coin cleaning

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by TomCorona, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. Scarsdale coins

    Scarsdale coins New Member

    The more i look at it i'm leaning toward the 1915
     
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  3. TomCorona

    TomCorona New Member

    Well, I was thinking about the last one, which is Gold I think, but I don't own any, so I am not sure.
     
  4. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    No - but we've had cement mixers in this bestest of all ever cointalk threds.

    http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t42667/
     
  5. Scarsdale coins

    Scarsdale coins New Member

    OK, enough suspense unveil the numismatic tragedy!:headbang:
     
  6. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    Good Guess

    The seated half, if Doug is right from the photography was likely cleaned with physical violence. The key indicator is the hairline scratches that he found as outlined in this thread here.


    http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t19295/

    It was likely done but some 19th century genius. But that is not the biggest loss. The worse one is the Flying Eagle Cent. It is slabbed by ANACS as AU58 Cleaned. Devalued the coin but several thousand dollars...which is how I landed up with it.

    I hope my point is better understood.

    Ruben
     
  7. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    Actually we have had threads about the ultrasonic cleaning. I also mentioned it earlier in this thread, but dealing with gemstones. If a coin was just exposed to the ultrasound ( not considering the liquid) of a commercial jewelry type unit, no harm would occur ( Don't stop here, please read all). Commercial Ultrasonic Descalers (non dental) could remove details from the coins with the sound waves, but I doubt many collectors have one in their garage or even back of the coin store :D BUT...

    the problems are

    1. If the coin is resting in a basket ( whether plastic or stainless steel, rubbing will occur and the results will be deleterious and visible.

    2. The fluid used to conduct the ultrasound are usually chemical cleaners, and the effects of those on the coin are indeterminal but not likely to be safe.

    ( PLEASE do not think about using acetone or any volatile chemical that could go BooM) someone actually suggested that on another site.

    3. If you are a dentist, I would be interested if you could try your hand unit on a couple of pocket coins. Take before and after photos please.

    So currently I would say I would not use a ultrasonic cleaner on coins and I have one.:eek:

    Jim
     
  8. TomCorona

    TomCorona New Member

    Your point is well taken Sir, and I appreciate the demonstration. I really do. I think anytime, anywhere, if someone works hard enough at it, spends enough time on it, most all could be fooled. Granted (and I know your point is much bigger than that). May I pose a few observations? Great. Thanks. Why is it that there is so much information "out there" to the contrary? Why does my Bud insists what he insists? Trust me when I tell you, this guy could tell you about any US coin (and a whole lot of foreign coins too), it's approximate value, it's relative history, probably mintage, or any number of other things about them. The guy's a walking coin information fountain. The main reason I even questioned the "cleaning" method, was BECAUSE I couldn't find any information about that particular method of "cleaning", no matter where I looked, however, he claims it works, so, I give it considerable weight. I initially wasn't trying to defend it. I was just trying to verify it. I have verifed lots of other methods...vinegar, acetone, xylene, catsup, tabasco sauce, plain distilled water, alcohol, baking soda, E-Z Est (that one from my coin dealer), but no lighter fluid, so I entertained the possiblilty that he might be onto something, since he seems so certain. Absolutely he could be wrong, which is what I was trying to positively identify. So, now I've done it myself. To me, it looks good, but you just proved "I" cannot consult with myself for the correct answer.(Yes I do talk to myself regularly). I am currently soaking a old battered, green Large Cent in peroxide (the latest suggestion I found) That seems to be working as well. I AM going to clean some of my coins because I have a great many that "could use it". (One person said that basically all my coins were junk anyway so why not?). I just wanted all the information I could get because the lighter fluid was gonna be the first effort. I understand all your points about cleaning, I honestly do. I just find it hard to believe it isn't done more regularly, especially with circulated coins, and also especially since there is so much contrary information on the internet (I know anything can be posted but one can usually verify things with multiple sources..IE, if it walks like a duck...hope you see my point). One last time, I was HOPING to find someone that actually DID use the first method I talked about. That was all I initially wanted. SO the answer was no, and this whirlwind of a thread .
     
  9. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    While I apreciate your position, if you want to find twisted information on the internet, it isn't hard. Just google "Jew" and you'll find some incredible stuff.
     
