I pulled out my old lincon cent books from when I was a kid. These books are the ones that hold the coins in clear plastic (almost like 'vinyl). I guess the number of years that they've been in this plastic and being not properly stored has caused some significant discoloration on the coins. (I also have a similar problem with my Jefferson nickels, but not quite as pronounced). anyway, many of these lincoln cents are seriously discarded. Some have even turned some shade of 'green'. I know that the conventional wisdom (rule) is that coins shuldn't be cleaned. However, is there a way to get rid of this 'gunk' (discoloration) without actually harming the coin? I'd like to get them out of this book and into some 2x2s or something. any suggestions on what to put them into?
Well I guess I'll retract my question. I reviewed some other threads about this and came to the conclusion that I really shouldn't clean them with anything at all, unless I just want to plan on keeping them. However, what is the best way to store all of these coins if not in a book?
I bet you have PVC on the coins and yes, if they do they should be cleaned--that is the ONLY time I will ever clean a coin.... Since you said they have been in there a long time I bet that is what happened--to take off PVC you will need Acetone...some say Acetone doesn't do nice things to cents but I have used it on coins and haven't had anything happen... Get a bowl and put acetone in it--place the coins in it for about 1 min..then take the coins out and place then under running water--do not rub them (I did once and they looked like they had been cleaned)...when you rinse them with water it takes the PVC off and leaves the coin looking old. Thanks Speedy PS Don't get Acetone on you--it can do bad things.
in addition to what speedy said, begin with cents that you don't mind ruining (cheap duplicates et cetera) so you can perfect the process before working on your better coins. Also, be sure to use pure acetone (usually can be found in hardware stores) and not nail polish remover, as polish remover can have other chemicals that can harm your coins.
It certainly sounds like PVC damage - but you need to KNOW - not think. Can you take a few of the coins to a local dealer or an experienced collector friend and ask their opinion before trying to clean the coins ? I agree - if it is PVC - the coins need cleaned or they will be irreperably damged if they are not already. But I ask that you do this because copper does not react well with acetone - you could end up with cents every color of the rainbow. And I'd hate to see you do that if it's NOT PVC.
