How To Tell If A Gold Coin Has Been Cleaned

I wrote this on another forum, only decided to post it hither to help some folks who might accept questions about this.
I decided to create a write-upwards about cleaned coins. Every 24-hour interval, I see more than and more cleaned coins being posted on the forum by new collectors. Often, these cleaned coins are sold as Uncirculated or loftier grade coins. People new to the hobby will often purchase these coins at bargain prices hoping to get a great bargain. Instead, they receive a money that has been polished, dipped, or harshly cleaned. This guide volition aid new collectors distinguish cleaned coins from coins with original surfaces. I posted this in the Classic and Colonial Coins forum, as most of the cleaned US coins I run across are classic coins.

What Does It Hateful When a Money Is Cleaned?

A coin that has been cleaned has been, well, cleaned. It has normally been dipped in a cleaning solution, scrubbed with a brush, or wiped with a cloth. A cleaned coin is ordinarily worth less than i that has not been cleaned. Information technology also usually has less eye entreatment than united nations-cleaned coins. Never make clean a coin unless you are conserving information technology with a chemical like acetone, or you know exactly what yous are doing.

Types of Coin Cleaning
There are several ways that coins are cleaned. Here is a listing of the nigh common ways, and terminology.

Overdipped: An overdipped money means that the coin was dipped in a cleaning solution for too long. A coin can exist dipped properly many times and not exist considered cleaned - it might wait completely normal. Withal, when a coin is dipped for as well long or stale after the dip improperly , the luster or toning might start to be stripped.
This method of cleaning will ofttimes remove luster/toning from an AU/Uncirculated money, and strip off the "gunk" on a worn coin. The coin might have reflective surfaces as well.
Whizzed: Even though whizzing is technically not considered cleaning, I volition include it here as it can be a bit hard to spot for someone new to collecting, and alters the surface of the coin - ofttimes used to give a money "artificial" cartwheel luster.
A coin that has been whizzed has been "whizzed" past a wire castor rotating at a high speed. This will create many small-scale hairlines on the coin. The whizzed coin may appear to have an odd pattern of luster, and many hairlines when rotated under low-cal.
Improperly Cleaned: This category covers several methods of cleaning. Often, coins in this category will have large hairlines on them from being cleaned with a wire brush, lack of luster, or an odd colour. Proof coins that have been buffed with a microfiber cloth, and every bit a result accept fine hairlines, likewise fit into this category.
Examples of Cleaned Coins

Coins with incuse hairlines that are parallel to each other virtually ever signify that a coin has been cleaned.

A note about hairlines - There may exist raised hairlines on a coin, known equally die polishing lines. This means the die used to brand the coin was polished. These lines from polishing of the die oft will appear on a coin's surfaces - merely they will be raised hairlines, dissimilar cleaning, which often causes incuse hairlines. The presence of die polishing lines does not have anything to do with a cleaned coin - this is simply a note on how to distinguish the ii.

Here is a coin with a lack of whatever toning (or luster) around the devices, even though it'south definitely worn. Most probable this coin was cleaned with a wire brush:

Recall that a well-circulated coin will commonly lack luster. If a money that appears to be worn down to, say, Very Fine, merely appears shiny or prooflike, it is virtually likely cleaned. On the other hand, an AU/Uncirculated coin should have luster. If it doesn't, that points to the coin being cleaned.

This coin has an odd color from beingness cleaned, most likely from being dipped. It likewise lacks original mint luster:
This money appears shiny, simply has no original mint luster. Remember that not all luster is the same. A money may be shiny and take luster, only it may not be original mint luster. For instance, the higher up 1900 dollar has luster - just not the original mint luster. The lack of original mint luster on a higher-grade coin oft points to improper cleaning or an improper dip, which can strip mint luster from a coin.

Copper coins will ofttimes acquire a pinkish colour if they have been cleaned. I have cleaned a common appointment Lincoln cent to show what a cleaned copper coin will wait like:

Halos Around Devices - Does This Mean a Coin Is Cleaned?

The brusque answer: Not 100% of the fourth dimension.

The long answer: Halos of toning around devices (stars, portrait, date, etc.) can signify that a coin has been cleaned, and the cleaning did not attain into the corners of the devices. However, information technology often just means a coin has a "crusty" patina on it. Therefore, if a coin exhibits signs of a cleaning (hairlines, lack of luster) and has halos effectually the devices, we tin can say that the halos were caused by a cleaning. However, if a coin exhibits no signs of a cleaning except for halos of toning around the devices, then nosotros can say it near likely hasn't been cleaned.

TPGs, Market Acceptable Cleaning, and Buying Coins Online

When first purchasing coins, it is best to start off by just buying coins certified by 1 of the four (reputable) third-party grading companies. They are PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and ICG. Other grading services do not accept as good of a reputation, and might over-grade coins or form cleaned or damaged coins with a straight course.
Yous might see a coin in a third-party grading company'due south holder that appears to exist cleaned that does non have that noted on the slab. Yous might wonder "Why didn't they say "Cleaned" on the slab?" Many times, this is because they idea the cleaning was market acceptable. This means that they thought the coin was not cleaned harshly enough to warrant a "Details - Cleaned" class, or a coin has been exposed to the surroundings and has toned, therefore hiding the cleaning. A coin similar this may direct grade one day at a TPG and might receive a "details" class another solar day.

