I'm thinking a combination of salt (NaCl), humidity (H2O), and air (nitrogen and oxygen) may combine with the silver to produce silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3...salt peter).The problem is to chemically loosen and remove this corrosion without damaging the coin. Ammonia acts as a ligand, but alone won't remove the spots...but you're on the right track.
Water jet? Something a bit faster than the stream from a faucet, but nowhere near enough to damage the silver, kind of like the jet attachment on a garden hose? What does a jeweler's ultrasonic cleaner do to the surface of a coin?
I don't think a water jet would have much effect on milk spots...but I've never tried. I was reading a bit about jewelers' ultrasonic cleaners. It sounds like you really have to know what you're doing to use them on coins. I wouldn't try it on a coin that's worth anything.
Really, I think the best thing is to sell them and replace with coins that do not have the spots. Jim
Guys, milk spots are not something that sits on top of the that can be washed away. They actually penetrate down into the metal. That's why coin dip does not remove them. Dip a coin and a thin layer of metal is actually removed from the coin - it is eaten away by the acid in the coin dip. But dip a coin with milk spots - and the spots are still there. They penetrate the metal several layers deep.
Should a seller disclose a coin has milk spots when selling? I made my first purchase and it arrived today. I am disappointed because it has spots on it. I thought it would be a safe purchase since it is a 2007-W ASE PCGS PR69DCAM in the slab. The online photo on close inspection may show the spots or it could be reflection and glare. When I view the coin at a certain angle with the naked eye they are visible. Under a regular magnifying glass it is evident the coin has spots with pinpoint darker centers.
Doug, do you have a good example of an "irretrievable" milk spot coin you would be willing to sell? I went through my modern silver and can't find one. I would like to see what kind of results I can (or can't) get with a coin that's a validated "milk spot" coin. Worst case scenario...I'm stuck with an ugly coin and learn a lot about milk spots! I would really appreciate it!
I just put up a bid on this coin... http://cgi.ebay.com/1993-Target-Ton...lion?hash=item3ca611ebbb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 ...should be a good candidate...right? I believe you...but have to see for myself. If the spots are silver chloride, I really believe I can remove them without doing additional harm to the coin. If the coin shows pitting after the spots are removed...well, nothing I can do about that.
Photo of coin with areas circled. This is the shot on from the seller's listing. I hope I attached it correctly. I am still reading my camera manual b/c I am taking horrible shots.
Interesting...I only found one (1) seller in all eBay that actually claimed their coin had "milk spots". I'm pretty new to the whole "milk spot" controversy and may have made the same mistake you did. Personally, I believe it's the Seller's responsibility to clearly identify any condition issues that may affect the value of the coin they're selling. To simply post a picture and say, "You make the call" isn't nearly enough (imho). Whatever happened to "character" and "ethics" in America?
After sleeping on it, I am going to contact the seller to discuss returning the coin. This condition issue should have been disclosed in the listing.
Sorry, but I don't own any coins. Now you wanna play with them, be my guest. But you're gonna find out what I said is true. And did you somehow miss in all the conversations that we've had on this subject for the past few weeks that PCGS offers a $50,000 reward to any person who can get rid of milk spots without harming the coin ? Now do you think anybody would offer that kind of money if it could be done ? Oh, and that coin on ebay. I believe those spots have more to do with the toning than anything else. Here's some saved pics from another member that has a coin with milk spots on it.
These are the type of spots on the coin I just received. Wouldn't you send it back for a refund? Again, being new but reading the various threads, these spot impact the coins appearance and value. Now, my 2 1/2 year old loves to run around and show everyone now. What if happens in 20 years when they become his and they do not hold their value when he needs them for cash.
If you don't like the coin, by all means send it back. But in all honesty, the spots don't really affect the value. The things are only worth the value of the silver to begin with.
I swear Doug...you're about the biggest "buzz kill" I've ever met! :goof: Odds are you're right...but just for edited giggles (if I win the advertised "milk spot" coin), I'm gonna crack it out of it's holder, post detailed photos, attempt to restore the coin, then post the "after" photos. Should be an interesting experience and give you a good opportunity to gloat over my failure. :crying: It's a "win-win" for everyone!
From what I have seen over the last few years, some coins can be helped to look better but the spots come back. In my opinion these are like little time bombs just waiting for something to trigger the forming of the spots. I think it's humidity, temperature and even changes in holders that trigger it. It's really a shame that such a cool coin could have this problem. In 50 years there may be none without spots.
Ya know, they say the truth hurts. Guess there's a reason they say that. And trust me, I have no desire to say I told ya so. I'd much rather tell ya in advance so you don't waste your time. But I have a saying of my own - people believe what they want to believe whether it's true or not.
Question for people with milk spots: was your coin stored in a dark place or was it exposed to light?
Funny you should ask that...I was reading an article where someone put a "milk spot" coin in direct sunlight for a while and the spots disappeared. Btw, LOL...I got OUTBID on the eBay POS milk spot coin! :mouth: If anyone has a milk spot coin they want to get rid of, I'll pay top dollar for one. Post pics first so we can all agree it's truely the "Milk Spot" variety.
