what is this coin dip you speak of

I read about people dipping coins, over dipping coins, and I am curious as to what they are dipped in.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Some "dips" are marketed especially towards numismatists. Acetone, a ingredient in nail polish remover is good for removing unwanted dirt, grime, or toning on a coin if applied properly. DO NOT dip until you have learned how.

 

I've never heard of dipping coins.

 

Or something like ezest - as mentioned do nothing until you have studied, studied some more and understand what might happen. Practice on something not really collectible. Just my two cents worth.

 

I prefer to dip my chips and let my coins tone naturally

 

Xylene is another dipping agent. Tread very easy people. Not for the uninitiated. Practice, practice (on something that holds no particular value to yourself) is the key....

 

Tyler? Pure acetone (hardware store grade) is the best. Nail polish remover has a host of impurities in it.........

 

Hmmm...I thought dip was something different than solutions such as acetone. I thought it was a harsher agent that actually strips the patina, thus also removing impurities...

 

A dip is subjective? Like grading? To each his own, and exploratory endeavors most promising.......especially when they are shared here in this forum.

 

When a dip is mentioned they usually mean an acidic solution of Thiourea. EZest is sulfuric acid and thiourea. The acid reacts with the surface area of the silver coin and an amount is removed to be combined with the thiourea as a soluble compound . Any toning ( usually silver sulfide) is lessened and the coin is closer to "bright". Repeats will also remove more. Please search out the articles by Doug and also look at the microscopic studies I have done as to the removal of luster that may be present if overdone. It can not be reversed. It may retone, but any luster lost is LOST. See the microscopic photos of the surfaces.

Since it is a straight chemical reaction, it can be done more times with a diluted solution and have the same end result. My suggestion ( If you decide to do it) is to dilute some 'Dip' with water by a factor of 1:5 or 1:10 parts water and dip for a few seconds until you gain the experience of an end point and rinse well with water and then acetone to remove all water and put in a 'toneless' place. The silver surface of a fresh dipped coin is very very reactive as no patina has developed. A previously dipped coin or one below AU can well turn out with no luster, just a fakey looking bright facade.

Any use of Acetone, Xylene, etc. should be done in an open flameless area as they evaporate quickly and are quite flammable. Do not do around gas water heaters or pilot lights. IMO.

Jim

 

Just trying to help him relate to where acetone is from. It's Taylor, btw. Hehehe

 

Keep your seat belts fastened and tray tables up...


Gotta love Jim. He da man.........

 

Just got it , nvm *edit

 

Oh dear, sorry old fellow........ I was thinking that though......

 

Its ok Orange.
*JOKE*

 

As many very old timers know, a better dip, but even I wouldn't use it in a lab with a vent and protective gear, is Sodium Cyanide solution. Used in mining to extract gold and silver from crushed ore.

 

Like 'William of Orange'?

 

Wasn't a coin dealer/ nerd killed by this?

 

Sure, if you so desire.

 

I do so like and respect William of Orange.........