Silver Dollar Cleaning

Thanks to everybody who gave me hints on cleaning burnt on plastic from silver dollars. So far nothing seems to work. I tried the pure acetone and it had no affect whatsoever. Any more suggestions? Thanks.

 

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I was going to suggest something, but changed my mind. It is too dangerous.

Here is an afterthought... Most of the suggestions here are pretty conservative and designed to minimize damage to the coins. Since they don't seem to work and the coins are already damaged, it might be time to be more aggressive in getting the plastic off of the coins. A cleaned coin is probably worth more than a damaged one.

 

Wow, thats got to be a tough thing to remove from a coin. I wish I knew what to tell you but I havent a clue really as I've never had to deal with that issue. I'm not really positive of any method that wouldn't harm the coins surface. If I find a way I'll let you know.

 

try using ultrasonic cleaning with the acetone. May work but also support the coin
so it does not rub against the container walls.

 

cleaning

no cleaning please.

 

a cleaned coin is preferable to one that is covered in plastic that is melted as a result of a fire! At this point cleaning can only increase the value.
Ziggy

 

Unfortunatly, I think the only answer would be heat. It was melted on and may have to be melted off. Most plastics are very solvent resistant so chemicals may not work.

 

I agree with vipergts2. Hit it with a hair dryer. Maybe the heat will soften the plastic until it loosens it's grip.

 

A little tickling with a toothpick might help, once the plastic softens. I think the hair dryer is a great idea because you can control the heat and use just enough to soften the plastic without artificially tarnishing the coins.

 

That's a good idea, and if that even dosn't work, you might even have to put it (brace yourself) in a toaster oven to get the plastic even softer.

 

why dont u send it to the coin conservation service. if you like the coin that is. it might not be cost effective though so check before you send.

 

Is there a liquid heat or something along those lines?

 

wd-40 ?

works on a lot of things, maybe this ?

wd-40 and duct tape are two of the best things ever made, but I doubt duct tape would help here.

 

There is a penetrating oil called "Blaster".
I would try it.
It will eat through plastic cups, so I imagine it may work.

 

imo, if WD40 would soften the plastic, then all the plastic spray bottles would have hard time holding their shape. I will agree that WD40 was and is one of the wonders of world

conniecorely
How about laquer thinner?

John

 

wd40 comes in metal bottles

 

Maybe not the best picture, it is an older container (from the 60's) and the spray nozzle is plastic, it's the containers that are under pressure that are metal as well as other's, but there are plastic bottles also.

Sorry Mods. I know this is off the subject.

John

 

my bad

 

I don't think WD40 would do it.
I'm a mechanic, I use the stuff all the time.
I still prefer the product called Blaster in all instances.

 

Try using some dry ice and cool the plastic down. Plastic has a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metals, so very cold plastic will shrink much more than the underlying silver, copper and even gold. Once cooled down the plastic will hopefully separate from the coin much easier(with a toothpick). Wear gloves as dry ice is around minus 109 degrees F. Cold enough for rapid frostbite. Good Luck.