  10. TomCorona

    TomCorona New Member

    That is true, however, you can normally verify whether or not something is complete boloney, or has some merit, sometimes by looking at research others have already done, sometimes by verifying the references used (if given), and somtimes by a whole lot of common sense. For instance, id you Google any subject, say "Nuclear Submarines". You can find out a whole lot of information that isn't normally available through traditional sources, and probably could never find out. To stay on the subject though, however many years ago, as others have stated, collectors used to think that cleaning was actually good. Now, opinions differ. 30, 40, 50 years from now, we might know different. I don't know. That is why I tried to look before I leaped with the most accurate information I could find, either collectively or individually. I will admit I didnt' realize what a touchy subject this would be, but now I know, so, I've learned, and I will need to approach future sources differently than I did here, and just experiment I guess. Thanks for your time.
     
  11. Just Carl

    Just Carl Numismatist

    As I've noted many times in the past. Regardless of what substances you use or have heard that someone used, think of this. Not all substances that are mixtures or combinations of products are the same. Even lighter fluids can vary. Although you may think you see what is in a can or bottle, note the lack of percentages. Even a small difference could make a coin clean or ruined. Think of it this way. Radioactive substances in the correct amount create usable heat. One small addtional amount makes for a critacal mass and the end results are completely different. In a reactor water keeps a reaction to a minimum and remove that one small substance and you get Three Mile Island situation.
    The point is what someone states has worked miracles in coin cleaning may be based on a substance that can be substantially different by brand name, date of purchase, date of manufacturer, etc.
     
  12. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    The coin press reference was mine in regard to Tom's observation that he heard some sort of machinery running in the back of a local coin shop. It was stated purely as tongue in cheek.....Ruben, I think it is hilarious that you received so many PM's asking what a "coin press" was.
     
  13. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    My PM's seem to be picking up of late. Its interesting to because people have asked me everything from healthcare pharmacy questions to personality assessments on coin talk members. I can't imagine the kind of PM's Jack gets.

    Ruben
     
  14. Sholom

    Sholom retired...

    another possibility

    It seems to me, Tom, that one possibility that you've left out -- and it might be the simplest explanation -- is that some people here, very genuinely, have different opinions on the matter. There's no secret handshake, there's no conspiracy against newbies . . . it's just that some people have different views than others. If you're Bud is so experienced, then perhaps he's right, and most of the other people on this forum are wrong, but that doesn't mean there's a conspiracy. In fact, not all the folks on the forum agree, either. (I've been on this board just a week, and I've seen strong disagreements on, e.g., whether to keep coins in Albums or not)

    You know, sometimes the vast majority of experts are wrong about something and the lone wolves are correct -- but, on the whole, more often, the lone wolves are wrong and the majority is correct.

    But not always.

    (A long time ago I had a professer who used to say that he generally disbelieved conspiracy theories, preferring to believe in the "mistake" theories."

    I find that you live a longer, healthier, happier, life giving the benefit of the doubt to folks. Keeps the blood pressure down, too.

    OTOH, that's just my opinion ;)
     
  15. Scarsdale coins

    Scarsdale coins New Member

    I wont be googling nuclear anything...I need my computer not big brother tearing down my machine :yawn:
     
  16. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

  17. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    BTW - Nuclear fission is a great way to clean your coins. Much better than Brillo or a Cement Mixer.
     
  18. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    Quote:

    The information contained in this file is strictly for academic use alone. Outlaw Labs will bear no responsibility for any use otherwise. It would be wise to note that the personnel who design and construct these devices are skilled physicists and are more knowledgeable in these matters than any layperson can ever hope to be... Should a layperson attempt to build a device such as this, chances are s/he would probably kill his/herself not by a nuclear detonation, but rather through radiation exposure. We here at Outlaw Labs do not recommend using this file beyond the realm of casual or academic curiosity.
     
  19. Scarsdale coins

    Scarsdale coins New Member

    :crying: I have not received one PM and i'm not even sure i know how to send one. Can anyone explain this to me?:eek:
     
  20. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    click on someones name and you'll see it...

    Ruben
     
  21. Scarsdale coins

    Scarsdale coins New Member

    I would like to add you to my friends list in case i need some assessments.Can you brieflytell me how to do this since i am a newbie here?
    James Engle
    Scarsdale coin shoppe
     
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