Are These Coins Ruined?

I found some of my Father in laws 1956 proof coins. There were 4 sets, but one was destroyed by mice I think (there was evidence around the packaging). I’m attaching a photo of one of them so you can see what I’m talking about. Are they ruined or can I clean or dip them? Or is it worth it to have them “restored” by whoever does that if it is possible with these. Thanks so much for your help!

 

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I would say they are destroyed but can be used as change. Not worth putting any money into to o try and restore them.

 

Get some silver dip from Walmart. Give it a try you can't lose much.

 

I disagree, I wouldn't spend it. There's nearly $5.00 of silver in there.

 

Will ezest work?

 

It wouldn't harm it. Right now it's just worth silver value.

 

My comment was based on it being a clad as I couldn’t read the date or mint mark. My eyes are very tired from all that I’ve been doing.

 

These coins are not candidates for conservation. EZ Zest will remove most of the tarnish. The problem will be the resulting stains from two different surface tones and the tarnish that would remain. ie: The heavy black toning will remain even after multiple dips.

 

Definitely in the thickest areas of toning. There are other lighter types of restoration. Kodac comes to mind.
Various Silver Coin Cleaning Dips ? | Coin Talk
Fully conserving that coin is impossible. You might get it to an acceptable condition?

 

Silver Jewelry Cleaner from Walmart. It comes in a small red jar. I have never known it to leave anything on the surface, just white silver. Dip for a few seconds swishing the coin around in the little basket. Check and swish again if needed. Then rinse in clear cold water.

 

I just did these two dimes. Only a few seconds. I need to put them in for a few more to complete the process. They are both silver and the change is quite good in my opinion.

 

Yours doesn't have nearly the same amount of corrosion/toning than the OP. if those coins are dipped and it removes the tarnish then the quarter will be ruined. The areas that are black and almost velvety, will show what looks like a struck thru issue, that looks like die deterioration. If done right, I believe there could be some tone underneath the black.


PS, I have never dipped a coin, and the best way to avoid experimenting on coins is not buy a restoration project unless you Know how to take on the project.

 

They are not worth much more than silver anyway at this point. I don't recommend this for valuable coins, but.........for common silver try this. Dip them in E-Zest until all tarnish is removed. Then grow a new patina through toning slowly. Even Charley's method with Taco Bell's napkins will work. (thanks for that BTW Charley). A chopped boiled egg in a container for a little while will kick start the process but don't over do it. By no means let the eggs come in direct contact with the coins. Some pretty amazing results can happen, but it's a mixed bag. This discussion has been on other threads, but patinas can be regrown if no cleaning scratches have already happened. That's a deal killer.

 

Slight correction: it should be a USED Taco Bell napkin.

 

With a coin like the OP's, there won't be much of a coin left. The luster will be gone, it will be dull and lifeless. No need for artificial toning.

 

I would try diluted EZEst (a little bit of it mixed into distilled water) first to see how it behaves. A 1956 proof set is worth a little extra effort.

 

Given that you are dealing with a Proof, it's ruined. A Proof is very delicate, and there is not much you can do with it, other than dipping it. This one is too far gone because the toning has ruined the Proof surface. But it's 90% silver. So it has some value.

 

Sorry, but you don't have much there. They have no eye appeal and definitely not "fixed." The oxidation is too deep into the surfaces for dipping to fix it.

 

I agree with the others --
EZest is great for restoring most of the appearance of damaged coins, but these are probably t
oo far gone.

 

Probably. I haven't been to Taco Bell in years. But gas station napkins are probably the same as what Taco Bell used to use. The ones next to their hot dogs on the rotisseries. I can vouch for those working. They look similar from what I remember. And a mustard stain or two probably enhances the process.