I got this 1923 Peace dollar on ebay. NGC graded it MS-64. It is in an old NGC "no-line fatty." It has green fleks on it that look like PVC. What do the experts think? Thanks, Charlie
I think you're right. Some collectors say acetone rinses aren't cleaning, others say it is an exception to the "no cleaning" rule, but either way the clear consensus is that your coin needs acetone. Get some of the pure stuff from a hardware or paint store. DO NOT use your wife/mother/girlfriend/sister's acetone nail polish remover, which contains potentially harmful additives! Most experts recommend using glass or glazed ceramic dishes (hey - a new life for that old ashtry you don't use any more ) outdoors or in a very well ventilated area. Cover the coin with acetone, swish it around and move it to some fresh acetone. Do this as many times as it takes to eliminate the green death, then rinse the coin two or three times in distilled or deionized water. Finally, air dry it on a soft cloth which has not been used to rub the coin. Advanced PVC damage will actually pit or corrode the coin, and that dark green spot in the center of your first picture may be hiding that type of damage. If left unchecked it can turn that piece into junk silver bullion. For further information and some alternative methods do a forum search on "acetone".
What I would suggest you do is send the coin back to NGC under their grading guarantee. They will replace it or pay you for it.
It doesn’t really look like PVC damage to me. Damage usually comes from long term contact to plastic containing PVC usually on the rim and highly spots. It could be form something else or has been dipped and some of the residue was left behind.
