Lighter fluid?

Hello all. I'd posted (I thought) this question via my "welcome" message/blog, I think, but didn't get any answers and now I can't find it. So...curiously, I ask, would/ has anyone used lighter fluid to clean coins ? I know the general rule of thought for cleaning coins, and the answer mostly being "don't". My dilemma is, my childhood best friend, who collects/buy/sells coins (has been into the hobby since he was 6...now 45), swears that lighter fluid has no ill effects on coins, says he's done it for years, and insists it is fine. I would like to know your opinions though, as I believe a consensus from experienced people (such as yourselves as well as my good friend) results in the most informed decision possible. I mentioned acetone, which he said "no" to (as it result in damage), further very confidently insisting "lighter fluid" is the way to go. He told me to try it on lesser coins, which I will do, but, I really would like your opinions.

Thanks!

 

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I have never tried it, but I would think it would discolor the coins more than clean them, but there is only one way to find out!

 

Yeah, I plan to, thanks. I was just wondering if anyone knew for sure before I got brave with higher value coins. :goof:

 

Probably not the best idea.

 

Absolutley agree with Garret. Not the best idea. Acetone is your safest bet, although I highly recommend not doing this uses your coin will be worse off without a gentle dip. If something is eating away at the surface if your coin, then it woud be recommended.

 

if you do this, please provide before and after pics. Never heard of this before. Do are you supposed to light it on fire? You can ask FreakyG about coins and fire.(They don't mix)

 

From what I've read on butane, it's a solvent with acidic properties. Seems long term exposure to metal would cause errosion.
Guy~

 

So here is the results of an overnight soak in lighter fluid. First pics before second is after and so on....
Attached Thumbnails

 

Tom kinda a waste of time, maybe you have had better results. Something like vinager works better but really strips a layer of metal off the coin so not recommended on something nice. Hope this helps your form your opinion.

 

You could try acetone or, but not really recomended, hydrogen peroxide for the nastier things.

 

A pencil eraser will do wonders on silver coins and not harm the coin.