Copper Coin Cleaner

Just didn't want you to get in trouble with the Mods.
John1

Here was a user's photo submitted to me recently. It was a 15 second initial wipe. The coin of course could be further cleaned with a second quick application. It was done using a Kleenex only - normally QTIPS or a camel brush for MS coins as you would with another cleaner. No patina issues. As with all new users I recommend testing on shiny new Lincolns to achieve your won comfort level of no patina change. Then user proceeds at will ... of course safe on silver and gold with no patina effects. I normally use a QTIP carefully changing QTIPS and brushing lightly to the outside of the coin and then a Kleenex to remove any excess product. No H2O rinse is necessary as no film is left on the coin (evaporates off).
Thanks for viewing ... again really recommended for sensitive copper surace cleaning. Not good for inert copper spots on Proof coins - as nothing really removes this soil issue - nothing.

John Lorenzo
Numismatist
United States

"Evaporates away"

And what will the fumes do to my lungs?

Not being sarcastic - genuine question.

The material is based on non hazardous materials as I was an industrial cleaning chemist for (15) years prior to entering the field of Safety & Environmental Management. The material works with emulsifiers/cleaning agents. Its not a commercial product but just my own private mix after a year of experimenting. The primary goal was not to change the copper patina, no change to the MS cartwheel effect and NO RESIDUE after drying (i.e., takes ~ 1 hour). THis was the primary requirement - no copper patina change or residue
I am not going to compare my product with any current product ... let me just say this ... this is not consumer strength but industrial strength but still safe and effective.
I used VerdiCare as a post treatment.
If you are looking for something better just keep me in mind. I made this mix and just sharing it with C4 members ... all positive ... I will be at the NJ GSNA show I plan on giving a sample to two top EAC guys; Doug Bird and Tom Reynolds ... this will be my extent of advertising ... Amida 17 since a guy name Just Carl never got back to me I was planning on giving it to one CCF member ... I see your response and 3960 posts ... just doing this to change your mind ... <VVBG>. Contact me for a FREE sample. You can pay me later if compelled to do so ... <VVBG>.

John Lorenzo
Numsimatist

Amida 17 you can see why "Just Carl" was my #1 choice for a freebie evaluation as I wanted someone with this kind of mindset (i.e., As we were always taught as young collectors about clewaning coins - particularly sensitive copper alloys) but since he delayed in getting back to me you should have the free demo bottle in your possession almost anytime now. I spotted "Just Carl" out in previous coin cleaning threads on CCF as being the #1 numismatist against cleaning anything. Hence his selection.
Amida 17 - So start with the shiny new Lincoln Cents - report any residue issues, copper patina changes, cartwheel effects, etc. under a jewlers loop (i.e., 15X) - then work your way to green.brown,red deep craters on copper surfaces ... I don't expect much success at this end of the spectrum due to its no - patina change requirments for Cu alloys - but report yur progress/opinions to this final endpoint - for Carl's sake anyway <VVBG>.

I am currently using Johnson & Johnson Safety swabs as they have more cotton on these types of QTips for application - you could let the product sit for 15-30 minutes (dries residue free ~ 1 hour) and then try to toothpick out these green pieces.

On PVC leached green should be an easy 15s wipe. I also use cotton pads purchased at Walgreens to remove the product after quick wipe and clean operations. If you agree this is the best Cu cleaner you have seen I may be nice and send Just Carl a freebie ... we BOTH await your OPINION. <VVBG>.

John Lorenzo
Numismatist

Amida 17 was given the bottle (not Just Carl - to be clear) for evaluation and at the last New Jersey GSNA Show I met with Doug Bird and Tom Reynolds and gave them a bottle also for their evaluation on Early Coppers. You can always contact me privately - its $30 (includes P&H). At this point there is about a two week waiting list. Some initial users have come back for a second bottle. I plan to only sell this mix in 2014 only - for private reasons. It was simply developed by me to replace my original Coin Care stock. But a 2 oz. bottle should last awhile. On surficial soils westcoin it will work unquestionably - I am not sure what you mean by gunk (i.e., harden copper oxides deep into the coin?). It has limiations on these being the toughest soils as it was made copper patina safe. On PVC leach green issues - no issues - a 15s one wipe cleaning success. At this point - personally- I do not own deep multiple cratered green/brown and/or red oxide cratered fill soiled coppers - to evaluate. One responder indicated little success but supplied this before/after on conventional soils in these pics in this thread as INCREDIBLE. Acetone is CRUDE as it dries out the coin and sometimes will leave a slight white film making the coin cast-like. THis was discussed with Bird/Reynolds. Xylol is better if you plan on using anything over the counter or a SINGULAR compound. Still CRUDE but better than acetone. Reynolds like xylol as his #1 go to material ... as per our GSNA conversation.

John Lorenzo
Numismatist

Several people have commented for copper alloys - what is the best application - use Johnson & Johnson Safety Swabs for applying and Walgreens cotton swabs to remove excess product. Product dries ~ 1 hour with no residue. Since it has no copper patina effect it can be safe on all metals. But since it was made to be copper patina safe it has limitations with encrusted deep green harden patina. Perfect for PVC leached green coppers whether Lincolns or Large Cents. YOu can always contact me through my E-Bay link and read ABOUT ME on my Summary Page.

JPL

One recent comment indicated I have a group of Indian cents with various degrees of green verdigris - if its current like from PVC no issues - if 150 year old deep hardened within the coin - maybe. Whether 15 seconds or 1 hour no effect on copper since the material is pH neutral. This product just removes verdigris and like the Verdi-Care's slogan it does not provide a protective coating or anti-oxidant layer. My main point look at the before/after pics in this thread - does the "after" picture to you appears on having been cleaned? Its a judgement call ... for circlulated grade level coins (G-AU) I see no EVIDENCE of not getting through a TPG service - just IMO.

JPL