Do I clean a silver coin?

[madelaine]

I have an 1899 Morgan Dollar - it's tarnished - should I clean it or sell as it is, please? I don't know much about coins.

[TiasTreasures]

No, do not clean it! A cleaned coin loses most of its value as a collectible.

[madelaine]

Thanks! Now I know.. will list as it stands

[TiasTreasures]

If it has gunk on it, pure Acetone won't hurt the luster or the coin in anyway. 1899 is a semi key date, is it in UNC condition?

You're right of course. But, be careful using acetone, it can do serious damage to your lungs if you breathe the fumes.

Acetone will not remove tarnish. It's only useful for removing dirt stuck from the surface and it will sometimes remove dirt embedded in the grooves.

Be aware, too, that removing the dirt may reveal bright spots with the tarnished/toned surface surrounding them. I'm not sure how a collector would react to that.