Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find - After pics added

[twincapes]

I found a 1990-S Kennedy Half Proof, kind of grubby as you can see. In the past I have rinsed one and then wiped witha soft fleece type cloth but it still left tiny scratches in the mirror proof surface. This one might have a few scratches, but its a nice frosted proof in good shape, it just has some oily type grime on it. Looking for suggestions on the best way to clean it.

Thanks in advance.

OK, I tried junkmans advice, the vinegar and water cleaned the oily goop off pretty well, then I did the dish soap light wipe and rinsed. Reverse came out nice, obv had a little more scratching than I thought, oh well yes its a clad proof. It still looks better than the photos, proofs are notoriously hard to photograph, pics never do em justice.

First 2 photos are before, last 2 are after cleaning.

thanks all.

 

[FL Junkman]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

This one looks to be in really bad shape from the picture. To clean it, I would suggest putting a small amount of vinegar in a cup and add a little water, just enough liquid to cover the coin. Let it soak for about an hour and then apply a few drops of dish washing liquid and rub with your thumbs. I have even soaked really dirty one overnight. I have had good results cleaning with this method in the past but it's not going to remove the scratches. Good luck.

FL Junkman

 

[fistfulladirt]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

I've heard mention that an acetone dip will remove fingerprints. Nothing that you can do will save your coin.

 

[obediah]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

Looks like a copper rim to me (near as can tell from Pic) making it a Clad Proof, if so why waste time effort; I've dumped hundreds of them in the wild myself.

 

[Silver Stripe]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

Definately clad because they didn't start making silver proofs till '92. I have soaked coins in vinegar to get sticky gunk off and had it start eating into the rim.
I have a '67 Ken that is a frostie that I want to clean cause it has that milky residue- any suggestions there? HH Mark

 

[keverett]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

Definately clad because they didn't start making silver proofs till '92. I have soaked coins in vinegar to get sticky gunk off and had it start eating into the rim.
I have a '67 Ken that is a frostie that I want to clean cause it has that milky residue- any suggestions there? HH Mark

I have a 1976 S Silver Clad 40% half that I found in a roll a few months back.....

 

[Darth Walker]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

yes, there is also the 1970 S half silver clad

DW

 

[coinmojo]

Re: Cleaning a Grubby Proof Coin find

This ones not worth keeping even with my low standards.

Mojo

 

[Hi Ho Silver!]

Once they are scratched at all they are only good for target practice!!! Unless they are silver or gold of course!