Hey folks—new collector here courtesy of an inherited collection. I know enough to know one is NEVER supposed to clean coins, however my great grandfather left me little choice. I’ll explain. He gave my grandmother and grandfather a card for their 25th wedding anniversary in 1953 with 25 Morgan silver dollars. It has one magnetic circular space on the front cover, and inside there are 24 more circular spaces—these, unfortunately required he glue the Morgan’s into place. So, I’ve got 24 Morgan’s with glue on them I’d like to remove. I’ll try to post pics. Any recommendations on how to remove the glue? Goo Gone? Help! TIA!
If it's just Elmer's glue, maybe @rte 's suggestion of some good scalding hot water might work. That would be nice. If not, I'd try acetone. Goo-Gone might work, but I wouldn't want to remove the toning on the coins, so...?
I should add that the faintly iridescent, colorful toning on the pictured coin is nice. Mind you, it isn't original toning- that coin has already been cleaned and so that is secondary toning there. But it's preferable to the harsh white of an over-cleaned coin. This is the sort of thing one might call "album toning". It likely resulted from the sulfur in the paper of that old card. PS- what a nice gift that was, 73 years ago. And a cool story. So regardless, despite their issues, you've got something sentimentally priceless there.
Don't have any better info than has already been offered here. Just wanted to comment that these family heirloom pieces are the most awesome pieces. Gave my heart the "feel goods".
I would start with a water bath for a few hours. No rubbing of any kind. Next would be an acetone bath for a few hours. No rubbing.
Same. I have soaked one for an entire week in acetone. After a few days, change the bath and do it again. It won't hurt it, and it won't remove toning.
Welcome to CT. I’m glad to hear you have enough sense to ask before doing anything but sorry to hear of your loss. First soak it in very hot water as that may be all that necessary. You don’t know what type of glue was used so take your time and proceed with caution. Never rub or scrub the coin. No scrapping either. Even a q-tip can scratch the coins surface. You m at have to use several batches of hot water but hot water should be used first. If that doesn’t work then try acetone. Do not used anything but industrial strength acetone. No fingernail polish remover. That stuff will destroy a coins finish. The right kind of acetone will not hurt the coin and it will not remove the toning. if hot water in the acetone, do not remove the glue give us feedback on what happened and photos of course. The coin you showed as 1878 Morgan dollar. There are several varieties of a Morgan dollar for that date. Unfortunately, the glue covers which variety as you need to see the tail feathers on the eagle. As I said, just take your time and proceed with caution. Best wishes in your endeavor.
Whatever do not damage the obverse. Consider sending it to a TPG or a local trusted dealer. Allow your conscience to be your guide! Good luck.
