Estate Finds, Clean Or Not?

I'd try some electrolysis on one of the silver coins. It should remove the rust but there will probably be staining or corrosion where the rust was. You can make your own electrolysis unit with things you most likely have around the house, do a search for how to make one, there's plenty of different ideas out there.....

A bit of a deviation from the rest of the comments, but is that old safe still under warranty? Did it ever promise protection from water damage? If so, you could file a claim with the safe company for the damage the safe failed to protect against. It's a long shot, but they might be willing to work with you, at least with the old notes and completely unsalvageable coins.

Water and collectibles are not a good combination. Many a stamp collection was been ruined by a little bit of water. Coins can sometimes be conserved but the time and effort is only worth it on rare stuff. Generic gold and silver damaged stuff might as well be sold off at melt value.

If the currency is all matted together your best bet is to not mess with it and send it off to the Treasury for redemption. You can find more information about this on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's website at http://www.moneyfactory.gov. Search mutilated currency redemption.

If you have individual pieces of intact currency that may hold collector value those still might bring more than face value even if damaged. Just post pics here and the boardies here can help.

Hope it goes well for you and the estate.

Kool!

Old mildewed currency can harbor all kinds of mold and crap that can make you sick. Best to handle it with gloves and wear a mask/face protector to keep out the crap.

Another idea I thought about. My being an old car enthusiast and finding an old classic muscle car that has set for years and engine wont turn over because of rust in cylinders, I would use Marvel Mystery oil down the cylinders or on bolts etc. and let it soak until it frees them up.

Especially if there are some good coins worth saving.

garys64wildcat is spot on. Automatic transmission fluid would be PERFECT for this job. Has a little bit of detergent in it.

I figure...you really will not be out anything.