Cleaning a Coin Questions

[alabamadan]

So, I know as a collecter we're always told never to clean a coin...but....I've got several proof halves that just have fingerprints all over them. I'd like to clean them a little before putting in 2x2s or my album. What if I just wash in warm soapy water and pat try?

 

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[l.cutler]

You could dip in acetone, but chances are the fingerprints are etched in. Normally proofs are never touched with bare hands, may not be much to be done for them.

 

[hyperion]

Immerse in acetone for an hour to dissolve any remaining oils on the surface. Then a hardy rinse in distilled water making sure to remove all acetone. Last step blow dry with compressed air ... do not pat dry. I use compressed air for proofs only.

 

[alabamadan]

Like fingernail polish remover?

 

[allen]

find the person who touched the proofs and slap them !!

 

[hyperion]

Like fingernail polish remover?

No, don't use fingernail polish remover. It's not pure acetone and the other ingredients may react to the metal. Find pure acetone (ask the pharmacist). Pure acetone only reacts to organic material and has zero effect on metal.

 

[alabamadan]

Thanks.

 

[Nick A]

You should be able to get acetone at any home improvement store in the paint section. You'll see quart cans alongside the turpentine, paint thinner and denatured alcohol. Others may be right though, fingermarks may not come off the proofs. Do not rub them.