PCGS The Standart for the Rare Coin Industry

"Dipping won't hurt the coin, and if you don't like it after I dip it, you don't have to buy it."

The coin was dipped, it emerged as brilliant as the day it was minted, and I saw that it was as nice or nicer than the other pieces already in my collection. The same dealer told me that toning was a natural process, and that probably every Proof Barber half dollar in existence was either toned, or if it was bright, had been dipped. It was chemically impossible for a Barber half dollar to be completely brilliant after all these years and not have been dipped, he related.

I subsequently learned that the same was true of commemorative half dollars, Liberty Seated coins, Liberty Walking half dollars, and every other type of older silver coin that has been stored singly over the years. Coins stored in bank-wrapped rolls tend to tone only on the edges, and retain their naturally brilliant surfaces. Morgan silver dollars and other pieces stored in bags often remained brilliant over a long period of years.

Professional numismatists have made a distinction between dipping and "cleaning." Today, in the 1990s, dipping is practiced infrequently, but, as noted, years ago it was a popular procedure.

A lightly toned silver coin, if immersed in a clear liquid silver dip, carefully rinsed, neutralized in a solution of baking soda and water (without the application of any friction or rubbing), and then carefully dried by patting, will have its original mint brilliance restored. If a Proof coin is dipped once or twice, chances are that there will be no problem. If a Proof coin is dipped multiple times, gradually the mirror surface will become hazy and cloudy, and the value will be impaired. James F. Ruddy's Photograde book discusses this and other considerations in detail.

Uncirculated business strike coins possessing lustrous surfaces can be dipped multiple times without apparent adverse effects, for the microscopic ridges which cause mint lustre tend to mask the effects of the clouding, but if a piece is dipped too many times, it will become dull and unattractive.

In my opinion dipping of a silver coin should be done only if the piece is toned in blotches, is spotted, or is unattractive. If a coin possesses attractive patination it should not be dipped. Dipping of a copper and bronze coin almost always results in lessening the value of the piece.