Define "Cleaning."

imrich, posted: "In my long term learning process where I've ruined some expensive coins, I've been amazed at how sensitive the surface of a "90%" Silver or Gold coin is to abrasion. I've seen the visual damage that a "Q-tip" cotton swab can do when lightly applying same to the surface of a coin in "cleaning" fluid."

100% true! Watch out.

imrich, continued: "I personally would not recommend using anything other than lubricated fingers on a precious coin."

Not advisable. Don't take my word for this as the poster claims success. Try it out for yourself.

"Never anything intended/designed for "scrubbing". Cleaning coins is a difficult process, where I've learned that after a proper soaking, only a spray of proper filtered "solvent" is recommended for application under pressure through a minute orifice. Ultrasonic cleaning processes can have wonderful non-damaging results when using proper equipment/technique.

From what I've seen, the proper use of an ultrasonic cleaner + chemicals is often used.


V. Kurt Bellman, asks: So why doesn't the hobby use the term "mechanically cleaned" or "abrasively cleaned?

Possibly to save space on the label? Many cleanings are done with the abrasive use of chemicals!

Johndoe2000$, asked: "Should a cleaning scale be developed?"

An adjectival scale to describe cleaning has existed for over forty years in the old "Technical Grading System." Unfortunately, the lines between each part of the scale have never (IMO they can never) been fixed as there are too many variables so it is subjective.*** Besides, Technical Grading is only a classroom exercise with no association to the coin market.

***Example: When does a lightly hairlined coin due to cleaning become a harshly hairlined coin. When does the "mechanical cleaning" become buffing or polishing? The TPGS have "solved" this problem by calling almost everything they see - Cleaned. IMO, that's too bad.

For now, collectors need to develop their own "scale."

 

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A grading scale was developed. (Sheldon)
I would challenge you to develop a universal cleaned/details grading scale.
A gauntlet has been dropped at your boot.
@-jeffB has an excellent 3 stage system, but I'm thinking 10 is a nice number.
Seriously though, if "we all" could simply use the correct, or at least the same terminology when describing a cleaned coin, it would be nice.

 

I loose! Besides, I already have/use a personal scale for cleaning from a seminar. Impossible to post. You learn to form the scale by examining coins not by trying to read a description or writing about what you see.

There will never be a 'Universal" scale in my lifetime - basically impossible waste of time.

 

I still want to know what's incorrect about the definition I wrote within 30 minutes of this thread being posted.

 

+1

 

mikenoodle, asks: "I still want to know what's incorrect about the definition I wrote within 30 minutes of this thread being posted."



NOTHING!

In fact, another poster and I liked it! You should make a good teacher. Why not start a pod cast about coins?

 

I see the need to go colorful has returned.

 

Not much at all.

 

he probably wouldn't know a podcast if it ran him over

 

mikenoodle, posted: He probably wouldn't know a podcast if it ran him over.

You are basically correct. I think a podcast is the stuff people post on you tube, right.

GDJMSP, posted: LOL ! Oh I dunno Mike, I suspect he's probably participated in more than one as it is.

AFAIK, no. I'm not as photogenic as you boss.

 

A few comments without taking the time to copy all the stuff. Lubricated fingers!!!??? What the heck (sic) are you talking about??? Lubricated with what and how do you get the lubricant off!!! If you have to handle them with your grubby paws, at least wash them so they are clean and dry. Scratching with a q-tip...if it is a proof or maybe a really nice unc., OK, but with a well circulated coin, how would you ever now unless you are grinding grit in. Spraying coins??? I had a cat I had to spray...or was that spay? Technical grading system...see EdWood...on second thought, never mind. @Insider, sorry you are loose, Pepto Bismol helps. Podcast? Is that for Pod People?

 

I think it's some sort of yuppy fishing maneuver with a pushbutton reel. I've seen it once. Looked like someone playing cornhole on a bass boat with proper bowling form.

 

the form really matters, too!

 

Doesn't matter, loose, tight, all the same. According to the knights code, you must accept the challenge lest the entire kingdom think you a coward. LOL. The problem is that many use incorrect terminology when describing a cleaned coin, as @GDJMSP explained in my earlier quotes.

 

Lubricate def: to make something smooth or slippery. i.e. wetted surfaces reduce stiction. e.g. whatever is used for soaking to be applied before touching the to be "cleaned" object, as dry skin has a greater coefficient of friction which can cause scuffing, sometimes referred as "rub".

Owners may do as they please with their objects, if they want to abrade with their fingers, a q-tip, tooth brush, or 600 grit paper. Just recommendations/suggestions!!

Whether spraying "solvent" with a dental tool, vacuuming, or scrubbing, the general object in particle removal is to alter surface cohesion. Solvent pressure spraying is generally the better practice for intricate device cleaning. There are other proprietary non-contact and chemical methods, but proper patience and physics must be understood for each specimen to obtain proper results.

JMHO

 

There's so much disinformation on this post, I can't even breathe. Breathtakingly ignorant.

 

Kurt, you've again supplied your unsupported subjective assessment.

As a fortune 500 firm Senior Engineering Specialist with more than 40 years practical world-wide technical experience, having several patents, numerous awards for technical excellence, teaching self-generated adult-education courses in practical design, I'd appreciate your objective/practical supported assessment. I'll admit fallibility, but willing to appreciably wager on the relative accuracy of our declared truths.

I hope to learn every day, and I'm certain you'll supply a valid technically supported critique of my supposedly failed understanding.

JMHO