I picked up this Morgan Dollar recently that has some sticky residue on the obverse. It looks like someone may have had it taped into an album at some point. Does anyone have any good ideas for removing the residue without damaging the coin? I am not trying to "Doctor" something for resale, just working on an album for my own enjoyment.
If indeed it is tape residue a bath in pure acetone followed by distilled water rinse may do the trick. There is also a spot of pvc residue by the o in one that the acetone should also remove. . I suspect that your coin was toned and has been dipped leaving just a hint of the toning remaining on the coin. If this is the case acetone will do nothing, and i suspect another dip will suck the remaining luster right out of your coin. Don't worry about being labeled a "doctor" for this. What we are talking about is just basic conservation techniques that all collectors should be able to employ. Doctoring is moving metal, or adding color, or re-engraving details ect. Saving your coins from further surface damage from contaminants such as pvc and tape residue is in NO WAY doctoring.
Thanks for the input, Kevo. The dark spots on the obverse are sticky to the touch, so I am sure that it is either tape residue or something that has come into contact with the coin as a result of improper storage. Also, the coin has much more luster than I was able to capture in the photos.
Acetone will do the trick. Bathe as long as necessary. You can't harm it with acetone. Anything that doesn't come off you should probably live with. Very many Morgans have been dipped in their past because that's what collectors did 40+ years ago. A simple, short dip in Jeweluster (also called eZest), or a longer diluted one, will remove distasteful toning and likely not damage the surface. Excessive, repeated, or long dips will spoil the luster and give it a washed out look. As always, a final rinse with distilled water is never a bad idea. Lance.
