I have pondered this for a while now, as to whether using acetone and cotton balls to remove dirt, etc. is cleaning. Obviously it fits the vernacular definition of cleaning something, but in the numismatic community a special meaning seems to get applied to 'cleaning', specifically, the removal (or damage, scratching...) of metal on the surface of a coin. Is it, in the eyes of a third party grader (PCGS, ANACS, NGC, etc.)? Is it, in your opinion?
In my opinion, removing PVC or whatever with acetone is not considered cleaning a coin. Usually, if done carefully, the coin will still be able to be slabbed. However, be careful with drying the coin,and be sure to rinse off all residue. Frank
Very few people consider briefly soaking a coin in acetone as "cleaning", but cotton balls, whether "dabbed", "rubbed", "wiped", or whatever can potentially leave hairlines on a coin and should be avoided. When using acetone the safest method is to submerge the coin in acetone in a glass bowl, then rinse it at least three times in fresh distilled or deionized water, and then air dry it on a soft cloth.
I agree with Roy, but be sure that no water droplets are on the coin when you 'air dry' or they may leave slight water spotting.
I have not yet used acetone on any coins, copper or otherwise, but your comment makes me curious, particularly because www.coppercoins.com, which I find to be an outstanding website, has this to say in the FAQ: "[SIZE=-1]A light dabbing with acetone on a cotton swab is as far as you should go without experience or professional advice. Acetone, if applied without brushing or scrubbing the coin, is safe if applied sparingly." [/SIZE]What effect are you referring to? Toning?
I've never done it myself---but everyone I've talked to about it says that Acetone does bad things to Copper... Speedy
I repsect the owner of CopperCoins.com a great deal, but in this instance I believe he is making a mistake in offering that advice. A cotton swab, a Q-tip, a cotton ball, a cotton cloth - every one of them will hairline a coin. And the worst part is it's not necessary. Just soaking the coin in acetone will remove the PVC residue without risking hairlines. So why do it ? Now, I do agree that any coin, even a copper coin, that is contaminated with PVC residue should have that residue removed in order to prevent further damage. But - acetone can cause copper to turn all sorts of weird colors. It may not happen right away, and it may not happen every single time. But it does happen often enough that I wouldn't want to risk it if it were my coin. Unless of course I was trying to prevent further damage by doing so.
