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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,141 |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Being a newbie I don't have any experience of this, but several of my coins have brilliant green spots which I suspect are possibly BD.
There is nothing of value, but I would appreciate some advice.
I have a special pot of distilled water, if I suspect they are infected, in they go. Is it catching?
I am on holiday in a couple of weeks, so if I need to order anything from the US It will have e to wait until I get back.
I would like to get a handle on this before I need to cure a good coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
BD is nasty. First up, quarantine any which have it - it does catch, especially in humid environments and when coins touch. Its not rare to have a rotten apple situation.
Second, the distilled water method is the only practical one but is difficult to master. I first use a pin to remove the green BD spot until I hit patina or metal. This gives the water access to the active site. Second, soak in distilled water. For a couple of my projects, I've changed the water nearly daily, but every few days should be alright. Its important to change the water regularly - the more BD spots, the quicker it saturates and then it can reinfect the coins in other areas. Every time you change the water, check the coin: Are there any new spots? Has it improved? Has the old spot gone green again?
Each time, remove any green stuff you get with a pin - it often goes right into the coin - dont worry about breaking it - the only bits that breako ff are already too far gone. Its a blitzkrieg/scorch the earth method. Total annihilation is the only cure!
Also, just because there are no green spots doesn't mean the treatment is over. I do 1 week extra on top to be sure followed by an extended distilled water soak. I have had coins relapse because I hadnt followed the treatment through effectively.
Post treament (assuming they were already clean), I use white spirit to remove any oil or stuff from the coin, then distilled water again, then a quick bake or heat, then I wax the coin. This protects it from moisture which could cause a relapse.
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Thanks Ben
I think I will be taking the infected coins with me when I go away. At least I can keep an eye on them. I have read conflicting reports of BD being catching so your advice is most welcome.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
785 Posts |
What is bronze disease? Does it only affect bronze coins?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Bronze Disease is a gag term for the active oxidation of the coin. Bronze disease affects bronze, brass and to a lesser extent Potin and Billon.
Silver tones then corrodes or crystalize.
Gold does not corrode under "normal" conditions.
Edited by Ancientnoob
06/21/2013 9:56 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4981 Posts |
ben has gave good advice, that is my technique pretty much. it it you talking about a valuable coin, see ancientnoobs verdi-care thread here.. https://goccf.com/t/152169 |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Yes I read the item and that is what started me thinking. I may get some of the chemical mentioned but not before the holiday.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
785 Posts |
Thanks ancientnoob, that was very helpful.
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,141 |
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Posted 06/21/2013 8:45 pm
