The Acid Test

61Cadillac

Elite Member

Joined

Jul 21, 2012

Messages

590

Location

Upstate, NY

• Jun 30, 2017

• #1

The other day I asked about a totally wiped silver coin I found last December. On the suggestion of one of out forum members I gave the coin, and one other in similar condition the "Silver Acid" treatment. I am very happy to share the results! After two 3 minute treatments per side I was able to identify both coins. The quarter I knew was a Canadian before I tested it, but the back was smooth. The other was smooth on both sides and couldn't be identified at all. Here are photos of the results.

Quarter is an 1872 Canadian
Dime is a Seated 1875-S

 

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paulz-ny

Forum Supporter

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Aug 4, 2012

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263

Location

long island

• Jun 30, 2017

• #2

Nice job! I just ordered some for a couple of unidentifiable silver coins ive found. How did u soak them? What kind of container did you use? Does this acid burn your skin? Years ago I bought an acid test kit with a stone but from I can remember I was confused and unsure if I was doing it correctly. Again great results. Thanks Paul

 

61Cadillac

Elite Member

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Jul 21, 2012

Messages

590

Location

Upstate, NY

• Jun 30, 2017

• #3

I just put a coating of the acid over the surface of the coin and let it sit for 3 minutes, rinsed & repeated for another 3 minutes then rinsed again. I used a knife to pick the coins up and drop them in water, never touched the acid.

 

matmit

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Mount Pleasant WI

• Jul 1, 2017

• #4

Congratulations on that seated dime!
Since I was able to ID it on your original thread, do I win a prize?

 

gseuser

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Dec 30, 2014

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911

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Basehor/Emporia KS

• Jul 1, 2017

• #5

Thank you for posting!! I told ya it worked!!!! Awesome finds congratulations on amazing finds!!!

 

matmit

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Mount Pleasant WI

• Jul 1, 2017

• #6

gseuser said:

Thank you for posting!! I told ya it worked!!!! Awesome finds congratulations on amazing finds!!!

Click to expand...

That really is amazing.
I found a slick little silver coin last year, I will have to try this

 

G

GeneralQuarters

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Jan 15, 2014

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3,299

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Western Washington

• Jul 1, 2017

• #7

These are super finds! Congrats!

 

61Cadillac

Elite Member

Joined

Jul 21, 2012

Messages

590

Location

Upstate, NY

• Jul 1, 2017

• #8

Matmit, for calling it from the get go I hear by bestow upon you the honor of me saying "You were right!".

Just ask my wife she will tell you how rare a prize that really is!

 

Silversmith45

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May 15, 2009

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10,730

Location

Wichita, Kansas

• Jul 2, 2017

• #9

To test for silver or gold, you scratch the coin on a test stone and put the acid on the mark. A local jeweler ruined several coins by putting the acid on the coins.

 

61Cadillac

Elite Member

Joined

Jul 21, 2012

Messages

590

Location

Upstate, NY

• Jul 2, 2017

• #10

Silversmith, these coins were totally smooth when I started, this was only done to try to get some detail to identify two otherwise not identifiable coins.