I have a number of graded coins in which the plastic holders have become scratched over time. It is very distracting to prospective buyers. Can someone tell me if it is possible to remove these scratches, and if so, how? Thanks for your help.
I use a product called Slab Renew which is available on eBay (about $15 per bottle, delivered) . . . it works exceptionally well on PCGS holders and nearly so on NGC holders.
A little dab of toothpaste rubbed in with your finger works well for me. Makes a nice polishing compound.
I will be trying some of this myself soon. I know it works for the naked eye based on testimonials, but I wonder, does a camera setup with a lot of light pickup the very fine polishing marks / scratches in photographs?
I've used this to varying levels of success. Slab renew works well on PCGS slabs. I've had less success with NGC slabs. It will work for minor scratches, but if there are too many, it will improve the look, but in no way remove them.
I don't recall, but I know I've photographed and listed a number of coins in holders formerly having terrible visibility, which improved markedly with the use if the Slab Renew. I don't use it very often. I often forget that I have it on hand unless I've bought a slabbed coin with a particularly bad holder. Therefore, I'm sure I have a number of slabbed coins with imperfect visibility that I could improve upon, if only I remembered to work on them, and made the time to do so.
To experiment, I will use a coin I plan to re-holder anyways, as it is truly destroyed. I don't know what is the matter with some people, its like they use sandpaper on the slabs...
Both sides are very bad, but in different ways. Back is all scuffed up, front I'd scratches. Still not a bad idea , I could do the toothpaste experiment this week after a trip to the safe deposit box.
I've used toothpaste to detail my car too! It takes paint scuffs out (from where other idiots hit your car with doors, etc)
I have used an acrylic aquarium scratch remover kit with amazing results - even on badly scratched slabs (I realize this isn't something that everyone has laying around the house).
I've used Turtle Wax on several slabs. It seems to help a little bit but does not remove larger scratches. Perhaps Slab Renew would be better?
Okay, well I already have toothpaste and just ordered Slab Renew on eBay, so I'll post back with results in 10 days or so.
