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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 1278536, member: 112&quot;]I&#039;ll expand a bit more. Conservation is cleaning because that&#039;s what you are doing when you conserve a coin. You are cleaning or removing something from the coin. But as stated, you are doing it in such a way as to not damage or alter the surfaces of the coin. </p><p><br /></p><p>Personally, I prefer this usage of terminology - harsh (or improper) cleaning, and, cleaning. That obviates the arguments that some folks like to get into when someone mentions the word conservation. Yes, I know what conservation means - to me. But believe it or not there are some folks out there who say they are conserving a coin when they use a toothbrush on it to remove dirt and grime. Still there are others who will say that since conservation is cleaning and it&#039;s OK, then other cleaning is OK too.</p><p><br /></p><p>My choice of terminology makes all of that go away.</p><p><br /></p><p>As for acetone, I do not disagree with what has been said, for the most part. But when it comes to copper coins I recommend that acetone not be used. I say this because I have seen too many copper coins that turn weird colors after having been dipped in acetone. The one exception I would make would be if you were using acetone to remove PVC contamination, glue, tape residue and the like from copper coins for in these cases it is better for the coin to get that stuff off of it than it is to leave it alone.</p><p><br /></p><p>That said, some will argue the point. They will say it wasn&#039;t acetone, it something else, the acetone was contaminated, the coin has something on it that caused it, they will say it was anything BUT the acetone&#039;s fault. Well, all I can tell you is that I have seen it with my own eyes countless times. No, it does not happen every time. But it happens often enough that I recommend against it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Also, acetone and other chemical solvents are just like anything else - they must be used correctly or will you not be happy with the long term results. I always suggest using 3 separate containers of acetone for each coin that is treated. And those containers of acetone are only used once, for 1 coin, and then the acetone is discarded. You dip, or soak (even over night) in the first container. Then you dip and rinse in the 2nd, then you dip in the 3rd. And finally, you dip in a container of distilled water. Then stand the coin on edge on a soft towel, with it leaning up against the back splash of your counter top and let it air dry. I do not recommend blotting to dry. After standing there overnight it will be completely dry.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here again, some will say this last step should be left out, that water is the enemy of coins. Well, I don&#039;t argue that water is the enemy of coins, it is. But it is only the enemy with prolonged contact. If a coin is allowed to air dry before being put away in proper storage then there is no water on the coin. </p><p><br /></p><p>And the reason that I suggest using the final distilled water dip is because I have seen too many coins that were dipped in acetone that developed a whitish cast to them. The final dip in the distilled water alleviates that problem and the coins will retain their natural color.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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