Cleaning Coins! But not quite

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by AirborneReams, Jul 13, 2023.

  1. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    Hey y’all,

    I had a question about removing the green gunk spots from copper coins and methods that have worked for others. I’ve heard soaking in olive oil and very carefully using a toothpick and things along those lines. Do you guys have any methods that won’t “clean” a coin that causes it to receive a details cleaned grade such as dipping or over dipping. I’m not looking to actually clean the coin just safely spot remove areas if possible. I will attach pictures of the IHC I’m talking about. Thanks I’m advance!

    IMG_9135.png
     
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  3. cwart

    cwart Senior Member

    Removing those spots may not actually improve the coin. The skin of the coin under them may not look the same as the rest of the coin. The spots may go, but there may be evidence that they were once there.
     
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  4. Dynoking

    Dynoking Well-Known Member

    For copper coins first a long soak in pure acetone. Then gently roll a q tip soaked in acetone over the coin. Last step, I always finish my copper coin conservation Verdi Care. Practice on several junky pre 1983 cents before you try it on your IHC. Please post pictures of your progress.
     
  5. Cheech9712

    Cheech9712 Every thing is a guess

    Good luck
     
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  6. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    This is true, thank you.
     
  7. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    I have acetone and glad to hear verdi is back will need to grab some to run a few cycles on some junk coins. I know the spots are so small but I guess it’s just me I focus to hard on them and if possible being able to remove them if not at least lighten them. Thank you.
     
  8. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Hey man! You'll have to post the after Pics., okay? Cool!
    Good Luck.:)
     
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  9. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    Will do brother! I will attempt some minor stuff today after work but will be ordering some VERDI here in a little bit.
     
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  10. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Acetone has zero effect on verdigris. But more importantly, sometimes, stress sometimes, using acetone on copper can cause the coin to turn weird colors. With copper, one should use xylene to try and clean some types of contaminants off the coin. But xylene will not have any effect on verdigris either.

    Verdi-Care on the other hand, when used as directed, will safely remove light verdigris like you have on your coin.
     
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  11. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    I agree. Acetone will not help this coin. Several members have post that they had great results on coins like this with Verdi-care.
     
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  12. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    Thank you!
     
  13. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    I ordered some VERDI-CARE but tried some scary one today and will post pictures on this post after this reply.
     
  14. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    I ordered VERDI-CARE today but won’t be here for about a week. I’m the mean time when I got home from work I did try some light acetone work on her and got these results. The pictures I put on the beginning of the post was the sellers as I haven’t had time to take my own until this evening. I know it didn’t get rid of everything but it got rid of an okay amount. I still can’t believe I was able to get this piece for 125. I believe the lighting had something to do with it. Let me know what you guys think.

    IMG_9137.jpeg IMG_9141.jpeg IMG_9139.jpeg IMG_9140.jpeg
     
  15. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Much better. Looks like a $200 coin! Just don't overdo it and you should fine or in this case Very Fine. lol.gif
     
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  16. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

    Lol I was thinking XF low AU!
     
  17. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    How about, Not! LMAO
    Maybe VF40??
    download.jpg
     
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  18. AirborneReams

    AirborneReams Supporter! Supporter

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  19. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Okay, have it your way. :facepalm: LOL
     
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  20. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Distilled water would have probably done exactly the same thing. Point being what you got off the coin was just ordinary dirt and grime that a short soak in distilled water easily removes.
     
  21. eddiespin

    eddiespin Fast Eddie

    It will dull toning. To one degree or another, that's what it always does, the toning is never ever as vibrant. Just pay very strict attention to before and after and you'll see it. It's impossible to capture in photographs, it's that subtle most times. But I caught this years ago and almost got booted from PCGS for just mentioning it for the riot it started there. I got booted off there eventually but not for that but for questioning their holier-than-though coin doctoring edited back when they were suing the "coin doctors" in federal court. Get your fat head out of the clouds, PCGS, one can't even define "coin doctoring." And your so-called "experts" have tried, oh have they tried. But that's just a badge of honor, I still consider.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 17, 2023
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