Cleaning Some Old Bronze Coins - Coin Community Forum

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,488
Finn235 Pillar of the Community United States 6130 Posts	Posted 11/04/2015 1:08 pm Wanted to check with the community on the best way to approach this: I have a small handful of old Russian 2 and 3 kopek bronze coins in pretty horrid condition (as in leaving a fine black powder on everything they touch). These range from about 1740-1915 or so. None of them seem to be numismatically significant, and would probably grade AG or G at best. What's the best way to get down to their core so that they can actually be handled without having to wash my hands afterward? I am thinking that soap + water + toothbrush might be the way to go in this case, or maybe an overnight soak in vinegar for the tough customers. Report this Post to the Staff

just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 11/04/2015 3:16 pm Start with Acetone rinse. Also, just try Distilled water. IF none of those work, Then any other attempts may work but also may well ruin the coins. IF not really to valuable, the smart thing would be to try to buy better ones and the money used for cleaning STUFF, could now go for coins. Report this Post to the Staff
bpoc1 Rest in Peace United States 4078 Posts	Posted 11/04/2015 3:53 pm Quote: Start with Acetone rinse. Quote: the smart thing would be to try to buy better ones and the money used for cleaning STUFF, could now go for coins. It has been said, when Carl opens his wallet, moths fly out." Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 188052 Posts	Posted 11/04/2015 4:54 pm I understand the desire to salvage what one has, especially when there is nothing to lose. It is not like their sale would make a significant contribution to the purchase of nicer specimens, right? In this case, I would certainly start with water or acetone first. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
Chute72 Pillar of the Community United States 1314 Posts	Posted 11/04/2015 5:19 pm Pictures always help. Distilled water and acetone never hurt. If it is so ugly your friends tell you to throw it away, you might consider other measures. Report this Post to the Staff
Steele Pillar of the Community United States 1119 Posts	Posted 11/05/2015 8:39 pm Quote: Distilled water and acetone never hurt Just to be clear on this as I've never used it; I understand that acetone can some times be problematic if it removes some organics leaving original surfaces but does not remove other substances that can lead to a 'blotchy' looking surface? edit: not that it matters much if the coins are already pretty much destroyed. Edited by Steele 11/05/2015 8:40 pm Report this Post to the Staff
Chute72 Pillar of the Community United States 1314 Posts	Posted 11/06/2015 09:41 am Steele, acetone is an organic solvent. It works really well for dissolving finger oils and loosening grime, but it doesn't change the tone or reverse corrosion. Just be sure to read some of the other posts on the subject, as acetone can melt plastic, damage eyes and is very flammable. There are other products and procedures available, each with its own advantages/disadvantages. Report this Post to the Staff
BadThad Bedrock of the Community United States 19942 Posts	Posted 11/06/2015 10:09 am Low value coins - personally, I'd just hold them in my hand under running, hot tap water. Maybe a squirt of dish soap and a good rinse. Follow with a final rinse of distilled water and let air dry. I've done this with "junk" Lincolns many times with good results. Lincoln Cent Lover! VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/ Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,488

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: General Numismatic Forums Forum: Main Coin Forum

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.29 seconds to rattle this change.