I actually do participate in religious debate forums quite often. I guess I can't help but have some carry-over I'll let this one go
PS Cherd, posted: "I agree with everything that you said entirely. Even the parts where you insinuate that I was making uninformed assumptions, I was. I presented arguments using extreme over-generalizations. This is done because that's the easiest way to get the point across (admittedly, kind of lazy on my part). Actually, I agree with this method 100% and do it all the time myself. Unfortunately, even then some folks miss the point. But, it's also done with the anticipation that someone will thoughtfully, politely, and comprehensively address the faulty assumptions. Unfortunately, that's generally not the case in these forums. When people immediately jump to insults, sarcasm, and other false demonstrations of self-assumed superiority, then the conversation goes nowhere. I'm certainly not saying that @GDJMSP is unique in having been productive in the conversation, but his posts serve as good examples of a more effective way of doing things. That's because he has the knowledge and SELF-CONTROL that many here happy lack.
Ok, here is the example of the overly cleaned seated 1855 O Liberty Half. I am guessing the condition is in the F+ range, but note the clear proof like surfaces. I was naive when I brought this 20 years ago. Who knows how this looked like before the chemical was applied. This is a good educational example on why you should not clean. This was also a good lesson for me.
I just finished reading this entire thread and recommend that every new member read it. I already knew that semantics mean a lot when posting, that is why I go to extremes to ensure my ideas are presented accurately. I strive to be an accurate grader of coins, and to learn to do non-harmful procedures to coins that help them look more original. In a nutshell, if using acetone and xylene properly is acceptable to improve the attractiveness (eye appeal) of a coin, then that seems to be a goal to work for and still be honest to myself and everyone else. I learned a lot from this discussion, and I admire everyone involved in it for their knowledge and honesty, makes me feel like I really did good choosing to be a member of CoinTalk...Spark
As the OP, it seems that there is still life in this topic. I probably could have done a search here on it, but given the responses here, I've learned a lot about cleaning coins, more than I might have from a single moderator post.
Both of you, check that, ALL of you, trust me on this - there are times, a lot more than I care to admit to, that I feel like grabbing people by the throat and shaking them until their eyeballs fall outta their head. And that's just to get started !!
Son, check with the CT folks if those are really DDs... and don’t tell me again it’s only mechanical doubling!!!
