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 Replies: 21 / Views: 1,964 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
 to the forum. Quote:
One exception to "soap does no harm" is aluminium coins; soap is corrosive to aluminium.
Please note there are probably thousands of different types of soaps. Even a standard type such as Ivory or Palmolive may have numerous different chemical formulae. Since so many different types of soaps are in existance, a standard statement such as it is corrosive to Aluminum is a slight overstatement. As to how to clean coins dug up from the ground. I watched as a construction worker found hundreds of coins dug up in a construction site. Most were from prior to the 1920's due to that is when that construction was originally done. He simply rinsed them in Acetone and then in distilled water. As a general rule, most came out without the caked on dirt since it was basically just dirt. As he knew any additional cleaning would probably do more damage than it would be worth. One thing you may want to do is do a search on this forum for subjects such as cleaning coins, using Acetone, etc. This subject is well covered. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3077 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19963 Posts |
The general rule....NEVER CLEAN A COIN! However, be aware there's a difference between cleaning and conserving (read around the forum to understand the difference). If a coin is so bad and it's not anything of real value, I have no problem with taking it to the sink. I just use running hot water, a little liquid dish soap and rub it between my fingers. NEVER use a cloth or anything to rub the surface other than your fingers. This method only removes stuff that's just lightly stuck to the surface. It doesn't wipe out the coin completely. When I'm going through bank boxes of cents, I'll often do this to cents that could use "a little help". For an example, this coin I found searching a box had a big, black, piece of gum about a quarter inch high on the reverse....it came off in the sink. Personally, I'd rather have the coin without the gum:  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1208 Posts |
I have heard of dug coins being boiled in distilled water
to remove the most debris without damaging the coin.
Seems like a boil and then some pure acetone, when dry,
are about the best you can do for a coin that is more
than just 'circulation' dirty. Other than that, leave it be.
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Valued Member
United States
462 Posts |
So I guess the new Bench Grinder I got for Christmas with a wire brush wheel might damage a coin?
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
So I guess the new Bench Grinder I got for Christmas with a wire brush wheel might damage a coin? Just switch to a Fine wheel instead of a Coarse, and you'll be OK.  |
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Forum Dad
United States
24170 Posts |
Remember though, safety first! Always clamp the coin down in this....  Before using this....  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Very funny Bobby!  I went and googled images and came across this actual advertisement! Coin Cleaning Kit A, Coins, Directions,Must SEE! This is a coin cleaning kit which includes one set of three brushes, directions in cleaning coins, soft cleaning cloth, three coins to practice on. This is set A of two different sets, It has a buy it now price of $7.99 plus shipping and handle. Please add 8% SALES TAX IF SHIPPED INTO NEW YORK STATE. |
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Moderator
United States
189053 Posts |
Quote:
I went and googled images and came across this actual advertisement! Edited by jbuck
01/01/2009 7:12 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3077 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
That is an ancient coin cleaning kit  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
Quote:
That is an ancient coin cleaning kit True. In rare cases, it is okay to hack at an uncleaned ancient coin with these tools when all else fails. Personally, I would never attempt to clean with them, who knows what could be destroyed underneath the dirt.  |
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Forum Dad
United States
24170 Posts |
Quote:
That is an ancient coin cleaning kit Why would I pay that much for an old coin cleaning kit?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3077 Posts |
yeah when ya can use your wifes tooth brush and an old nail
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Moderator
United States
189053 Posts |
Quote:
Why would I pay that much for an old coin cleaning kit? This thread just keeps getting better and better... |
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Posted 01/01/2009 07:13 am
