Hello fellow coin lovers, I was given an 1889 Morgan by a relative to help start my collection. The coin had been affixed to a birthday card with tape for several years before being given to me. There isn't any tape residue on the coin but, as you can see by the picture the coin is dulled where it was covered by the tape. The quality of the pic isn't the best because I do not have a suitable camera and had to scan the coin. Is there anything I can do about the damage? Any advice? Looking forward to responses. KC
I would leave it as is. If it's got no sentimental value to you (being a gift, it might have), sell it, add like 10 dollars and buy a brilliant uncirculated one.
Thank you wcoins. I'd like to keep it due to the sentimental value. I guess there's nothing I can do about the effect from the tape. The coin was literally taped to a birthday card since 1964 or 1965. I'm creating a list of coins I've received along with determining estimated values. What do you think the real world value of this coin is?
No mint mark on the above coin. I have an 1888 and an 1900 Morgan with an "O" mint mark. Those are the only Morgan's I have with a mint mark.
Wait for more replies about the coin maybe there's something you can do to remove that. I don't clean coins as it takes away value, but it's up to you. It's not a rare coin so it won't make a big difference anyway. As for price, look for what they go for on the bay, I'd say 30-35 dollars.
I would use a silver dip to clean it, but many people don't like doing that. I've heard acetone works good also.
I've spent countless hours researching what to do about the mark left by the tape. It drives me crazy (the mark; not the research). I think you hit the nail on the head with the acetone. The technique that I read about and was going to utilize follows: One quick dip in three separate acetone baths. Rinse coin with distilled water. Pat with cotton cloth or towel. Air dry. I was going to do some test runs with a few other coins first. What do you think? Do you have a different process?
I too am looking for any and all suggestions. I have one of those March of Dimes cardboard cards that came out in the late 50's and it is loaded with Merc dimes all scotch taped in the holes.
Acetone will remove any tape residue traces and will not hurt the coin. But From what I see the tape actually protected the coin from toning and the two areas are now differently toned. Acetone will not affect that at all. the only way to change that would be to dip the coin and strip the surface.
If you want to dip it, your coin your call, but being as you are new and likely have no experience with proper dipping, this is a good way to make things worse and/or ruin your coin. Unless you absolutely cannot deal with the toning differences, you're better off simply removing whatever residue remains and not turning this into an experiment.
Acetone will work on organic residue of the tape adhesive, but not the difference in toning of the metal. I would say to leave as is until it bothers so much you just have to dip it~....Then dilute a small amount of EZest by a factor of about 10 parts water to 1 part dip and dip it. The dilution will allow more time to consider when to remove. Rinse with large amount of water, dip in acetone to remove all remaining water and air dry. IMO.
Conder101 and BooksB4Coins- you all are both correct. I'm going to take the advice and not do anything to the coin. Besides I lack the know-how and experience. Any attempt would just be a disaster waiting to happen. I need to stop being so anal retentive about the two different tones and just relax and enjoy the coin. Thanks for all the input.
