green (pvc?) looks like fresh magic marker on Jefferson 5c

[Hu-Dey-migration]

I just obtained a set of Jefferson nickels various grades including proofs housed in a Harco Coinmaster album. Some of the coins have green stuff on them. It doesnt appear to be sticky or like dirt or gunk. It looks more like fresh magic marker. I took out the lower grade 52-D & wiped it off with a napkin. Most came off but some is still visible around mintmark & edges of building. Most of the green appeared to be left on the vinyl pocket that the coin was in. (some of the coins this is on are a nice 50-D, 60 & 62 Proof, 66SMS, & the war nickels). Most of the coins are not high grade (but some are) i'm wondering how i can best remove this myself. I'm not into changing a coins appearance,& I've never cleaned coins before. So I'm looking for specific instructions for this specific problem & type of coin.

 

Afterwards, i want to rehouse them in a new album. Is the intercept the best album, is it necessary, or do you recommend a different brand of album?

[spiny]

Yes, that's pvc. Don't wipe them with a napkin or anything else. It will more than likely put hairline scratches in the coin.

The way to remove it is to soak in acetone. You should be able to find quart cans of 100% acetone in the paint thinner section of your local home improvement store. Read the safety warnings on the package and use appropriate caution! You don't want to breathe the stuff and it's highly flammable.

Next find a small glass bowl that you can cover. Don't use anything plastic, plastic on it, or painted. I just cover the bowl with a clear glass saucer so that I can still see what's going on. It's enough to keep the acetone from evaporating too quickly.

Place a few coins in the bowl and put in enough acetone to just cover them. Let them soak for a little while. The length of time will depend on how bad they are. I'd start at around a half hour. You'll probably see the acetone take on a blue-green tint from the dissolved pvc. Remove coins, discard used acetone appropriately, and repeat the process until you can no longer detect pvc residue on the coins (use magnification if you have it) or in the acetone.

When you remove them from the acetone the last time, just pat them dry with a soft cloth, don't rub, and let them air dry. The acetone will evaporate very quickly and shouldn't leave any residue behind.

[Hu-Dey-migration]

Thanks for your response.

 

Just wondering, ...will this cleaning method preclude a coin from being accepted for certification by ngc or pcgs? Or is it something that will not be detectable. I'm not trying to change the condition of the coins, or make them shiny... I just want the green coloring off and the coins protected.

[spiny]

No, it won't change the surfaces of your coins, except for removing the foreign substances. Just don't use anything abrasive to help, even rubbing them with your fingers. I have seen people mention that it can cause copper to change color, though. I've never experienced that.