al.plata
Posts : 335
Points : 99963
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Join date : 2009-08-16
Location : Quezon City
 |  Subject: Coin Problems  Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:33 pm | |
| I regularly acquire coins from relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and whoever comes. Thus I get various coins in different appearances from very good looking to very bad, but sometimes it comes in dark, dirty and smelly condition with hardly distinguishable features, the latter kind, you really have to clean, just to make sure it is a true silver coin and usa-filipinas mintage. I just can not understand that some coins are very easy to clean, I just soaked it in vinegar for one hour and then lightly rubbed it in soap and presto the silver comes out shining most of the time. However, some coins do not seem to regain any luster even long after being soaked in vinegar and brushed in soap repeatedly. They are true coins but lacks the luster. Can anybody help explain and solve this. Thanks.. | |
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filipinonumismatist
Admin
Posts : 275
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Join date : 2009-02-20
| | Subject: Re: Coin Problems Wed Dec 15, 2010 8:17 am | |
| There are many reasons to consider like the coin strike, the die and even the material itself. Much of the cause why silver loose its shine is because of its reaction to air which cause it to tone. Toning cannot be easily removed by vinegar but metal polish only. But I don't suggest to do this procedure on coins because such would destroy its value. | |
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