Can you tell if a lower grade coin has ever been cleaned once it has retoned?

If a coin is VF or less does it matter if the wear is from cleaning or from being in a pocket? I have a 1808 half cent that was cleaned 50 years ago and its about 80% re toned and i wanted to know once it fully re tones if anyone will be able to tell if it was ever cleaned?

 

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How do you know it was cleaned?
And what method was used?

But remember, the experts are VERY good.
Not perfect but nevertheless VERY good.

 

It was a gift from a family friend that got it from his father that was vary "open" about making them shiny and it still hasn't toned back 100%, i would grade it at Fine and i cant see anymore detail loss then any other coin at that grade.

 

Set it out in the sun or on a dashboard or window sill for a week or so...

 

If a coin is improperly cleaned ( abrasive ), the resulting scratches will generally be deeper than wide and will reflect bright lines, seen when the coin is rotated in your hand. Wear, generally involves smaller abrasive particles such as "dust" which is microscopic quartz crystals, and produces a much finer scratch in generally random directions and no bright lines. The lines will still be visible under toning to some one who is experienced. Without knowing exactly what was used and how strongly applied, it is difficult to guessimate. Sometime carrying a coin in your pocket for a long period will reduce cleaning lines by converting into wear.

Jim

 

dear desert u can get a harshly cleaned coin into tpg plastic by wearing it down a few grqades if there are a few grades to go down that is

 

Agreed. But, since most older US coins have been cleaned, I wouldn't care if I was in the market for one.

How you would tell is by loss of surface in hidden areas protected from wear.

 

I have to agree, it was a common practice in the 20th century for collectors to clean and even laquer coins. now INMHO i think that if the coin wasn't harshly cleaned and looks good i'll take it.