Just got my very first silver coin... Is this the reason I don't see any flash photos of silver coins? Or do I have a particularly messy Philharmonic? It's much less noticeable in the daylight.
It all depends how much you paid for it. If it was close to spot it isn't so bad but if you paid a high premium that may not be so good.
Hi and welcome. Milk spots are an excepted part of the ownership of some coins, notably maples, but until recently haven't shown up much on 999 coins. It's true that Philharmonics have had a reputation for a nice clean shiny finish, and I think it's unusual to see one with this level of spotting, but generally milk spotting does no harm, and shouldn't effect the value of the coin. Some people dislike the visual effect, and some like it. Some, like myself, don't really care either way. There are methods to remove the spotting if you really want to. Cheers, ST
What is the best method - most seem abrasive like erasers or jewelery cleaners. Has anyone tried ammonium hydroxide as a dip or with a cotton wool ball? That seems to me the least likely to damage the surface?
I paid the average Philharmonic price - probably a little more that I should have. I'm planning to get some more Philharmonics in the next couple of days. I'll put the ugly ducklings in the safe, and keep a nice one in a capsule to look at. I'm not too worried as long as I have at least one nice example of each type of coin. Other than buying in person, or off eBay (with photos of the actual coin), is it just luck of the draw when buying single coins sight unseen online? Here's the same coin in daylight. It's actually pretty bad...
What's more annoying than milk spots on normal coins is spots on premium coins like this Grizzly I got .
Apologies for resurfacing an older post but had a look at my Philharmoincs and was surprised to see milk spots, not as bad as Kerosene's. Had to search to see if this had already been posted. I thought milk spots were unique to the Canadian Mint. What's the verdict on your Philies?
The following is just my opinion: I think for standard bullion rounds (e.g. ASEs/Maples/Philharmonics/etc) milkspots are acceptable, afterall, they have practically very little value apart from the metal they contain. I think for premium bullion rounds (e.g. Pandas/Proof coins/Kook Privies/Lunars/etc) milkspots are undesireable, as they do reduce the appeal of the coin (which is usually above the worth of the metal they contain).
http://forums.silverstackers.com/topic-11213-cleaning-milky-maples.html Here is another thread with similar info on milk spots. Buy kookaburras and koalas.. They stay pretty forever!
you our new resident necroposter? lol I would not recommend trying to remove any milk spots, it will damage the coin. Even NCS has trouble removing them if at all. I've tried every chemical I could get my hands on and every physical method. In fact, if you can come up with a successful method, give the silver and gold away because you will be very rich.
So no luck with a quality eraser? Iv heard good things but never bothered with any of mine. I only have ase's that have milk spots. Sold my phils and maples ages ago. Peace
Nah mate, leaves very tiny scratches when viewed under magnification. Which makes sense really, apparently the milk spots are a calcium deposit according to some. Don't know if it's been scientifically proven.
All of my Phillies are A1, no milk spots. Over time the phills will become quite collectable as the Euro currency will not last this financial crisis.
Don't know but judging by the condition of some of my coins, it must get worse, surely they wouldn't send them from the mint if they were nearly totally covered??
When I first received them 6 months ago they were beautiful and spotless, bought some capsules and put them away. Pulled them out today for the first time and my heart sank.
I would love to see a picture of an ASE with milkspots. I have never heard of one having a milk spot and don't know of anyone else who has.
PS. I love the Austrian Philharmonic. No Liz, for one Back earlier in the year they were cheaper than the Perth Mint stuff. Not so now, at least in the places I checked.
