Acetone Dip -- Cleaning or Not

I agree that Acetone is cleaning, but there are situations where Acetone is acceptable. There is no black/white rule, but rather each coin is unique. Most of the time, older coins pulled out of circulation will lose eye appeal after receiving an acetone soak for the reasons I stated, dirt smooths out the damages to the coin. Removing that dirt will make the damage all the more obvious.

 

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In the strictest sense of the word, I would consider anything done to a coin to remove something from its surface to be cleaning. However, not all cleaning is bad. Like has been said, if there is PVC residue on the coin, you probably want to remove it. Also, there is a difference between cleaning (like with a light acetone dip) and harsh or abrasive cleaning (like polishing with jewelry cleaner and an old rag).

 

If I decided to use acetone on a coin for the reasons discussed above, what is the best way to apply it on the coin. That is, not having used acetone before, how do I use it properly.

I did get the answer on how to use acetone on another thread. Thanks!

 

While others might do more, for me, the only acceptable use of acetone is to soak it.

No touching, no rubbing, no wiping, no nothing. The acetone won't hurt the metal, so you can let it soak for a few minutes if needed.

Then rinse with distilled water and blot it dry (being extremely careful to not slide the paper towel across the coin).

I learned early on that even rubbing a proof coin with a toothpick or your finger with leave very noticeable marks.

 

A toothpick? Sure would, were you trying to remove crud?

 

It was crud, but instead of having a small noticeable spot, I later had a larger dull area. Didn't make a difference in value as it was a circulated proof, but I was amazed at how easy it was to mar the surface. Now, if acetone or thioureic acid doesn't take it off, it stays. (that's another point worth making, don't use thioureic acid on older coins, the acid dip will make the pits visible to the naked eye. The newer the coin, the less likely there is to be any pits, but if the coin has any value, why take the gamble).

 

Note there is another post about Acetone presently. This subject comes up as much as the weather. And probably just as contraversial. As already noted cleaning is cleaning is cleaning. However, Acetone is basically so non metal reactive, it can be used with little to no ability to notice it. True it can be used to remove glues, tapes, gunk, etc. but usually will not remove any substance that has been chemically interactive with the metal of the coin itself. This means what the majority think is Vertigris, PVC, etc. In the vast, vast majority of times those are expressions used when the substance is unknown and people want to call it something. Coppper reacts with Oxygen and then with Moisture and Carbon Dioxide to form Copper Carbonate. And that is the green stuff people think is all those other things. Remember when any substance is removed from a coin that has been chemically bonded to that coin, that is CLEANING.
Coins should not be Cleaned.
If an Acetone dip is absolutely wanted, see the other post on Acetone.

 

Safety Concern. One must also be aware that prolonged exposure to acetone will damage brain cells contributing to Alzheimer's and has been used by 'huffers' for a cheap high. Remember to always use it in a well ventilated and it wouldn't hurt to also use a gas mask.

Take Care
Ben

 

I have tried it on a Franklin that was taped into an old whitman folder, worked ok there. Circulated coin so nothing to loose.

 

i used acetone on 3 proof coins I sent to pcgs for grading because of fingermarks they received while I was taking them out of there mint holders. I just let them sit a couple minutes then rinsed with distilled water and set them on paper towels under a light bulb for drying. I just got the 3 back from pcgs all graded pr69 which is what I was after for these 3 so it worked out ok for me.

 

For a proof coin with fingerprints, there's really not much risk. Most people would only pay rock bottom price for a proof with fingerprints.

 

i don't at all know what your trying to say?

 

For a proof coin with a fingerprint, how much can you lower the value by placing the coin in Acetone??

 

well none because i dont harm the coin in any way...!

 

your point still escapes me?

 

ah....ok sorry then...I didn't get that at all! Yeah exactely, I used the acetone to remove the fingerprint and it did an excellent job this time around....but I could see how it could be misused as well and do damage to a coin!

 

does anyone have any before and after pictures with acetone, that show results?

 

No sure dont but really acetone is a very subtle cleaner if your looking for dramatic change in the overall apperance of your coin you might wanna try something a bit stronger but i would advise against it!

 

One Question:
Is it smart to buy a roll of no-date buffalo nickels for cheap on ebay, and then try to get their dates back using Nicadate?