Looking to buying some coins for fun, and I want to be able to tell for sure if a coin has been cleaned or not. Does anyone have suggestions? Because unless I can see a cleaned and uncleaned coin side by side I can't really tell which one is which Thanks
Hairline scratches, unusually bright, Gray dull look when condition dictates it should be more vibrant.
OK I have a Question also? I know what you are saying about cleaned but how about EZ test dip? Is that the same as cleaning? Or any other lite chem just to take the dirt grime and such off?
Dipping us a form of cleaning. When you DUP a ciun it removes a layer of metal from the coin. If you improperly dip a coin the TPG's will no grade it.
I agree. No one can really tell if a coin was dipped once properly. Chemically, you are taking off a microscopic layer of metal, so eventually you will remove enough luster that the coin looks flat and lifeless. So, too many dips or improper dipping is effectively damage to the coin. Regarding cleaning, use a high power magnifier. Improperly cleaned coins have tiny scratches as evidence, and sometimes metal will build up around raised areas from the cleaning. There is a reason why coin geeks use magnifying glasses.
Just an addendum for the OP. Fluorescent lighting often prevents inspection of the fine cleaning "hairlines". A point source of light such as a Tungsten or halogen lamp often makes it easier to detect hairlines. The coin may need to be moved around under the light in order to properly see the hairlines. IMO you really need to train your eyes to detect some cleaning. It is also necessary to inspect many (hundreds or thousands) of coins before you will understand what is considered market acceptable VS not market acceptable for each coin type.
