Is It a Bad Idea to Use VerdiCare On a Coin You Send In to Be Graded?

I have a coin that I want to have graded and I'm pretty sure that VerdiCare would work wonders on making it look way better! Should I use VerdiCare before having it graded? How do grading companies feel about VerdiCare, will they automatically list my coin as cleaned? Anyone know? Any link on the subject?

 

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My research has brought me to the conclusion that you're better off not taking the chance. This based on the other chat boards. (Ie. Conecaonline.com)

 

Great, I was planning on avoiding pcgs and the coin "sniffer" anyways so I'm hoping to be okay! I don't know for sure but the coin "sniffer" used by PCGS is a Gemini!

https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/GEMINI

 

I think @BadThad doesn't agree

 

It would take a much more sophisticated analysis than the "sniffer" IMO.

 

They also claim the Gold Shield tier uses AI to identify resubmitted or stolen coins, so it is clearly a manipulation tactic to prevent coin-doctoring, which I do not consider verdi-care to be.

 

Yeah , we should trust them, after all they have no financial interest in it~ right? The employees would have to have "space suits" on so they wouldn't contaminate the source. I certainly trust bad Thad more than PCGS's evaluation of chemistry.
IMO, and his product does what it says when used as described.It can't cure coin cancer, but it can reduce effects. All my Opinion, Jim

 

You're getting old, they don't specifically "call it out". You're thinking of the old sniffer video where they had a sample of MY obsolete product VERDI-GONE. Even for that product as well, they could NOT detect it with the sniffer or ANY other analytical instrumentation. THAT WAS A LIE! That product didn't even remain on the surface! If they stuck the entire, full bottle in their machine it wouldn't detect anything. I've been an analytical chemist for over 35 years - trust me.

 

I use VerdiCare quite regularly on my copper and bronze submissions and have not had any issues. I also use it on larger medals. It is a great product.

 

Thank you from another Hungarian (by decent)!

 

I agree with Thad that it’s unlikely that the process PCGS claims works. It would require some degree of outgassing, which *should* have dissipated by the time a coin is submitted. It’s more likely that they use some sort of spectral analysis.

Either way, if you use VerdiCare, you can always rinse the coin with water prior to submission, if you really care. My recollection is that the coating left behind is water soluble and will simply rinse off. Please correct me if I have that wrong, Thad. I love the product. Wish I could get it cheaper in huge quantities… so I could clean up random verdigris in public spaces.

 

I am a new user, and absolutely impressed. I thought that was the process, a soak in distilled water should be the last process to any restoration right?

 

NO! Generally you want your final step to be an organic solvent to dry the surfaces. Water is the catalyst to corrosion. With VC I like to use ACS grade isopropanol (100% IPA), it's the most effective solvent for removing VC.

 

The "sniffer" IS spectral analysis...sounds much better than "looker" though.

 

I’ve used vc and gotten straight grades no problem several times. As long as the coin itself isn’t a problem coin