A coin may exist graded with a "Details" or "18-carat" grade. This means the coin has a problem - whether it is cleaning, damage, altered surfaces, or whizzing, etc - and the third party grader has accounted this trouble to non exist market place acceptable. Purchase these coins with caution, as you may have trouble selling them if you decide to practise so in the future. Remember - "buy the money, not the holder." Brand sure to examine all coins advisedly earlier ownership them.
When purchasing a coin online equally a new collector, it's best to buy coins certified by PCGS or NGC. However, don't just assume the coin will exist un-cleaned and look similar the assigned grade in hand. Make sure you examine the money carefully on the photos. Bank check for all the items listed in a higher place (hairlines, lack of luster on AU/Unc. Coins, shiny coins that are heavily worn, etc.). Unless the photos are of splendid quality, then it may exist hard to clarify the coin from the photos. Well-known dealers on eBay will often employ loftier-resolution, clear photos.

Notation: Conserving Coins

A note well-nigh conserving coins: To conserve a money ways to remove grime off the surface of a coin without irresolute the coin for the worse. For example, acetone can be safely used to remove organic matter on coins without damaging the coin being conserved.
This is different than cleaning a coin, which alters the metal on the surface of the coin for the worse.
Notation that conservation will not remove evidence of a cleaning on a coin.

Hope this article helped yous understand cleaned coins improve, or if yous are new to collecting, assist you understand how coins are cleaned and how to avoid them.

Thanks for reading.
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@Insider can explain information technology much meliorate if he would like too. But that isn't what dipping ordinarily does. Ordinarily you can't even tell as the money looks like the day it was minted. You lot tin strip information technology ect if you mess it upwards or do information technology to much but dipping shouldn't exist lumped in with the other things given the intention
@baseball21 What does dipping commonly practice? Will edit the post with the corrected info.
Edited the commodity to include that info. Cheers.
I cannot mail service without either having information technology come out more than once or having a long bicycle of nothing. I entered this several minutes ago and nothing happened. Eventually it will prove upwardly.
The OP'due south post is fairly OK. Information technology needs some description. With his permission, it is easier for me to put my additional comments in a unlike colour to his mail service.
Yeah, all comments/suggestions are welcome.
green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

Oh Kripes.......please don't starting time speaking in 'colors'...........emo-shies, OK, but please, no colors.
SilverDollar2017, posted: "I wrote this on another forum, but decided to postal service information technology here to help some folks who might have questions nearly this."
I decided to create a write-up most cleaned coins. Every twenty-four hour period, I meet more than and more than cleaned coins existence posted on the forum by new collectors. Often, these cleaned coins are sold as Uncirculated or loftier class coins. People new to the hobby will often purchase these coins at bargain prices hoping to get a keen deal. Instead, they receive a coin that has been polished, dipped, or harshly cleaned. Thanks for taking the time to brainwash us on this very important topic. You are exactly right about this.

What Does It Mean When a Money Is Cleaned?

A coin that has been cleaned has been, well, cleaned. It has unremarkably been dipped in a cleaning solution, scrubbed with a brush, or wiped with a fabric. A cleaned coin is usually worth less than one that has not been cleaned. It also usually has less heart appeal than un-cleaned coins. Never clean a coin unless you are conserving it with a chemic like acetone, or yous know exactly what you lot are doing.

Types of Coin Cleaning
At that place are several means that coins are cleaned. Here is a list of the nigh mutual ways, and terminology.

Overdipped: An overdipped coin means that the coin was dipped in a cleaning solution for too long. A coin can exist dipped [properly many times] and not exist considered cleaned - it might look completely normal. However, when a coin is dipped for too long [or stale improperly], the luster or toning might offset to be stripped. This method of cleaning volition often remove luster/toning from an AU/Uncirculated coin, and strip off the "gunk" on a worn coin. The coin might have reflective surfaces or appear shiny/prooflike. Dipping a coin volition never make it PL. It can reveal a PL surface that is hidden by clay, haze, or toning.
Whizzed: A coin that has been whizzed has been "whizzed" by a wire brush rotating at a high speed. This volition create many small hairlines on the coin. The whizzed coin may announced to have an odd blueprint of luster, and many hairlines when rotated under light. Whizzing, buffing, burnishing, polishing, etc. are not considered to exist cleaning.
Improperly Cleaned: This category covers several methods of cleaning. Often, coins in this category will have large hairlines on them from being cleaned with a wire castor, lack of luster, or an odd color. Proof coins that have been buffed with a microfiber cloth, and equally a issue have fine hairlines, besides fit into this category.
Examples of Cleaned Coins

Coins with incuse hairlines that are parallel to each other near always signify that a money has been cleaned.
Ane must not misfile incuse hairlines with raised lines. Raised lines signify dice polishing lines (basically, that means the money has non been cleaned), non signs of a cleaning. The presence of die polishing signifies zippo. Many types of chemical and mechanical cleaning do not bear upon the raised polishing lines.

