Can this proof be 'restored'?

Found this while looking through rolls. It is in really bad condition, and I want to know if it is possible to make it look like a proof again. I don't plan on grading it, so, anything will do.

 

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Man that look beat up. I never tried dipping a coin on anything but Doug knows how to do that stuff so I go with what he said.

 

Sorry but all I can think is why bother.

 

Dip it in acetone. You never know what could happen.

 

I must agree!

 

Experience?

 

Yup, I agree as well.

Perhaps dip to learn how to dip properly and to prevent any further damage to the coin but trying to save this one, it's not worth enough to care or put the time into it. You can get Proof 79 Kennedy's for almost face value.

 

The problem with learning to dip is you don't find out if you did it properly until about ten years later. And rinsing that proof in acetone does not make it into anything other that a impaired proof that has been in circulation.

 

I'd soak it in acetone for a day or so, then pull it. If the stuff isn't coming off, I might try a low-strength dip to get the remaining haze off.

Also, I want to disagree with Doug, that is not PVC contamination, that's damage from environmental exposure. The acetone then weak dip is the best way to try and fix that, but probably won't. Certainly can't hurt to try, modern proofs like such have little to no value anyway. Great coin to practice on.

 

Sounds like he did get this one at face value as he mentioned it was from a roll

 

Well, exactly. Buy another roll and hope to get one in better condition.

 

That's the whole point though, it's a good practice coin because it's literally just worth face value at this point.

Dip it, throw it in storage, check it in 10 years. :thumb:

 

Thank you for the speedy replies!

What would the best dip be, and where can I get Acetone, and how long should I have it in there?

 

Any hardware store will carry it (Home Depot, Lowes), just check the paint section.

As for how long, well, read the link GDJMSP linked to in post #2.

 

Looked right over it, doh!

 

Is the coin actually a gold color or is that just the image. Looks plated.

 

The reverse doesn't, it looks a lot more like a proof.

 

Here it is after about 25 mins in Acetone. All of the gross crud was on the surface, not on the coin itself.

 

Just keep it as is, it's a cool roll find and it will never look very pretty. If you just wanted to practice, that would be a good choice. Cleaning coins is like refinishing an antique desk or spray painting an old gun. It never looks very good and it very, very rarely increases its value.