Hi everyone, I just recently purchased a kilo proof coin that is housed in a hard plastic shell and apparently the previous owner handled it causing some hazy spots on the coin. I was wondering if it was possible to wipe a proof coin of some hazy spots without damage and what type of cloth or product should be used? Thanks
Try using fine grit sandpaper, that'll get rid of it. j/k Actually, you want to be VERY careful using any cloth to wipe away smudges. The fibers from the cloth (even a fine cloth) can scratch the coin. I would try a lens cleaning cloth and wipe lightly.
I would never rub a coin with anything. Many say you can pat them dry but it is this sort of thing which results in the nearly invisable hairlines. If the haze won't come off in acetone or alcohol I'd learn to live with it.
I got a 10 ounce silver with the same problem I wiped it with silkpaper and it now is scratched I would try acetone or nothing
Hi, Higgins. Rule of thumb - NEVER, EVER WIPE A PROOF COIN Pat it if you must (a cotton cloth is soft and will absorb) to remove solvents and such, but ANY wiping will permanently scratch the surface, even silk. Lots of times, solvents won't fix the problem, but will almost always nuetralize any corrosive elements of the haze to retard any further corrosion of the coin surface if it is done per instructions. Many times, that's the best you can hope for. If the suface of the coin has a large blob of corrosion or verdigris that isn't being removed by solvent, sometimes I will very carefully use a wooden toothpick (usually under magnification) to try to remove it, but the toothpick should touch the surface of the coin as little as possible, just the blob. Only use it to 'push' the blob off.
Hi Higgins. It looks like all the important stuff had been said before I saw your post, except Welcome aboard!
It's funny that we are talking about this because I just received my 2005 quarters proof set from the Mint and it had smudges on two of the coins (this isn't the first time this has happened BTW) I don't know that I would trust any chemicals on my proff coins. I might chance it with the fine grit sandpaper, or my blue jeans.
The only method I would attempt, if I had to do something, would be to drop a few drops of MS70 coin cleaner on the coin from a Q-Tip (never touch the coin with the Q-Tip) and then rinse immediately. Carefully, I say CAREFULLY, pat dry...EVER SO GENTLY...without moving in any direction. I have had this work many many times but can't over state the fact one can not move anything while drying the coin. Proofs will scratch immediately so a simple pressure, without any movement will dry the water from rinsing and the smudge should disappear. MS70 coin cleaner seems to be a well kept secret by a great number of collectors and dealers but I don't understand why? If a collector MUST clean a coin, for one reason or another, why not at least give everyone an honest opportunity to do it right? Now don't get me wrong as I SELDOM ever try to clean a coin but once in a great while something will cross my hands that most definitely needs help. It, in my opinion, is best to use a 10 or 20 power loupe, in advance, to see what you are up against as many times the damage is already done. We have to face the facts that some collectors can and will clean coins and I would much rather see them attempt this than use a toothbrush and toothpaste!
Hi Aidan Work, It is a 1992 1 kilo silver proof from Equatorial Guinea. Thank you crystalk64, I will try that MS70 coin cleaner you recommended. Thanks!!
GDJMSP I am still waiting for that shipment for storage here in Indiana? Surely you didn't ship to the Queen by mistake?
Dang Pony Express rider got lost in a blizzard - it may be July before he finds his way out of the mountains