Here is a coin with a lack of any toning (or luster) around the devices, even though it'south definitely worn. Most likely this coin was cleaned with a wire castor:

IMHO, This money was not cleaned with a wire brush. It appears to exist a normal circulated coin. Notation the two types of luster (the reflection of light from a surface) present in the image. There is some mint luster in the receses of the hair while the rest of the coin is lustrous due to the lite reflecting from the metallic.

Remember that a well-circulated coin volition normally lack luster. If a money that appears to be worn down to, say, Very Fine, just appears shiny or prooflike, it is almost likely cleaned. On the other hand, an AU/Uncirculated coin should have luster. If it doesn't, that points to the coin being cleaned.

This coin has an odd colour from being cleaned, most likely from existence dipped. Information technology also lacks luster: I disagree, this coin has blazing luster - just non original Mint luster. It has been polished.
This coin appears shiny, but has no luster. Recall that luster and "shiny" don't mean the same thing. A shiny money will be reflective, while a lustrous coin will accept cartwheel luster. This is the problem many have that with terms like luster. Luster is reflective and comes in many forms whether on an original, as-made surface or one that is altered in some fashion. Original Mint luster is what the OP is referring to. Thus, the 1900 dollar has shiny luster but it is not coming from an original surface.This means that if you rotate the money at different angles, yous will see a cartwheel pattern of luster.

Copper coins will larn a pink color if they have been cleaned. I have cleaned a common appointment Lincoln cent to testify what a cleaned copper coin will look like:

Halos Effectually Devices - Does This Mean a Money Is Cleaned?

The short answer: Not 100% of the time.

The long answer: Halos of toning effectually devices (stars, portrait, engagement, etc.) tin can signify that a coin has been cleaned, and the cleaning did not accomplish into the corners of the devices. However, it often just means a coin has a "crusty" patina on it. Therefore, if a money exhibits signs of a cleaning (hairlines, lack of luster) and has halos around the devices, we tin say that the halos were caused by a cleaning. However, if a coin exhibits no signs of a cleaning except for halos of toning around the devices, then we tin say it most likely hasn't been cleaned.

TPGs, Marketplace Acceptable Cleaning, and Buying Coins Online

When first purchasing coins, information technology is best to beginning off past only buying coins certified past [i of the four major grading services. Two are:] PCGS or NGC. Other grading services practise non have equally good of a reputation, and might over-class coins or form cleaned or damaged coins with a straight course.
Y'all might come across a money in a PCGS or NGC holder that appears to be cleaned that does non accept that noted on the slab. You might wonder "Why didn't they say "Cleaned" on the slab?" Many times, this is because they thought the cleaning was market acceptable. This means that they thought the coin was non cleaned harshly enough to warrant a "Details - Cleaned" grade, or a money has been exposed to the environment and has toned, therefore hiding the cleaning. A money like this may straight course one twenty-four hour period at a TPG and might receive a "details" grade another day. Purchase these coins with circumspection, every bit you may accept problem selling them if you lot decide to practise so in the future. Call back - "buy the coin, not the holder." Make sure to examine all coins carefully before buying them.
When purchasing a money online every bit a new collector, it's all-time to purchase coins certified by PCGS or NGC. However, don't just presume the coin will be un-cleaned and expect similar the assigned class in hand. Make sure you examine the coin carefully on the photos. Cheque for all the items listed higher up (hairlines, lack of luster on AU/Unc. Coins, shiny coins that are heavily worn, etc.). Unless the photos are of first-class quality, then it may be difficult to clarify the coin from the photos. Well-known dealers on eBay will often use high-resolution, articulate photos.

Note: Conserving Coins

A note near conserving coins: To conserve a coin means to remove grime off the surface of a money without changing the metal of a coin in whatever style. For case, acetone can be safely used to remove organic affair on coins without dissentious the coin beingness conserved.
This is different than cleaning a coin, which alters the metal on the surface of the coin.
Note that conservation will not remove testify of a cleaning on a coin.
Virtually all conservation is cleaning and the surface of a coin is changed - usually for the better.
Hope this article helped you empathize cleaned coins meliorate, or if you are new to collecting, help you understand how coins are cleaned and how to avert them.

Cheers for reading. [/QUOTE]
@Insider Thanks for the input. For some reason, withal, I can't edit it - I think I've gone over the time limit on editing.
If the Mods/staff could somehow unlock the first post and let me edit it that would be great.
Good data. Thanks for sharing.
Don't worry, it was a very good treatment of the subject field.
I just gave y'all 2 days to edit the post

ldhair, green18 and Gregg like this.
Thank you! I will edit it now.
And take out my comments equally the info "belongs" to you.
Cheers again @Insider for the suggestions.