There have been warnings on this site against using acetone on aluminum coins. What about acetone on tin coins? I'm specifically interested with respect to the tin coinage (ca. 1672 - 1771) of the Bombay Presidency of the British East India Company. It looks like the residue is organic so I'd like to try an acetone dip. Are any other solvents, such as xylene, recommended for tin coins? Thanks.
I haven't had issues with tin and acetone. Xylene would be fine to use too. I prefer xylene if a coin has prooflike surfaces.
Interesting question, and one that I admit I've never encountered. There aren't a whole lot of coins made of tin.
Personally, I would not hesitate for 1 secondto use acetone on tin, aluminum, or copper. But it seems to be internet lore, so do what you feel safe with. The trouble is that corrosion/reactions from acids or other chemicals can leave residue which does react with acetone. I suspect this is what started the belief, as who would use it on a coin without a problem. Jim
I would think acetone would be fine on tin coins, xylene is another possibility. https://www.ebay.com/b/Tin-World-Coins/256/bn_26720663
I would think acetone would be fine on aluminum coins, too..... but it isn't. When I finish my aluminum experiment, might try tin next and see what happens.
Distracted tonight. The aluminum always has a cold feel. And when in contact with acetone it seems to leave a cold burn like frostbite. Makes me wonder.
The reason Aluminum feels cold is that it has a high specific heat and transmits heat away so well. BTW those "Instant Thawing" trays you see on late night TV are just thick Aluminum slabs you can heat up in hot water and then use to transfer heat to frozen foods.
