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 Replies: 29 / Views: 2,663 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
842 Posts |
The crud has almost become one with the coin. I soaked it in olive oil for six months to no avail, and I also put it through several hydrogen peroxide baths. My constant picking with dental picks has not dislodged anything. I am begining to doubt myself, which is why I posted this here. Is anyone comfortable enough to try acidic gels? I don't trust my hands enough for that.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I don't believe that there is much more that can be done to the coin without causing damage to it.
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Valued Member
United States
64 Posts |
To my untrained eye the crud appears to be the coin. There is nothing to clean off.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
The cond coin is what it is. You risk damage if you try "harder."
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
Unfortunately so. Will you be keeping it as is, or going for the corrosive method?
And hey, a little birdy told me that beaten up coins are still accepted in some collections...
EDIT: Hang on - could electrolysis do something here? The patina isn't at risk, after all.
Edited by Ben
12/27/2012 9:29 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
I decided to pass on the Menander coin... it is a lovely coin but it a gamble whether I can remove the muck, also I am super busy at work so maybe I will have the money to buy one already in pristine condition if I see it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
I would just throw it back in olive oil. Pull it out every 6 months to check it. You may just be surprised. I personally believe electrolysis should be a last resort because it destroys a coins original patina. But if you are not concerned about original patina and you are not concerned about having bright brassy coin, electrolysis may be the way to go.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
That menander coin has been playing on my mind, so I ent the seller a message...
I asked if he had tried an acetone bath... I also asked if he had a retail outlet because he is close to me and he said it is a post business only.
I was hoping he might try the acetone (if it worked I would buy the coin) or I could see the coin and decide whether to take a gamble that it will come off...
He said he didnt try anything and that was that. It could mean he tried and failed or it could be he didnt try and won't try.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Depending on what he asking. I would buy it as is. Its got character and a nice strike well centered and a decent relief. Go for it, if the price is right. In hand you might want to do nothing to it. I persoanbly dont think it detracts from the coin. Kudos on the Menander. Its becoming one of my favorite series of coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
I almost went with that, but when I found he was 1 mile from my house I didn't want to give my address and changed my mind.
My gut just tells me its a bad idea to give my address to someone who lives so close to me, maybe its paranoid but I listen to my instincts, to find a similarly good coin maybe I will have to pay more in the future but I guess thats what I will do.
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Valued Member
United States
110 Posts |
That is an interesting coin. It could very well be a fun challenge.
I agree with DavidUK to not give out his address. I keep my location secret from everyone but my absolute trusted friends.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
567 Posts |
Ok, I'm about to break taboo here and say the "e" word. Electrolysis will probably work on them. You have to be careful and avoid use of salt on bronze coins as the risk of chloride intrusion is too great. Use baking soda. It's gentler than lye or acetone and very effective if done right. You've already removed most of the patination anyhow. I use my little rig on stubborn Byzantine bronzes with lots of hard cake on them with pretty good success. Electrolysis will clean the crud off that Indo-Greek silver above with no problem, may leave some discoloration where the deposit was.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
842 Posts |
Quote:
You've already removed most of the patination anyhow. Not I! I bought it in this condition and I hoped I would be able to finish cleaning it myself. To this date I have failed in my mission. I will try electrolysis. Thanks for the baking soda lead....I had not heard of that before. I will post after pics once I try it out. Can't hurt it anymore, anyways!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
567 Posts |
Always try your rig and electrolytic solution with a junker coin, like a crusty Wheat penny, before putting in anything decent so if the polarity is wring you only ruin the penny. Also,don't disconnect the power with the coin in solution, pull it out and then disconnect power. PM me if you have any questions or need to know where to find a good DC power supply inexpensively. |
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Replies: 29 / Views: 2,663 |
First Page
Posted 12/27/2012 7:38 pm
