Argosy Cleaning (1 Viewer)

[Meddler2]

Finally finished removing the cancellation stamp from my Argosy set.
Still looking for some $1's but 300 minty $5's and 100 minty $25's are ready. Process was 30 minute soaking in 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. This is critical as that's how long it takes to really loosen up the stamp. Then a quick scrubbing and a final brushing with an electric tooth brush.
After cleaning I rinse them in a bowl of water. This eliminates the alcohol odor. Final stage is to let them air dry for a few hours.

Took about 2 hours to finish up the final 140 this morning.

 

[tigon]

Does soaking in rubbing alcohol affect the color at all?

 

[ovo]

any adverse affects to the alcohol bath ?

 

[ParrotheadMZ]

Close ups please. I didn't know HS would come off.

 

[Meddler2]

No adverse affect to color or anything else. Closeups later.

 

[Meddler2]

closeup.
The indent from the stamp is obviously still present but 99% of the foil is gone on 99% of the chips. The most important number is 100% of my players complimented the feel of minty Paulsons. Nobody noticed the indents. Thankfully, i'm the only OCD chip nerd at my game.
As you can see, the alcohol soak didn't adversely affect the color of the chips or inlays.
But...be cautioned. Prolonged soaking may cause chips to warp per somebody else's post; I don't remember who's. But I soaked 60 at a time and didn't start scrubbing for 30 minutes which means the last few chips soaked for close to an hour. No color or warping in my experience.

 

[ParrotheadMZ]

Wow they turned out great. Im ocd but could live with the indent.

 

[moojersey]

I'm still a chip newbie. How do you get cancelled casino chips in the first place? These are awesome....

 

[ParrotheadMZ]

Certain states destroy them and some sell them to some lucky bastard that resells them. Jim at the chiproom is usually the man who scores the most. Lots of time and money goes into making the deal and sometimes the deal falls through.

A cancelled chip is usually notched or a hotstamp like in pocs above.
BUT you can look in the classified ads for casino chips that are cancelled and some are in perfect shape.

eBay is also a good option. Look up Paulson chips.