Ok Guys, we all know everyone draws back when they see a cleaning thread on coins, its a huge no-no and no one likes to have to do it, but sometime its necessary.......like now. I recently acquired a complete set of IKE dollars in a ratty Dansco. It had some severe water damage or condensation damage of some sort. The book was all wet and falling apart and there was some green spots starting on the coins. On most of the coins its a bright bluish green color and looks like a small mound on it. I am not sure if it is Verdigris or not, and I thought it had to do more with mold or mildew from being wet, but im not sure and am too new to cleaning to know much. Ive heard Verdiclean, acetone, alcohol, and distilled water rinses are involved when you search most cleaning threads, but I have no idea which method to use on which coins. I am hoping to learn how to clean these coins in such a way that NGC nor PCGS would designate these coins as cleaned if sent in for grading (i wont be sending them in, just curious how to clean up to 'their' standards). As its stands right now these coins are already up for being replaced in my album, and being higher graded coins (AU-BU) they have no use in this ugly condition other than bullion value for the silver ones, which is my plan anyway. However, if I can properly clean these coins, it will at least buy me some time until replacement, and depending upon how this works, I may not replace them at all if they come out nice, I just need some more experienced persons knowledge in this category. Any help will be greatly appreciated and PMs are welcome on this if no one wants to openly divulge how to clean coins. Thanks!
I can later this afternoon, I dont have them at work with me right now, but I can go get them in a couple of hours.
Both 5 40% 3 Clads Heres some pictures to help out with....looks like a crusty green, likely Verdigris, but ill let yall tell me. **Pictures next post
Oh and as an FYI the first picture is the absolute worst condition IKE in the set, most are more like the proof with those green spots and that is also the worst one that looks like this. All the others are only very slightly afflicted with this mess, so I also realize these 2 are probably scrap.
You have verdigris and it's heavy. It cannot be removed without causing permanent damage to the coins.
Chaulk it up to a poor purchase decision and learn from this mistake. The money wasted on these would have better been used to purchase legitimate coins for your collection. Like the stray puppy wandering around the neighborhood, its often better to resist the feeling that you need to save every coin and let a few go.
Well this isnt exactly a big loss, it was a set that came from my grandfather and he only charged me spot pricing on the silver and face for the rest, so im still ok as far as thats concerned. I wouldve never purchased these in this condition, but it was just one of those things you do for your grandfather who constantly gives you coins and seeds your collections. Plus it was a nice way to get the set, spot + face, still a winner either way I look at it, now I can just upgrade the 'ruined' coins. Thanks for the input guys, now should I try and sell the silver ikes to help cover upgrades, or just buy the new ones outright and sit on the silver for a SHTF scenario.
This comment is aimed at the casual reader and not necessarily the OP who already has his answer. Once a CnClad IKE gets green on it, regardless of the source, the coin is toast and unless its a 1972 Type 2, it might as well be spend for a quick pick lottery ticket as thats about what its worth.
^^^^^Might actually buy a ticket with one tonight just to see what happens, any significant winnings and I will split it with you to the tune of 25/75 on anything $100 or more and i will send you your portion....ill even take a photo .........please god let me hit one of those $1000 or $5000 winners (would hope for that million, but those dang dollar tickets only give out top prizes of like $200K)
My thoughts are that those silver ones are worth only melt, and pretty much will only ever be worth melt, so it depends on whether you want to keep them around to start your bullion hoard, or turn them in now for the roughly $10/coin. If they were mine, they'd go into my bullion tube into the safe for a later date.
Start.....hahahaha....ive been stockpiling silver for a few years now. I wont claim I have an obnoxious amount, but I have enough to collect and carry if the need arises for a universal unit of trade on the go. I am partial to hoarding anyway, so i may keep them, although i recently went on an upgrading spree and got rid of most of my 35% and 40% junk to have other silver items of a more pure quality.......so many choices
Since you are going to keep for them for bullion, you might as well clean them. Soak 'em in a vinegar+salt solution for about 20 minutes then rinse. Then get some baking soda and mix it with just enough water to create a paste. then use a toothbrush and scrub. They should look like new to the casual person who doesn't know any better. I have managed to bring yucky looking coins just like you pictured back to life. In fact, I go out of my way to buy bullion coins like you pictured. That is because I can get them for less money and I don't mind cleaning them. They just go in the tube with all of the rest.
