Expert: Joe Hylas - 7/31/2008

Question
I also have some coins that sat in contaminated water for 4 weeks from Hurricane Katrina. These waters contained all types of contaminates from car oil, gasoline, battery acid, detergent and the list goes on. I read your reply to Mike about “what to do with water damaged coins?”  and your tips on Uncirculated sets was helpful. My problem is a little deeper. I have a large number of Ike Dollars from 72 – 74 and their condition varies from rust to a green dusty coating and some that have a coating that looks like dark varnish. These coins are more of a keepsake than a collectable. Do you have any additional suggestions?
Thank you for your time and expertise.

Ed in N.O.

Answer
Hi Ed,

If you are not too worried about the collectable value, since these are still pretty common, I would try soaking them in mineral spirits, turpentine or any such noncaustic solution.  You may have to take a soft cloth and polish them.
But since they are more sentimental than collectible, I don't think that should matter too much to you.  It's better to have a conserved coin than none at all.

Good Luck
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US