These two coins have sat in a shoebox, encased in the cardboard style 2x2's for close to forty years. I took them out tonight as I am going through some coins I bought/found as a kid. There appears to be a brownish gunk on the surface of each. I think it is from the 2x2's. The windows were nasty, the coins looked much better than I expected after I got them out. So my questions, if you please. Is there something I should do to conserve them? I have read a lot about a quick acetone dip, are these good candidates? Is it worth the trouble? Any grades or observations would also be appreciated. As always, thanks to all of you. btw, a special thanks to all of you who have written threads on photographing coins. I have read many, many of them and I think it is starting to show.
What I have learned from this site is don't clean them. Let them be. Most all coin collectors prefer coins that possess natural color.
Plenty of threads in, "Coin Talk" about cleaning. Please do a search on this forum. Some reayy great and professional stuff has been posted.
Please allow me to try again because I have read many threads about cleaning and that is really the reason I am asking. Maybe so much information is confusing me. I hope you will bear with me. I have read many of the warnings about cleaning and I have also read about some techniques that are considered conserving and permissible by some. Pertaining to these coins, and a bunch like it I have, I guess my question really is: Is this brown stuff residue from being stored for so long in the 2x2's? If it is a substance on top of the coin, are there any recommendations on how to conserve it Either professionally or at home? And lastly, are these particular coins worth the expense and effort to attempt it? I am sorry if this seems like a redundant thread, I really did try to figure it out first. Thanks again
That Liberty Head Nickle is definitely worth sending to the conservatory arm of NGC (NCS). Have a professional do it right, it will come back a new coin. Start a link asking members to grade it and their opinions on slabbing. The Philippinas 20 Centavos, fine the way it is.
Much of the color appears to be toning. Look at the date on the 1910. See the spot between the 9 and the 10. There is a center and a ring like band around it. The band will not come off, but if the center spot should be removed or stabilized, it will prevent the damage from continuing. If removal is not something you would like to do, it can be stabilized as it is. On the 1910 reverse, the dark slash near the U in united, and a spot under N in cents will most likely remain. there also appears on both sides, reverse more than obverse, greenish discoloration which could be some PVC contamination from a previous holder before the cardboard, if not they are most likely the beginning of corrosion. Some of the dark spots on the 20 centavos is deep toning/corrosion, but I would leave alone other than the treatment below. I would use pure acetone - a minute or two soak and holding the coin vertical,a rinse with acetone running over it. Allow to air dry. Do not use water. and put into a safe holder. You can find other safe ways to to use acetone and safe holders discussions. Pure acetone ( according to most users) does not react with metal, and as such will stabilize the coin, Just do not rub or damage the coin as one does so. Contaminated acetone will leave a film, so always use fresh, pure, acetone. I use a lot of it. Acetone isn't that expensive at Walmart, a couple of ounces would do the job, you like them, so yes, it is worth it. All IMO, mileage may vary. Jim
