How get that "frost white" appearance for silver coins?

I have a coin that I bought from a flea-market vendor. It's an 1882-S Morgan. He told me that he cleaned it with a dremel to create this mirror-like reflection on the entire coin. It looks pretty shiny, to say the least. If I were to try and make this coin a little less tacky, how would I go about getting that 'frost' look to it so that the details stood out more?

The face and the entire eagle are almost indistinguishable from the rest of the coin - all of the details look like they're fused or melted together because of how clean the coin is. I've even seen proofs that weren't this shiny.

 

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Unfortunately, that coin was ruined by the dremel tool he took to it. Basically, what you have is a silver bullion piece. If you want a "frost" look to a Morgan you should buy a problem free example with PL details. They can be found pretty easily.

 

I know this isn't the advice you're asking for, but I would never ever consider dealing with any dealer who said he used a dremel tool on a coin. Thats absolutely crazy.

 

cleaned it with a dremel , OMG , please don" t shop there again
just my 2cents

DE

 

I was making my last round, looking for something to buy. I didn't feel like leaving with my hands empty so I haggled him down to $20 for the coin. Not a huge loss - and if anything, it's worth most of its weight in silver.

I know there are dozens of ways to tarnish or clean coins but I was just wondering if there was any way to reverse these methods. Thanks for the replies, everyone.

 

to the seller's credit he was honest

 

unfortunately not. The surface has been altered and although some coins have had the toning removed by a quick dip doing so will alter the original surfaces and therefore lessen the collector value.

 

I have to agree with the previous posts. A coin once cleaned will forever be a cleaned coin. Any numismatic value is gone. Glad you understand that it's just so much silver. With the price of silver rising you shouldn't lose too much. It's good advice to look for a certified Morgan w/ a PL (Proof Like) designation.

 

It would help to see the condition of the coin, but since the conclusions seem to be that it is near bullion value, I would dip the heck out of the coin until the polishing/cleaning has disappeared, rinsed , dry, and wear as a pocket piece for quite a while until it has worn down a grade level or so. The surfaces should be appropriate by then. Let tone a little and it should be OK. IMO. Take photos along the way.

Jim

 

True. I never said he was a cheat, just crazy, lol.

 

Unfortunately, you did take a loss though. Based on today's silver price, a Morgan Dollar has $14.29 in melt value...yours probably a little less depending on how much was removed by the dremel. It's not a huge loss, but it is a loss. I understand not wanting to leave empty handed...but sometimes it is the best thing to do.

I have one question though...you say you haggled him down to $20 for it. How much did you originally want for it?

Back to your original comment about improving it's appearance. Normally, altering a coins surface is considered a bad thing to do as is seriously decreases the value. But, with this coin being so badly damaged it can't get much worse from a value perspective. So, I say experiment on it and see if you can make it a little better looking.

 

I like this idea. Dip it and then let it wear naturally.

 

Quote:
Fred Sanford:

"Elizabeth, I'm coming!"

 

Buy the book before the coin...educate yourself on the series, and especially what cleaning means and looks like!

 

One of the features of simichrome polish (which I use on banjos...not coins) is that it leaves a film of silicone on the surface and in the pores of the metal to inhibit tarnishing. You'll want to strip this silicone by soaking it in acetone before doing anything else. The "dip" will bead up like rain on a windshield treated with Rainex if you don't remove the silicone first.

After the silicone is removed...I've heard that chlorine bleach will change the color of a coin. I've no experience with that...but the coin's already ruined, so there's nothing to lose.

Nightowl

 

I agree with what you said about a coin once cleaned is a forever cleaned coin. However, the broad statement of any cleaned coin losing any numismatic value is simply not true.

 

lol!

 

Another reason to buy a dremel. What a versatile tool

 

I would dip it as well. That should take some of the shine away.

 

If you want a nice 'frosty' coin, buy a proof American Silver Eagle...about $40-$50. It's large, pure silver, and has awesome cameo contrast.