Split Band Mercury

i picked up this 1917 Merc yesterday and the closer I look at it the more I keep thinking this circulated coin has to be split bands.

What do you think?

http://www2.mrbrklyn.com/coins/11022008/dsc05398.jpg
http://www2.mrbrklyn.com/coins/11022008/dsc05399.jpg

 

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I can't tell from those photos.

Also, it might be a good idea to crop the images before posting photos that large.

 

Ruben:
You have to downsize the photos (less pixels) it takes a while to load, and I am on cable.
Also, can't view the entire coin at once, only in segments, picture is too large.
Don't ask me how, I can view, not post.

 

Yeah - It suprised me. I was basically looking over a bunch of junk at the coin dealer, looking to buy really about anything, and I'm looking at this '17 Merc which is obviously, I believe circulated, it is certainly dirty, and I staring at the back with my 5x loop in the dark thinking, this thing might well be a split band.

I flip it over and it also seems like a very rich strike for a merc. But this coin is filthy. Someone might have tried to clean gook off of it like that great gum of some kind near the 'I' in dime. I'm wondering if I can clean this. Not dip it but just clean it, maybe with a surgical tool to flip some of the junk off of it.

Ruben

 

Do they even designate split band on circulated coins ? Maybe a dip in distilled water might loosen it up , or olive oil . But I'd wait for someone who really knows .
rzage

 

Here look at this shot, same photo but much clearer

 

Although most people concentrate on the middle bands, ALL three band pairs must be fully split.
And then of course it gets worse when you start asking for fully rounded bands.

You pics are too fuzzy, but I'd tend to say "No".

And can circ Mercs be "full bands"?
I'd tend to say "Yes", but I don't recall any ever being designated such.

 

It pushes my camera to its limit. I can do you I did before and set up the magnifying glass.

Ruben

 

If I soaked this in vinegar, do you think I'd damage the coin?

 

silver acetate.... hmm

 

try acetone, that should be able to remove the crud.

 

and strip the finish. It's not trying to do that. I want to wash it, not dip it

RUben

 

almost definitely FB in its youth

In its youth, the 1917 was almost definitely a full band coin. I say almost definitely because any nick or lacking feature in any band can take even the best struck coin away from FB designation. The strike on your coin is fantastic.

If soap & water isn't enough.....
You may consider soaking the coin in Acetone to remove dirt & debris. Soak it for a very long time. If you are concerned about Acetone damaging the metal surface or removing the oxide tarnish, then test it on a coin of lesser value. I think you will find that Acetone does not damage the surface or remove real toning. Once the surface is clear of debris, send us another photo. Also, some people use WD40 successfully to loosen & remove some gunk. For gosh sakes be careful not to scratch the coin if you use a wooden toothpick or plant thorn to work away any of the gunk. This type of working must be VERY gentle & done under a stereo microscope or scratches will almost definitely occur.

Very best regards,
collect89

 

pure acetone is what is used for dipping coins. Are you suggesting a low concentration?

Ruben

 

Acetone is in nail polish remover

Hello Ruben,

Acetone should only be used in a well ventilated room. It will attack painted surfaces. It works great for removing permanent marker on a dry-erase board. It has many applications.

Acetone is the main ingredient in nail polish remover. (Don't use nail polish remover on coins because it may have other components in it). You can probably purchase pure Acetone at a hardware store. I get mine from my factory because chemically pure Acetone is commonly used to clean gunk on our metal parts.

Acetone is not the acid dip used to clean tarnish from silver coins. That dip is an acid. Diluted dip is sometimes used to lighten up the surface(remove tarnish / environmental damage) from silver coins. I don't typically dip because I like attractive toning. If you ever use a DILUTED acid dip, then neutralize the coin afterward by soaking it for a very long time in baking soda & water solution. This will help neutralize the surface pH & keep your coin from developing problems on the surface in the future. (Some dealers acid dip full strength & sell without neutralizing & the new owner can watch the coin develop surface problems over time. I've seen this problem with some slabbed nickels also).

I hope that nobody beats me up for all these coin conservation tips. One friend of mine uses mineral spirits to remove gunk.

Very best regards,
collect89

 

what do you think Doug? Soap and water?

Ruben

 

I've had no problems with an acetone soak for up to 4hrs in a covered glass dish. I've also poured scalding water (170 deg.) over coins to remove dirt.

 

Coin dips for tarnish removal all contain some diluted acid usually sulfuric mixed in an aqueous thiourea solution . Acetone is not in that catagory .
rzage