Acetone..oops!

Well, I just thought I'd try to run with the "big dogs", but it seems I'm not ready yet. I chose my ugliest coin,a really blackened, dinged and nicked centennial quarter. I had visions of a bright newly minted transformation. I even bought a squat little glass jar for the experiment.
First I held it in the grip of plastic tongs, and swirled it for about a minute...not much change..maybe a little brighter. After about 4 minutes of swirling the acetone around the coin and not much change, I dropped it to the bottom and roated the jar like a washing machine for another 5 minutes. The result was a slightly less balckened coin, but the "silver" areas were now likened to pewert color. I rinsed it well, but no change. The final product looks like it might have seen a fire!
The teller gave me a Kenney Half (proof) but one side is totally black. This quarter was a test run. Think I need to test some more quarters!

 

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I don't think acetone would be the correct choice of liquid for what you are trying to achieve.

 

Someone on here has a signature that says "There's no price too low for a problem coin".
I wondered what a problem coin was, till I met that quarter. But I found out what to do with a problem coin. Today at lunch, McDonald's was glad to get it, and I was glad to see it go!

 

Come and Run!

Using the plastic tongs is a great choice. However your cleaning method isn't meant for the type metal your trying to clean. Stay away from swirling your coins in a jar, you will produce wear. Just use your tongs and agitate the coin in the solution.

From your description I believe you dipped a copper-nickel clad coin. There are coin dips that can be purchased online or from your local coin dealer that are designed specifically to clean silver and nickel, but "Beware" if you use this stuff for more then a few seconds you can permanently ruin your coin, oh, and you can't use it on copper without ruining it.

There's been a lot of discussion here over the years about cleaning coins, what to do, what not to do. Do a search. I'm sure you'll find some interesting info.

I rarely if ever clean a coin anymore. I've found it's better to just acquire a better MS or proof then to potentially ruin a coin just because it lacks some eye appeal I think I can fix with a cleaning.

Good Luck and Keep on Collecting!!!

Allen

 

I would have thought the acetone would have ate the plastic.

 

It will, and it will also eat out your brain. This stuff is nasty stuff, deadly and more important accumulative, and it can even be absorbed through your skin. It really isn't something you want to play around with for any length of time in an enclosed room.

If you use this stuff, be certain to observer the warnings. They are very real.

..JD

 

I only use acetone for cleaning dirt off silver coins. That's the only coin and only problem I've had any luck with. As far as the toxicity of acetone, I buy nail polish remover, which if you read the label is 100% acetone.
Vegas Vic

 

You are correct to a point JD. At the same time, it's not a problem if handled correctly. Only a small amount is needed at a time and there is no need to get it on your skin while cleaning a coin. It's also the main part of fingernail polish remover but polish remover should not be used on coins.

 

I buy nail polish remover from the Dollar Store, and it is over 90% acetone. But I don't like using it.
Vegas Vic

 

you can buy 100% acetone from a beauty supply store for pretty cheap. but can't olive oil be used to clean off tape residue.

 

Just don't smoke while you're doing this. Acetone blows up real good.

 

Acetone

Was this a joke? Acetone is actually produced, naturally, by the body and is easily metabolized, though more than tiny amounts of it is probably harmful. The contaminants and other chemicals that might be carried into the body by the acetone might be very toixc however.

But if you are feeling light-headed, dizzy or high you are probably breathing much too much of it.

BRH

 

What plastic?

 

From the OP.

 

Friends,friends...don't worry! I used only a thimblefull, in a very tiny jar, outside, wearing eyeprotection, held it far from my face, dropped the coin in a jar of water to rinse, returned the acetone through a funnel to the can, sealed it and put it out for the trash man. (I am NOt Super Dave!)

 

I hope you used more than a thimble-full. When I dip a coin in Aceton I fill the dish that I'm useing a good little bit. And when I'm all done I dump the Acetone down the sink and put the rest of the can back on my desk where it sits today!

Speedy

 

You're a WILD MAN!