Will soaking a proof coin in acetone put spots on the finish?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by DysfunctionalVeteran, May 30, 2017.

?

Will acetone leave white spots on a proof mirror finish?

Poll closed Jun 14, 2017.
  1. Yes

    4 vote(s)
    11.1%
  2. No

    21 vote(s)
    58.3%
  3. Not Sure

    3 vote(s)
    8.3%
  4. Bacon

    8 vote(s)
    22.2%
  1. SuperDave

    SuperDave Free the Cartwheels!

    *sigh*

    I'm done trying.
     
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  3. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    This.

    Any detrimental changes from acetone result from the negative eye appeal of actually removing the stuff. If there was some organic buildup in an area, the area around it may have toned differently - when the gunk was removed, you're left with an untoned spot. There was a recent thread about an Ike where this happened.

    The other result may be that any PVC has already eaten into the coin. It isn't apparent until after the PVC is removed, but the damage has already been done. By conserving the coin with acetone, you've stopped further damage - but you can't undo what has already been done.

    This can be a particularly horrifying experiment, but a very valuable learning tool. I highly recommend that highly contaminated coins have second or third acetone baths, to ensure everything is removed. Rinse afterwards with distilled water, and then another quick acetone dip. Allow to thoroughly dry before reholdering.

    The length of the soak, and the amount of acetone required, will depend largely on how the coin was stored. An immaculately stored coin won't need any acetone at all - something stored in some dodgy aftermarket holder may require significant help from the acetone.
     
  4. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    Experimentation is fun, BUT unless you have "Scientific Method" tattooed in your brain, it is worthless. Remember Utah's "Cold Fusion" experiment years ago? Any College chemistry teacher who has their students run a "specific heat" determination knows ( and I reconfirm every year) that maybe 10% will get close...too many outside factors can happen and must be considered and eliminated.
     
    Seattlite86 likes this.
  5. Searcher64

    Searcher64 Member

    Do not rub with anything, use dry air to blow the surfaces off. Then let it air dry on a surface tat will not damage it.
     
  6. Seattlite86

    Seattlite86 Outspoken Member

    Well that makes one of us, but it's good to know who to go to when I have chemistry questions. Apparently professing ignorance on a subject is the same as advocating against it. It amazes how quickly we judge people for what they do or do not understand and immediately adopt a holier than thou instead of a teaching attitude. Discussing chemical reactions on a coin are about as foreign to me as discussing the fundamentals of reconnaissance are to a lot of folks on CT. Sorry for the rant.
     
    Kentucky and RickO like this.
  7. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    Bacon is in 2nd place in the poll.
     
    brokecoinguy and Kentucky like this.
  8. DysfunctionalVeteran

    DysfunctionalVeteran Oddly enough

    It should be in first. Bacon is a super food.
     
    Kentucky likes this.
  9. SuperDave

    SuperDave Free the Cartwheels!

    Proof coins are one of the (very) rare exceptions to the rule that everything is better with the addition of either bacon or chocolate.
     
  10. SorenCoins

    SorenCoins Well-Known Member

    Dissolves not melts ;)
    No, I think its harmless.

    -SC
     
  11. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    And it was a pleasure for me. Bought an Edward I coin which I sent to my sister and she was (and still is) utterly thrilled with it. I'll buy you a cuppa' any time you are in town.
     
    Seattlite86 likes this.
  12. DysfunctionalVeteran

    DysfunctionalVeteran Oddly enough

    This Saturday will be my last trip to Camarillo as I am having my .mil retirement ceremony.

    I would ask your recommendation for a great breakfast spot in the general area.
     
  13. Dancing Fire

    Dancing Fire Junior Member

    Will acetone remove copper spots on .999 modern gold coins?
     
  14. RickO

    RickO Active Member

    No... acetone will NOT act on metal. Copper is are part of the alloy on modern gold coins.
     
    ldhair likes this.
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