Cliff Schulz Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I have an 1881 O dollar that was in a belt holder, making tails silver and heads a solid grey tone (tarnished). Is there any way to clean it without damaging its value. It is otherwise a very clean coin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Bob Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Welcome to the forum. There are chemical dips available that will do minimal harm (notice I did not say no harm). Their use is frowned on by many, but there are some collectors who like bright white coins. Whatever you do, do not use anything abrasive, or rub the coin in any way, or your coin will likely be ruined. Try to post some pictures and let us see what the toning looks like before you try to clean it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKK Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 3 hours ago, Cliff Schulz said: I have an 1881 O dollar that was in a belt holder, making tails silver and heads a solid grey tone (tarnished). Is there any way to clean it without damaging its value. It is otherwise a very clean coin. The people who can do that know things you do not. I don't know them either, which is why I wouldn't do it, so my answer is no, there is not that is within your likely skill level. Mine neither. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Schulz Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 I was asked to supply pictures. I have tried but the camera doesn't do the face well. The hair and the stars match the grey on the face. but here goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKK Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Judgment confirmed. It's a perfectly good 81-S Morgan, at least unless/until you attempt to clean it. Then it will be an improperly cleaned Morgan and less appealing and valuable than if you'd left it alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coinbuf Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 1 minute ago, JKK said: Judgment confirmed. It's a perfectly good 81-S Morgan, at least unless/until you attempt to clean it. Then it will be an improperly cleaned Morgan and less appealing and valuable than if you'd left it alone. Hmmm it looks like an 1881-O to my eyes, either way its a very common coin that shows damage from the belt mount. I wouldn't bother trying to clean it as it has no numismatic value over the silver melt value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKK Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 44 minutes ago, Coinbuf said: Hmmm it looks like an 1881-O to my eyes, either way its a very common coin that shows damage from the belt mount. I wouldn't bother trying to clean it as it has no numismatic value over the silver melt value. Whups. My inattention. You are correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
