How are coins properly dipped?

Thank you very much for the helpful information

 

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NO it isn't a myth as to who the person who dips the coin may be. Many amateurs way overdip coins, and use a concentration of solutions that can remove luster permanently, and destroy the metal of the coin--removal of the tone from dipping will result in removal of some metal. Therefore, someone who is experienced in dipping will have the skill (USUALLY) so as to know how much dipping may be beneficial. Personally, I am opposed to dipping, as I like coins that are original looking--if the coin doesn't look good originally, I don't buy it. But saying that it doesn't matter who dips a coin is wrong--conservation specialists and TPGs know how to properly dip a coin so as not to overdo the destruction of the surface. This is simple Chemistry.

 

Savy - I checked and you can actually buy E-Z-EST through Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/EST-Coin-Cleaner-5oz-jar/dp/B000YQ6GXU

 

Sadly, that seller does not ship to Canada. Thanks for looking though

 

You are correct...that if you don't know what you are doing you run a high risk of damaging the coin when dipping. Doug is also correct in that if done properly it doesn't matter who dips the coin.

 

That makes sense- I certainly can agree that if it is done properly-- no harm done. Obviously, the process can be done by anyone IF done carefully.

 

"Don't they conserve coins? What is the difference between conserving and cleaning? Quote
Conserving generally is a SUCCESSFUL partial surface alteration to suspend or reverse objectionable conditions, where cleaning may be as simple as a "dip", or as extensive a process as micro particle (e.g. vapor honing) sand blasting, often detectable and destructive.
The process of conservation, can be very complicated/, time-consuming, and generally proprietary because individuals wanting to "clean" generally desire a simple process as dipping to be equally applicable to all metals. One who understands the intricacies of a specific coin design, and the science of metallurgy, may realize the adversities. Proper conservation may require numerous processes to successfully partially reverse, or suspend objectionable surface deterioration.
A general suggestion is that "conservation" is not recommended for an unenlightened "lay-person".
JMHO

 

If you didn't dip it and can't tell if it was dipped - it wasn't dipped.

 

Here is the MSDS on EZ-est ( formerly jeweluster). Active ingredients are 2% by weight Sulfuric acid and 7% Thiourea ( a carcinogen listed by Caliornia), and ( a harmless surfactant/coloring I suspect)

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/files/images/E-Z-Est-MSDS.pdf

The liquid is ( imo) far too concentrated for a beginner to know when to stop and quickly rinse to stop residual action. I dilute it to a factor of 10 % and have time for any observations. Remember , you can always resume, but you can't go back ! By taking off just a thin layer, you might preserve some of the original patina ( be an artist, not a doctor)

If you have access to the chemicals you can make your own.

 

There's a link on that page for additional sellers, also.

 

I had a very nice Merc that I bought about 25 years ago , after sitting in a SDB for over 10 years it developed a dark circle that would have lowered the grade a good pt. or two . I dipped it for about 2-3 seconds and rinsed it . It now resides in a MS-66 FB PCGS holder . So to me I have no doubt if done right the tpgs will slab a blast white coin . The main thing is to learn what works and most important , which coins will benefit . Now I realize more coins are ruined by novices dipping coins than are helped . I tend to like toned coins so I have dipped maybe 3 collector coins . One a Trade Dollar I bid on that was a detailed coin , Artificially toned . It was a nicely struck coin but the toning was hideous .

 

It's gotta depend on the coin tho I have a major coin in my collection I bought at vf details cleaning it has been dipped at one point and has retoned some the only evidence is slight glossiness there is NO hairlining even under a loupe yet they graded it cleaned I see others that are blast white yet graded cleaned and there are NO 18th c silver coins in circulated condition (or even bu) in blast white That I believe haven't been cleaned I've been tempted to crack it out and put it in a Manila envelope to retone more and send it in is a tough call would probably if clean grade vf 30-35 I paid $3800 been offered $5k if clean vf 30 be 7500-8500 any thoughts ?

 

I have a couple others I've yet to send out that have the same slight glossiness from a dipping but have retoned beautiful myself I like toned coins and am not big on blast white other then a few Morgan's I personally search out toned coins or nice gunmetal grey untouched early silver

 

I have a couple coins one a VF Draped bust with no hairlines that was detailed as cleaned and a nice MS 1825 half that I bought that someone dipped . Like you I prefer some color in my older coins . They've been in a manilla envelope for about 2 years and I've noticed a slight change for the better but feel it's going to take a few more years . But for the 1806 half I still can't figure out why they detailed her . I'll send them back in a couple more years and hopefully they'll grade .

 

Like me is my flowing hair 2 leaves dollar my favorite coin I own slightly glossy from a dip but a great coin worth way more then I paid( $3800) was a totally clean f-12 was my backup choice at the same auction but this one had borderline xf detail and even with a loupe I couldn't find any scratches and I feel it was cheap someone else agreed too as they kept offering me more and more but I love this one I got a couple more that have been dipped a long time ago any ideas how to lose that bit of gloss the early ones seem to have ?

 

I have no idea , except for sandblasting . lol But if it is put in a manilla envelope I'd think it will gradually lose the glossiness . Good luck with it . Do you have a pic ?

 

Oh yea I've posted this one before I know it don't looked cleaned but is got the details holder

 

Shouldn't be any secret but I love this coin!

 

Not an improper cleaning details either just a straight vf details- cleaning

 

What TPG slabbed it? Normally when they slab these coins "VF details - cleaned" they are meaning "improper cleaning." That said, it's a beautiful coin.