I have a 1964 Kennedy Half that belonged to my great grandmother. It is pretty cool -- she ordered it from the mint and it is still in the original envelope (with stamp and 1964 Philadelphia post mark). She even wrote in her own handwriting "My Kennedy Half-Dollar" on it. She lived through the Great Depression and was a big fan of all things Democrat, including JFK. Here's the issue -- I remember seeing it as a kid and the coin was shiny and (from my recollection) bright uncirculated. I received it last month and took a look. The paper is turning the coins colors, but not in a good way. It is darker now and has black splotches all over it. I'd like to preserve it and perhaps remove the black splotches if possible. I'm not worried about making it a "cleaned" coin -- the coin has more sentimental value to me than resale value and I wouldn't sell it anyways. So my question is: how to I clean, preserve, or correct the coin in a way that will make it look nice again and keep it from turning colors? I already figure I need to remove the coin from the envelope, but how can I clean it? Then, is a 2X2 the best option? That's how I keep my other silver halves.
They would grade it even with the splotching? I know toning isn't a big deal... heck, it would probably come back MS 62 or MS 63 with that... it these are rough, like it has dimension to it. You can visually see that it is like rust, with bumps and things. I'm not sure what is wrong with it, but something ought to be done before its eaten away in 150 years.
I guess it depends really. If you're confident and know what you're doing, go for it. But if you have never tried anything that is suggested, I wouldn't try it on a family heriloom.
Not all would agree, but it is the sentimental value, not the numismatic value you treasure. Use a silver like EZest Silver dip but pour a small amount into a clean container, as it is a mild acid, and dilute it with 3 parts water so the reaction is slowed down. Wet the coin with water and immerse in the dilute solution, with the worse face up. Swirl the container and watch until the amount of black is something you can live with.If the black still remain, use a small amount of the dip straight ( I just put a gloved finger into the solution and touch the spot). Then rinse well in water and allow to air dry. I then personally rinse with acetone and hold it by the edge until air dry ( few seconds). Then store in a inert holder. If you don't have such chemicals, just put it into a zip lock food bag, squeeze excess air out and zip it. It will stay the same for years, and the decision doesn't have to be hurried as what to do.
Be sure when mixing any acids to use cold water and add the acid to the water and not the other way around. I'd give acetone a try then possibly the silver dip. Just my opinion. Desert gem is morst likely correct and you need a silver dip.
The acid in the EZest is already diluted to working strength, I just like to dilute it more so the action is slower and I can preserve as much of the surface luster. There should be no problems with the acid. If a person has no idea of the strength of the acid they are using, it is a good idea to add water to it as you say. Jim
NCS is a coin conservation service of NGC, and they would conserve the coin and remove the splotches you speak of, for a price of course. I would follow desertgem's suggestion if you want to do this yourself, as that would be the best way for a do-it-yourself.
:welcome:1st Welcome!!! Unless its Black I would not dip it in anything to it.but I would get out of the mint wrapper,and get in a non PVC holder + save grandma paper work.
Thanks jim! I work with alot of strong acids at my job everyday so i wasnt sure how strong ezest was. Good to know that its already dilluted.
