Many coins found in Coin Roll Hunting have a residue on them. It is not deep and can be removed with a Q-Tip and MS70. Going very lightly over the surface what I would call a buildup of germs. Is this considered "cleaning? And would it affect the acceptance of the coin by collectors? Here is an example. A 1952-D Jefferson before and after.
My personal opinion is yes that is considered cleaning a coin. I certainly would not use MS70 (I have heard) it can leave a residue on the coin. And I know it can make the toning look different on a coin. At the same time a q-tip could leave fine hairlines on coin. Having said that - on low grade coins like this - go for it. Personally I would not have touched the original coin or maybe just an acetone bath. Now if you have a valuable coin - I would say no do not touch it unless you absolutely know what you are doing. I have tried several things on modern coins just to see the effects - ezest can strip a coin of all luster, acetone may not get the spot (but even soft clothes) wiping away can leave small hairlines. I never tried MS70 because I quickly learned those quarters I played with would not even make it into a state quarter collectors album. Just my 2 cents worth of opinion.
Thanks for the feedback, Mark. I only use it on coins that I find in Coin Roll Hunting. They have a terribly residue. However, I do rinse them in alcohol or acetone.
if you have to use MS70/EZest, then Dilute the MS70/EZest roll the Q-tip you can literally watch tarnish start to slowly disappear then rinse under flowing water alot when it reaches the results you want in each spot.
MS70 will undoubtably leave a toned look on your coin after use, usually blue and pinkish reds. It doesn't matter if you rinse in acetone or not. just a heads up. These will look good in a album and might get a pass years down the road after they naturally tone a bit. I like the unadultered original. It has that correct look for a circulated higher grade Jeff. PS I am not sure I can find any that I have used on nickel or silver. I do have a copper that I can show if you want.
I like coins just as they got home from work. But, sometimes they are so contaminated that I don't want them around my other coins. Or, the residue actually distracts. Thanks for the input.
I have always soaked my coins in acetone for several hours on each side. I consider it prevention not cleaning. For all I know someone's 6 year old kid who just ate a candy bar put that coin in the flip. IMO, once you start with the Q-Tips it's cleaning. And a good chance you'll hairline it. Cotton doesn't "cotton to" coins. Even rolling instead of rubbing the Q-Tip it may still end badly.
Coins are dirty and collect grime from hands and fingers during circulation, not to mention bacteria. So sanitizing with hot water, alcohol or acetone helps remove that grime or bacteria. Hot water prepares the coin for acetone baths but sometimes no amount of those two will remove grime embedded inside numbers or letters or other areas of designs. For the benefit of our younger or newer members, caution is recommended since some hard, decades old grime, when removed, leaves a mottled look on the surfaces which affects the eye appeal of the coin.
