I have a 1922-D Peace dollar that I got from my father quite a few years ago, he had placed a piece of tape over the center of it with my name on it. I had put the coin away and just recently came across it again. I pulled the tape off and the coin is nice and shiny under where the tape was, but the rest of it is quite dull and a darker color. I am not a coin collector, so I know nothing about this or any other coin, but I would be interested in hearing information on how to clean it up safely. Any information would be great! Thanks, Traci
Well...a good rule is to NEVER clean a coin. Since there has been tape there is about no way around it. I would use PURE acetone you can get at the store. DON'T SMOKE OR HAVE FIRE NEAR IT....if you do...you might be the one smoking. Try not to let if get on your skin.... Place the acetone in a cup or such and place the coin in it for about 1 min and then taek the coin out and under running water. Speedy
Welcome to the forum Traci. That will take care of any adhesive residue from the tape, but it won't have any effect on the real problem. The reason acetone is recommended for PVC and adhesive removal is that it won't affect the tarnish that, when attractive, some folks call "toning". What happened is that the exposed coin surfaces have chemically intereacted with the atmosphere, resulting in discoloration. The area under the tape was protected from atmospheric chemicals, and remained untarnished. A dip in a solvent (TarnX for example) would remove the tarnish and restore the entire coin to a silvery color, but it would also destroy any luster that still remains. Except in the very highest grades the coin is worth less than $50, and unfortunately, from your description most of its value has probably been destroyed by the tape. For some meaningful opinions on how to deal with the problem, you really need to post a picture.
Hi Traci, Welcome to the forum! If I had your coin, I would just leave it be the way it is without cleaning it. The only coins that I ever clean are my Roman ones, because they have centuries of caked on dirt that must be removed to even see what type it is. Dennis
Traci - Roy gave a pretty good explanation. I'm not sure there is much you can do other than dipping the coin in a harsh cleaner. The coin doesn't have much monetary value to begin with - so dipping it won't gain you anything. I think I would keep it as is for sentimental reasons.
I don't plan on selling this coin. My Great Grandmother gave a few of these to my dad when he was younger and when she passed away, he gave them to us kids, hence the tape with my name on it. Thank you all very much for the information. I'm glad I found this sight! I've been checking my coins ever since starting to read about some of the error coins. I think I'm driving my husband crazy because I make him let me see all his pocket change before he puts it in our "change jar". Oh well! You never know when you may come across something unusual. I'll be sure to post anything that I may have questions about. Again thanks for all the info and advise. Traci
I’ll give an alternate opinion. The coin is already solidly circulated. If it were me, I would rub it a few times each day – but just with your fingers – not anything harsher. If you replicate natural circulation wear in this manner, you might even the color out over time. Technically you are reducing the grade of the coin down to a uniform level, but it will not be noticeable enough to matter.
Your coin has a great story behing it. And that should be worth it to you. I enjoyed seeing the "tape stipe" as part of your story. The history in this coin is worth a lot more then the coin value itself. Maybe type up your story about ait and keep it with the coin. Then pass it on to your children some day Thanks for the Pics and story. -Bobby
I want to retract my previous advice about trying to get the coin an even tone. I agree - that stripe is a great story, and since the coin is not very valuable as a collectors item, keep it as is for sentimental reasons. When someone asks about the stripe, you will have an opening to tell them about a whole new cast of characters and anecdotes, and that is worth more than the coin could ever be, regardless of condition.
