Problem with Coin Cleaning

Auto-correct doesn't like it when I use the Devil's language...

 

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Um, the dip is what causes the red color....

These coins are ruined. Hopefully they're just an inexpensive lesson regarding how not to treat collectible coins; you're far from the first to have learned this lesson the hard way.

In numismatics, there is cleaning and there is conservation. The difference is - like everything else in numismatics - subjective, based on the goal of most effectively preserving the undamaged coin for posterity.

Lesson #1 of conservation: Don't use dip on copper.

 

I'm not sure I considered myself a "child" at 13.

 

I called what is growing on them moss. The reason being that when they are dipped and then being washed to remove the dip solution you can feel the growdth on the coins roll off with your finger tips. I feel these coins are not worth anything in there present condition, I'm trying to save them if I can. Don't know any other way to do it. It encompasses a complete collection of BU coins from 1932 to present. Going to try the dip, distilled water and acetone today and sealed in 2x2s and see how that works. Thanks for your help.

 

is the "moss" green? If so, it's verdigris. Verdicare is the only thing that works on that. Know how to use it, though.

 

I get the impression we all should have saved our breath to cool hot soup with, as my grandmother was fond of saying.

 

This may sound like inexperience but I just do not know so maybe someone can enlighten me...is Goo Gone good for any type of cleaning of any coins? I know, I know, don't clean coins, but I am curious.

 

All true to a point. However, cleaned coins are sold on Ebay all the time and I've seen them bring in good prices.
Not all collectors are purists when it comes to the cleaning taboo.

 

GooGone is "meh" with coins. Near as I can tell, it's not as damaging as many other cleaning agents, but it's not particularly good at anything either and contains petroleum distillates which aren't in favor with coins. It's great with gum but if you have gum on your coin, your problems go deeper than Goo Gone.

 

The color is a redish maroon

 

I have experimented with conserving coins for almost 40 years.

I do pretty well now with every metal except for copper. I ruin 9 out of every 10 copper coins I attempt to clean.

So I don't anymore.

 

The best advice in this thread! 3 thumbs up!

 

The last time I tried to clean a copper coin was back in grade school and a pencil eraser was my tool of choice.

Those that collect ancient coins have got a few cleaning methods that they use. Some of those Roman coins have got centuries of crud on them.

 

I frequent a hunting forum and once got flagged for discussing woodcock, a game bird. It appeared as wood****. So I made a joke out of it
Edited. Language rules, even in jokes.

 

They will "get dark" if you use "city water" so only use distilled. I'd use it in a Bissell "Steam Shot" cleaner and NO DIP at all.This will get rid of "handling dirt" and crud on our fingers that gets deposited on the coin w/out changing color or damaging them like the acid dip will....

 

The only thing I trust as far as cleaning coppers is distilled water and Verdi-care. Acetone has been known to discolor coppers and I don't trust it. I have used 90% alcohol without any discoloration but reserve that for removing tape residue. Acetone doesn't tend to work, they are still sticky.

 

Well, you can make copper glow red-hot in acetone vapor. It's a useful tool for the crud that refuses to play by the rules, but nothing I'd do to a valuable coin.

 

What if you have the mind of a 13 year old???

 

I have the mind of a 13 year old.
If you find him, let me know, I want to give it back.

 

What about someone like me with the mind of a 3 year old?!?