 or better,is rare, but just has grease, a chemical blemish stains on it that destroys its beauty...is that a cleaning slippery slope? Report this Post to the Staff

SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 07/24/2011 3:45 pm Quote: is that a cleaning slippery slope? Yep. Here's how it works in my head: If you can perform an operation on the coin which cannot be detected by an expert, it's all good. However, that's not as easy as it sounds, and neither coin you mention here is a good candidate. Fingerprints, once set, are permanent without drastic intervention. Even if the black mark mentioned on the second coin can be removed, chances are the surface thus exposed would be so different from adjacent surfaces as to make the "cleaning" obvious. So it's as much about judging what should be cleaned, as it is about how to do it. Report this Post to the Staff
BadThad Bedrock of the Community United States 19935 Posts	Posted 07/25/2011 3:30 pm What Dave said! There's a difference between cleaning and conservation. Once the line is crossed, there's no turning back and your coin has lost significant value. If you don't know exactly what you're doing, then don't. Lincoln Cent Lover! VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/ Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 2 / Views: 1,117

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Coins

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.17 seconds to rattle this change.