To clean or not to clean: 1966 50 cent pieces

Discussion in 'Silver' started by Au-mageddon, Nov 14, 2012.

  1. Au-mageddon

    Au-mageddon Active Member

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    I have some mint 50s which unfortunately have some toning / green copper verdisgris on the coins. Refer pic below.

    [​IMG]

    Any suggestion how to maximise their sales potential (ie clean/don't clean, and best cleaning method given their mint nature)?

    Thanks,

    Au-
     
    Au-mageddon, Nov 14, 2012
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  2. Lunarowl

    Lunarowl Active Member Silver Stacker

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    Clean them !
    Alum foil + bicarb soda + hot water = shiny metals :)
     
    Lunarowl, Nov 14, 2012
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  3. DanielM

    DanielM Active Member Silver Stacker

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    How would you clean them?
     
    DanielM, Nov 14, 2012
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  4. hiho

    hiho Active Member Silver Stacker

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    makes no difference value wise unless you are a sucker that buys them on ebay as BU
     
    hiho, Nov 14, 2012
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  5. Au-mageddon

    Au-mageddon Active Member

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    You think that will clean this ?

    [​IMG]
     
    Au-mageddon, Nov 14, 2012
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  6. JollyKillBill

    JollyKillBill Member

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    Some of my coins were completely black, then I did his method now they are so shiny, like they are straight from the mint :D
     
    JollyKillBill, Nov 14, 2012
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  7. bordsilver

    bordsilver Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    +1. Sometimes the extra rubbing with straight bicarb in the fingers give you cramps (particularly for small coins) but works very well.


    Edit: Actually while we are on the topic of 1966 50c pieces, does anyone know the expected weight variability in these coins?

    A bunch arrived today from one of our reputable site sponsors and despite not looking very worn a couple were <12.9g with the lightest being 12.72g and on the high end had a few >13.4 with the heaviest 13.59g
     
    bordsilver, Nov 14, 2012
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  8. Au-mageddon

    Au-mageddon Active Member

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    I dont mind about finger cramps - As long as the bicarb doesnt dull the mint surface thats hiding below the crud.

    I have some mint 1961 florins straight out of a damaged roll (but toned)- would it be recommended to clean these as well ?
    My first thought was "No dont" as I dont want to ruin any numismatic value they might have.
     
    Au-mageddon, Nov 14, 2012
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  9. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    People expect old coins to be toned, not shiney and new as if they had come straight from the mint.

    Collectors who care about the difference between UNC and aUNC are always on the look out for cleaned coins and would be suspicious.

    Try cleaning one and see how it goes, the Aluminium foil and bicarb trick works great on pure silver, less so on stirling, not really worth it on 80% and I have had no luck with 50%.

    Very often the Green may have come from storing in PVC holders, in which case a soak in acetone will remove the colour, are they sticky at all? Acetone will not polish the coins, just remove PVC residue, the toning will remain.

    For shiney 50 cents though you can't beat a good 6 hour soak in cloudy ammonia followed by a paste of sodium bicarb rubbed on with your thumb!
     
    Jislizard, Nov 14, 2012
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  10. Lunarowl

    Lunarowl Active Member Silver Stacker

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    Why? Darn I just cleaned my 1927 florin :( what have i done?
     
    Lunarowl, Nov 14, 2012
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  11. spannermonkey

    spannermonkey Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    AAH just throw all your bullion in the dishwasher ;)
    Including the proofs :p
     
    spannermonkey, Nov 14, 2012
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  12. goldpelican

    goldpelican Administrator Staff Member

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    NEVER clean a numismatic coin. If you need it cleaned, it's either not in collectible condition, or should be sent off for professional conservation.

    Bullion or junk coins on the other hand - the above videos demonstrate well.
     
    goldpelican, Nov 14, 2012
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  13. Au-mageddon

    Au-mageddon Active Member

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    Is it worth getting the mint florins conserved/graded?

    I have no idea whats involved/costs so would appreciate any info people can provide.
     
    Au-mageddon, Nov 14, 2012
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