Distressed Mercury Dime, Split bands but Ugly Tarnish.

I just got this coin and am trying to decide what to do with it. It is a 1941 S Mercury dime that wasn't stored correctly and has taken on some ugly. I'm talking dull surfaces, an overall hazy look to the fields and some brown specks on the reverse. The issue is it has full split bands and is a very good strike. It's a pity this coin wasn't properly cared for. Is there anything I can do to save it?

 

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I'm thinking a dip will give you a bright ugly coin. You could try just an acetone bath but there are risk with that as well. It might remove the reverse spots but will probably make all the tiny ticks on the coin stand out. I don't feel the coin can be helped but if I owned it, I would try an acetone bath with no rubbing of any kind. I'm saying that because the coin is only worth a few dollars. If it had a higher value I would say, don't touch it.

 

1. It looks like a "sneeze" coin. Replace it.

2. Then use it as a test coin.

I don't think distilled water, detergent solution or acetone will help it but give them a try.
Next step IMO would be a SHORT dip in a DILUTED silver dip.
Play with it until it looks reasonable.
Keep a photo record (same lighting and exposure) after each step, that way you can learn what "treated" coins look like.
When the brown specks disappear look at the place they used to be with a loupe (at least 10x) to see if there are now pits in the surface.
The coin is toast (bullion value only); might as well use it as a learning experience.

 

You really think those brown marks would not come off with a correct dip? I have seen worst come off on a proper, full strength, quick dip followed by a distilled water bath.

I guess I am not convinced this coin is yet bullion, and would advise the OP to practice on bullion, and at least give it a try to save this one.

Chris

 

Of course sir. It has always been so, even the most lightly toned coin can be hiding nasty surfaces, again why toned coins were in the old days considered "problem" coins in many ways. You never know what is under the tone. I guess I was assuming people thought this coin was ruined, and I was simply saying there is at least a decent chance it could be restored.

Chris

 

I'd try attempting to spot dip the spots off first... Use a full-strength dip, use a toothpick to get some of the solution onto the spots on the coin. I've had SOME success with this... not a lot, and never tried with spots of that type, but I'd bet you could remove them. The area will be discolored, though, and you'll have to give the coin a full dip afterwards to bring it back to a more natural state.

If it doesn't work, it's not a major loss... looks like an MS64FB at absolute best.