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Cleaning with ammonia

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freewheel
Valued Member


United States
108 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  06:40 am  Show Profile Bookmark this topic Add freewheel to your friends list  Get a Link to this Message

I know the subject of cleaning coins has been beaten to death but I have a question concerning the use of ammonia to clean seriously dirty coins. I have lived in the UK for a number of years and have purchased several UK coins as well as supporting books. One of the books advised the use of ammonia to clean dirty coins. I have tried this and it does work. Dirt just seems to melt away. The trick is knowing how long to leave the coin in the ammonia. If left too long then the coin comes out looking cleaned so I have discovered just dipping the coin in and out and the much of the dirt is dissolved without a "cleaned coin" look. I am interested to know what the forum thinks..........thanks,

Jack
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Sap
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Australia
5497 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  07:05 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add Sap to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

It depends on which kind of coin, and on the nature of the "dirt". If it's just actual "dirt" that will wash off in water, ammonia is a bit of an overkill. If it's corrosion, itshould be treated in case it spreads. If it's toning or oxidation, it shouldn't be removed.

I've found that ammonia can do a good job on copper/bronze coins, but it can leave the coin looking flourescent orange in colour - definitely not a natural look, so for that reason I wouldn't recommend it for coppers.

Ammonia is one of the standard treatments for cleaning dug-up silver coins.
It's easy to be a saint in paradise. - Captain Sisko, "Star Trek"
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razorear
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United States
360 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  09:00 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add razorear to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

I wonder if it would work on dug up cents that were dug up in the 60 and 70's. The dirt on these cents are stubborn and seem to have a baked on effect. Soaking in plain soap and water doesn't effect them in any way. There are no key dates just plain wheaties and memorials. I want to look for varieties and doubled dies, would anyone hesitate to use ammonia on them?
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southerngent
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United States
256 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  09:23 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add southerngent to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

I can tell you that if done correctly it does wonders on PVS residue on silver coins. The trick is to not leave them soaking too long. The amount of time is determined by the amount of PVS residue left on the coin. I had several that only required a few minuets and some that required hours. Don't test on rare or valuable coins.

Be sure to soak the coins in a distilled water bath for at least a few minuets. Place the coins on a soft cloth and pat dry.
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just carl
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USA
4500 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  09:47 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add just carl to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply


An important factor here is the actual Ammonia itself. Please note if you read the lables on containers of Ammonia you would see that it comes in different strengths, numerous different additives, different warnings, etc. The solutions of the one you use may contain substances for removing wax easily off floors but could be a discoloring agent on metals. Some have warnings due to higher percentages and the fumes could be really hazardish. One neighbor of mine found that out the hard way and ended up in a hospital.
Different amounts of time a coin is emersed and the method of drying also could be a factor in the outcome of the usage of Ammonia for coins. Really know the product your discussing and it's potential problems and good usages.
Myself, I would never attempt using Ammonia on a coin no more than lighter fluid, NitroGlycerine, toothpaste, pencil erasers or other usually posted great methods of cleaning a coin. I've tried many a long time ago and usually found most ruined coins.
Except the NitroGlycerine since the coins couldn't be found.
just carl
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BadThad
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USA
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Posted 03/09/2010  10:07 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add BadThad to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

Ammonia will remove metal from the surface. The action is not so much on the dirt, but on the coin metal itself.
Lincoln Cent Lover!
ANA R3139849
VERDI-CARE™ All Metal Conservation Fluid
http://www.verdigone.com
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razorear
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United States
360 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  1:23 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add razorear to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

I guess I better leave ammonia alone. What in the world will disolve aged rock hard dirt?
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yechi7
Pillar Of The Community


USA
664 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  2:00 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add yechi7 to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

Aged Rock?
Dovid
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tyretiredwave
New Member


United States
49 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  4:36 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add tyretiredwave to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

I don't know if this helps or hurts, but Tabasco Sauce will clean pennies.
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razorear
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United States
360 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  5:14 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add razorear to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

He had to much Tabasco. Never heard of it, but I'll give it a try.
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tyretiredwave
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United States
49 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  6:56 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add tyretiredwave to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

Let me know how it works.
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biokemist6
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USA
6068 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  8:07 pm  Show Profile  Check biokemist6's eBay Listings Bookmark this reply Add biokemist6 to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

Do not use Tabasco on anything but pocket change, one of the main ingredients is vinegar.
ANA #3151318
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just carl
Pillar Of The Community
USA
4500 Posts
Posted 03/09/2010  9:34 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add just carl to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply


Quote:
I don't know if this helps or hurts, but Tabasco Sauce will clean pennies.


So will Battery Acid, an atomic bomb, Lemon Juice. The main thing here is to try to remember not to reuse the Tabasco Sauce on your food after using it to clean coins. The reverse is also not a good idea.

just carl
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tomcorona
New Member
United States
16 Posts
Posted 03/10/2010  01:17 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add tomcorona to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

Wow..just caught this thread. I have to say I'm impressed. Folks actually ANSWERED the poster's question with actual answers instead of "Oh never...ever.....blah, blah ,blah" Awesome! Great forum! Very refreshing. WTG folks!
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coretj
Valued Member
United States
436 Posts
Posted 03/10/2010  2:54 pm  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add coretj to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

What about soaking coins in a olive oil bath?
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latman100
Pillar Of The Community
Australia
894 Posts
Posted 03/11/2010  12:58 am  Show Profile Bookmark this reply Add latman100 to your friends list  Get a Link to this Reply

If it is baked on dirt, an olive oil bath may work. You can leave it in for months (I think some members here have coins in oil that have been there for years)until the dirt softens and falls off or can be easily removed with a wooden toothpick.
Sean
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