hello That is very much worth saving. You would need to take a small sample of the affected area and do a chemical analysis. That would the first step if you thing a reaction with the glue has occurred. They have jewelers tools to gently scrap the coin clean if that is alone the issue. There is something else that needs to be considered. If it is corrosion it needs to be excised from the coin in order for it to survive. Then you can be cocerned aout restoration which might be possible with epoxy, or something similar. Amanda
I feel your pain. Have you tried suspending the coin in hydraulic oil and then fracking with a cherry bomb? *Just joking*
If it's powdery, or not difficult to remove by chipping, then maybe you can mount it in a carefully padded vise and hit it with a pressure washer. Or, if you have access to a water pick (included with some electric toothbrushes), then that may be worth a try.
Hello They actually use tooth picks sometime. The ones that are made of plastic sold in pharmacy often are just perfect for delicate work. You need a light and magnifying glass setup as well to do this work. Amanda
I have a coin that I leave on my desk on an easy in a capsule, a proof Israeli coin. It was minted in 1985 and has started to tone around the rim, unlike the rest of my proof coons. I figure it is because I picked it up by the rim or it is environmental from being on my desk. I'm wondering if there is something I can reasonably do to help it. What is good for finger prints and such? Ruben
When you say fingerprints, I assume what you are talking about are possible oil deposits from your fingers on the edge of the coin - yes ? If so, dipping the coin in acetone will remove any of those body oils still on the edge. But it won't do anything else. If you don't want the coin to tone, then put it away and store it properly. That's the best you can ever do. Leave it out and exposed to the air, and it's going tone. That is inevitable.
the tone actually protects the coin. dont clean your coins its retarded all that does is take all the value away.
Want a nice cleaned coin? Check this out. https://www.executivecoin.com/p-20543-1831-bust-dime-xf-detail-nice-eye-appeal.aspx 1831 Bust Dime Who ever cleaned it made a huge mistake
You should not ever use gloves, of any kind, or use a cloth, of any kind, to hold a coin. All either one of them will do is lower your finger dexterity and greatly increase the risk of dropping the coin. The best thing to do is to never touch the coins at all, especially Proofs. But if have to touch the coin for some reason then always make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands and thoroughly rinse them before ever touching the coin. And then, only touch or hold the coin on the edge.
Having been a chemist and taught chemistry for a number of years, I can agree wholeheartedly with Doug. Many times in beginning lab I have new students asking me if we are going to use gloves. My reply is that gloves will lower their manual dexterity and whatever chemicals they get on themselves can be easily rinsed off. With coins, the manual dexterity is important as long as you keep your hands clean and on the edges, ESPECIALLY WITH PROOFS!!
Really? I need to take them out to photograph them. It is very hard to photograph through the plastic or canister and they are also very cheap. If you really want to appreciate a proof once, take it out and look at it.
No Ruben, you don't need to take it out, to photograph it or appreciate it. Of course this only applies to proofs that issued in Ait-Tite like holders, or the hard plastic cases. All you need to do is to open the case and leave the coin sitting right there in the bottom half of the case. The top of the coin is then completely exposed for pics or viewing. And you never have to touch the coin itself. Want to see the other side, close the back up, flip it over, and open it again. Works like a champ
I've read here that lighter fluid works well. It's what most of the services use for coin restoration.