test kit for cleaned coins

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by kevinslack, Apr 19, 2009.

  1. kevinslack

    kevinslack silvereagle

    were can you buy a test kit that tells you if a coin has been cleaned with a chemical or not. something like wipe coin with q-tip then check q-tip for a chemicals
     
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  3. Hobo

    Hobo Squirrel Hater

    The best test kit is your eyes. Sometimes your nose if chemical residue remains on the coin.

    Wiping your coin with anything - including a Q-Tip - is something you should avoid.
     
  4. kevinslack

    kevinslack silvereagle

    i would use q-tip on the outside of coin the rib
     
  5. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member


    I've never heard of such a thing.
     
  6. kevinslack

    kevinslack silvereagle

    i was told when you send coins in for grading they have a chemical test that they do to see if coin has been dipped.
     
  7. schatzy

    schatzy ~Roosie Fanatic~


    All you need is your eye......a dipped coin will stand out like a sore thumb!!

    I don't think the grading companies do such a thing.
     
  8. Aslanmia

    Aslanmia Active Member

    I think I saw that episode of CSI... Isn't that the one where Grissom found a whole bunch of sulphur in the trunk of a dealer's car? ;)

    But seriously, if that were the case, then most of the older silver coins out there would never be slabbed. Remember, back in the day (and today to some extent) dipping was considered a perfectly acceptable practice.
     
  9. Just Carl

    Just Carl Numismatist

    I suspect they just put it in thier mouths and taste it. :goofer:
     
  10. Just Carl

    Just Carl Numismatist

    If you really think about it you would note that since there are numerous methods of cleaning a coin, that even if there was such a test, it would have to be usable for Acetone, Laquer thinner, Lemon Juice, Tomato paste, Vinegar, lighter fluid, a Martini, Rubbing Alcohol and on and on and on. Just do a search on this web site for cleaning coins and you would find so many items used you would think someone is making the coins, not cleaning them. :)
     
  11. jgreenhood

    jgreenhood Senior Member

    I don't think there is a kit either. I do know that there is stuff like that to test for different kinds of contaminates like Lead but I've never seen them for sale for comercial use.
     
  12. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member


    Yeah. Professional graders can tell a cleaned coin by looking at it. Not all dipped coins though. Many dipped coins do get slabbed by NGC and PCGS.
     
  13. cncman

    cncman Senior Member

    It seems kind of ironic to me to take a chemical soaked Q tip to a coin to see if it has been exposed to chemicals. I would be surprised if there was something like that, I agree, best kit is an experienced eye.
     
  14. Vess1

    Vess1 CT SP VIP Supporter

    -Learn what natural, cartwheel luster looks like on mint state coins. When you tilt them in the light, you should see two separate, glaring bands that 'cartwheel' around the coin.

    -If a normal coin looks like a proof but you know it's not a proof, then it's been polished.

    -No, old, circulated coin with wear should be bright and shiny. If it is, it won't look like normal luster on a real mint state coin. Dipped coins have a clean but dull to unrealistic shiny appearance. Get to know original luster! Old silver is usually dark unless it's been preserved very well.

    - If it's a really old dip, you may just not be able to tell. I'm sure many dipped coins have made it into slabs.

    - If it's toned and has a burnt smell to it, chances are it was heated to achieve the toning to cover up the dip or something else.

    - If the fields of a coin are bright and shiny but the fine details have black crud in between them, it's been cleaned.
     
  15. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    How much would a person pay for such instruction? Buy 10 BU 1922 Peace dollars about the same luster at a coin show, dip the first once for 15 seconds and rinse. Dip the 2nd twice, the third 3 times, etc, to # 9, dip 9 times. Save the 10th for comparison and compare the luster,cartwheel, flow lines., etc. Mark them on the back with magic marker, and mix them up and see if you can arrange in correct order. You will probably be better at spotting dipped coins than most.

    When you are tired of them, remove the marker with acetone and sell them.

    JMHO

    Jim
     
  16. BadThad

    BadThad Calibrated for Lincolns

    There is no such thing except in science fiction. If there were any traces left behind, they would be undetectable.
     
  17. Just Carl

    Just Carl Numismatist

    AHHH but if you watch those CSI programs you would see how they could place a coin in a machine, push a button, on a monitor would pop up the names of everyone that ever touched that coin, what they were wearing at the time, their mother's maiden name and thier shoe sizes.
     
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