first post--super coin collector rookie here!! I've searched "tarnish" and could not find a definitive answer. we recently found many coins from 1880's-1964 in moms house in a lock box (including 2 ASE's from '22 & '23 and a 1887 Morgan in new cond!!) many have reddish/brown or black on them, mostly creeping in from the edges 1/4-1/2" what do I clean them with? Then, do I polish with something for protection? I know to handle edges once clean What is proper storage---a hard plastic holder for each coin then into a plastic sleeve in a notebook? Any help is appreciated Thanx John
Please do NOT clean until you know exactly whats wrong!Please post pictures if possible! It will help us to tell you what to clean with or if you should clean at all! DO NOT POLISH them either....it will ruin any value! :smile -Taylor PS: Welcome to Coin Talk!
John, The tarnish you are seeing is called toning. Leave the coins alone and post pictures here. Many collectors really prize the toning. There are ways to remove it if needed, but that is much more advanced and a new collector will simply destroy a coins value if he attempts it. That can wait for a while, if needed at all. I find archival plastic flips to be convenient. Go to a local dealer and buy non-pvc flips with inserts to put your coins in, and some binder pages. Good luck! Chris
if I can ever figure out how to resize pics for posting...with this Canon software....took shots of the Grand Canyon, SD, ID, NM, TX back in March and those pics are still in limbo So, not even mild (dish) soap and a toothbrush? These ASE's would look awesome with the rusty colored film removed...but soap may not do it, I know...... Don't worry, I won't touch them w/o y'alls blessing. The last thing I want to do is ruin the value for my kid (and future grandkids) Thanks for the speedy replies I gotta go work outside and sweat for a while but will be back this eve Thanks again
John, More coins have been ruined, (by a factor of a million), than actually helped by beginners in this hobby. If you ever question what you should do, its always best to do nothing. Even soap and water can: scratch the coin surface, infect the coin with chlorides leading to corrosion, leave har water spots, etc etc. See what I mean? Just do nothing until you can get help on EXACTLY what needs to be done, how, and why from knowledgable collectors. If only all new collectors asked for such help, there would be millions more collectible coins in existence today. Chris P.S. Just to warn you, I will be one of the few people here who will tell you yes, a few things done correctly are fine. This is simply because I have done it for years, and also colelct ancients where "cleaning coins" is not only accepted but preferred. I will say this, but only under very strict conditions, since I will admit I have screwed some coins up in the past and know what can safely be done by beginners and what cannot.
I saw the word "Tarnish" in the title and knew this would be a good post . Don't clean your coins, ever. If it's needed (which is usually is not), professionals can conserve the coin, but you're better off leaving it alone, in almost all cases. If you have old coppers and verdigris is beginning, that's one thing. And the key word is 'conservation,' there. But it sounds like your coins are just fine. Also, they started making ASEs in 1986. What coins are you referring to there? Peace dollars? Walking Lib halves? EDIT: Also, I see one of these threads about once a week. There should be one sticky'ed. "Beginner Guide to Cleaning" Don't clean your coins. 99% of the time it's unnecessary and may/will ruin the coin. Might save some beginner posters from asking about cleaning in a thread and being assaulted by 30 people telling them not to.
We should defiantly get Peter to make a sticky or something about cleaning coins and NOT too...... :smile -Taylor
Lon--Peace dollars--due to my rookie ignorance, I thunk they were ASE's yes, a permastick thread on cleaning would be good I am not to proud to ask questions--I'm getting better, NOT older-LOL
The old adge applies here John, the only stupid question is the one not asked. Please do not ever feel bad for not knowing something. WE are here to help all collectors, especially new ones. Chris
Hello johncarter, I resize my pics with a Freeware program called PIXresizer. I think I found it a MajorGeeks.com
Chris That's what Dad always said, "not asking questions can lead to dumb mistakes" I even ask for directions when needed, becuz I valye my time and gas MORE than my pride. OK Hobo- NO CLEANING!
Welcome, John ! I'm sure you'll enjoy the forum. This thread truly illustrates how great this internet forum is. Everyone is truly acting in your best interests when they say PLEASE DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COINS!!!!!! One might say "Why not ? I polish grandma's silverware, why not coins ?" Long story, but basically many coins are ruined by harsh, scrubbing, abrasive action during "cleaning". It leaves awful scratches and hairlines. Although the coin is "nice and shiny", it's also very unnatural. Coin aficionados prefer the natural "old school" patina and original skin. For us, cleaning a coin is like screeching fingernails on a blackboard. It's awful. Again, WELCOME !!! Keep asking questions. I have found people here to be very helpful without being "know-it-all" or condescending. They have been very patient with me; I credit them with teaching me much.
One more.... DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COINS! Proper coin conservation takes knowledge and experience. There's a huge difference between cleaning and conservation. That said, there are several steps you can take to protect your coins. For you, that is the appropriate route to take.
I use IrfanView to resize images. It's also good for other things and has some simplified manipulations along with other more complex actions as well. Its FREE! Just Google it and you'll find the site. Good luck and welcome to CoinTalk.
