So I know that the early dates are more tricky to grade. Usually this would be about a XF so would that mean this could make an AU? Appears to have almost a FH. Just wanting to get some opinions on it. I think an acetone bath will get rid of some of the grim on it(face), but overall nice eye appeal.
Thank you and do I just dip it and take it out or is it safe to soak. I appreciate you sharing. How about using a cloth like I clean my rings and things with? Do they have chemicals that would be destructive?
You don't ever want to wipe a coin. Soaking it in acetone (100% pure) is perfectly fine. When you remove it from the acetone you can rinse it under warm running water and then gently lay it on a soft cotton towel and pat it dry. You want the towel to be clean and have no chemicals added to it. Make sure not to rub or move the towel across the surface of the coin, there is a chance some debris can then be pushed into the surface and cause minor scratches.
Thank you for the heads up regarding not wiping a coin because that is exactly what I would have done. So much to learn..
As a reminder, Acetone WILL NOT remove tarnish or toning. It will only remove dirt and other organic material stuck to the coin, like residue from PVC degradation, tape residue, etc. Toning is caused by a chemical reaction with the surface metal of the coin (simplified explanation). Acetone will not do anything to this.
Using a cloth will introduce small scraps/scratches across the surface which devalues it. You can also remove the original surface Luster if vigorously done. Wiping rings wil also introduce small scratches though few people object to it. Many good jewelry places use an ultrasonic cleaner and don't/shouldn't wipe rings either.
COMMENTS: Acetone is dangerous; read and heed the label completely. "You don't ever want to wipe a coin." CORRECT "Soaking it in acetone (100% pure) is perfectly fine." CORRECT and time cannot harm the coin. "When you remove it from the acetone you can rinse it under warm running water..." INCORRECT - You want to use distilled water OR no rinse at all; acetone evaporates quickly. "... then gently lay it on a soft cotton towel and pat it dry. You want the towel to be clean and have no chemicals added to it." OKAY if you use distilled water BUT you want a lint-free cotton towel. I prefer to allow the acetone to evaporate by itself. "Make sure not to rub or move the towel across the surface of the coin..." CORRECT
This is not necessarily INCORRECT, if you live in an area with hard water, then you can introduce mineral contaminants, but nothing significant. I live in an area with very clean water, so this would be location dependent. Is it preferable to use distilled water? Yes, but not necessary. If I have left a coin that had a lot of grime and dirt soaking in acetone, I would never just let the acetone evaporate. Doing that will allow whatever contaminates that were suspended in the acetone to redeposit on the surface of the coin. You can either dip it in fresh clean acetone or rinse under water. If you rinse in clean acetone, then you can let it just evaporate.
@SharonG For the majority of folks, "Coins" + "Investment" = Big Fat ZERO. For the others: "Coins" + "Hobby" = Longer life, fun, friends, enjoyment, learning, relaxation (except when bidding in an auction), etc. PS Welcome to this place.