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Question: How does one remove solder from a gold coin (us indian head dollar) and is it worth the effort?

(Posted by: David on 2009-12-23 07:39:26)

We have an Indian Gold Dollar that was made into a stick pin. The pin appears to be nickle and is soldered dead center on the reverse of the coin. I'm almost positive it is a type III dollar, but I can't see the mint mark or the year (coin is15mm in diameter). There is very little wear on the coin on the front or what I can see of the reverse. QUESTION (s): 1) is it worth the effort to remove the pin and solder as best I can { I'm thinking 500' oven and de-soldering braid} and then have a real jeweler chemically remove the rest? 2) Could I eliminate the jeweler and do the chemical cleaning myself (and how do I do that)? 3) Should I forget this project and just take the $45-50 I'd get for it as scrap? I'm not a numismatist, but I think this coin (if it were not jewelery) would be rated "very fine" or better.

Posted by: Willow on 2009-12-23, 09:24:35

Whey don't you check with someone to see if just heating the solder to remove it will harm the coin. If it does, you still have the option of selling it for the gold.

Posted by: Chris on 2009-12-23, 09:14:49

The mint mark would be at the bottom of the wreath on the back (assuming the solder doesn't cover that area). If there isn't one, then it is from Philadelphia, which is typically the most common mint for these coins. The front of the coin can be used to determine the coin's type. If it is NOT a woman with a Native American headdress on her head, it is a type I. If it is a woman with a native american headdress and her portrait fills most of the front of the coin and is well-struck (little to no weakness, not to be confused with wear), then it is a Type III. Otherwise, it is a type II. As for removing the solder, check with a local coin dealer or two to see if it would be worth the effort. Seeing the coin in person, they will be able to help you best. Gold coins lose a good bit of value with solders on them, or with them removed, but it still will probably be worth more than the value of the gold for scrap.