Is there a safe way to remove hazing from a proof coin? I just bought a raw proof Mercury dime and the toning/haze is fairly heavy. I didn't pay very much, so I am not that concerned. Will acetone work ok on proofs for this situation, or is there too much risk of spotting on proof coins after a soak and rinse?
Acetone will not remove haze or toning. You should not work on a Mercury proof. You will kill it's value. Send it off if you just have to have it cleaned.
Yeah, I would send it to NCS, and not mess with it yourself unless you can eat the loss no big deal. Their before-and-after photos on proof hazing are impressive. (although we don't see their failures). They can make them pretty again, and then NGC will grade them.
I have seen some proof Mercs with lots of haze get all kinds of grades. I just don't understand proof grading. I will probably just send it in as-is.
What causes hazing? I have a 1960 South African Shilling proof with hazing and have wondered where it comes from?
I've tried acetone, nope. I've even tried that ezest dip stuff and it didn't work, but it may be because I did a quick dip. I'm not sure. You can experiment with cheaper stuff
Acetone seems to work best on sticky gunk and marker. I messed with a proof coin once. It did not turn out well. I also was trying to get the haze off.
I will tell you a trick that I read somewhere and it WORKS...buy some jewelry wipes (silver or gold; either will do) and gently wipe away those milk spots, haze or annoying enviornmental damage from your coins (business or proofs). It will still make tiny microscoptic marks...but you wont be able to see it with the naked eye. I tried it and it worked like a charm. Hope this tip helps those that try it. You can pick it up at any Jewerly store or Walmart. Let me know if it worked for you. MJH
I might try it on a cheap proof before I dive into Mercury dime proofs. Thanks for the tip. But...any wiping on a proof dime scares me...
On a proof the EZ dip works, dip fast and dry with acetone...repeat as needed. DO NOT DO THIS ON A HIGH $$$ COIN - Send it in..then they will dip it.
MY bad...I misread the forum title...I only do this on bullion coins...not high grade premium proofs....sorry if I confused you. I do this to bullion as it is only BV. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. MJH
There are different kinds of haze, sometimes it's environmental contamination, but it's usually the beginning form of toning.