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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
Every time I hear of a method of cleaning coins, I try it out in order that I might recognise a coin that has been cleaned in that manner. All of these coins were toned to varying degrees. Unfortunately I didn't take any before pictures as I didn't expect the results I got. All of these coins were cleaned using baking powder and salt and aluminium foil in boiling water. The '59 was reasonably toned and has come up quite nicely. It is perhaps a little disheartening that there was really no change in the coin apart from removing the tone. Therefore very hard to tell it has been cleaned. When I removed it from the boiling water I washed it immediately and pat dried it with a soft cloth. The '55 was cleaned the same way, except instead of rinsing it under water when it came out of the pot, I left it in a plastic container under a slowly running tap. This happened because the phone rang. When I came back, the coin had taken on an attractive gold tone, unlike anything I had ever seen on a shilling (or any other Aussie silver coin). The colour is much nicer than the pictures represent, as I am still refining my coin photography skills. I had only intended to test the two coins, but I was interested to see if I could duplicate the process. The picture of all the coins together is the result of the "test". A large number of them turned gold. I do not advocate cleaning coins at all, other than to remove dirt or a fresh fingerprint. However I thought this may be of interest to other members. If you see a "gold" silver coin, chances are it has been through the same process. If any one would like one of these "gold" coins, send me a message with your address and I will send you one, numbers permitting.      |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
lol nice gold affect!
I wouldn't mind one if it's ok with you.
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Pillar of the Community
 Australia
1040 Posts |
Send me your address Eddy and I will send you one.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1360 Posts |
Quote:
Originally posted by latman100
Every time I hear of a method of cleaning coins, I try it out in order that I might recognise a coin that has been cleaned in that manner. I keep a supply of common and damaged copper coins for the same purpose. I also try out every method of artificial toning that I can find. That way, when I study my experiment's results, I can be aware of things to watch out for. Whenever I am purchasing coins, I look for similar characteristics to see if they have been cleaned or have AT. |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
655 Posts |
Latman, while your having fun with those shillings, can you do a little experiment for me? What happens if you take a now golden fleece, (sorry that was just asking for it!  ) and dip it in ammonia for a few minutes? Does the coin remain a golden colour or turn blast white like they normally do? |
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Valued Member
Australia
53 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
Snooba, have you tried vinegar and salt on your coppers? Where it does remove toning, it seems to give the coins a "strange" appearance for want of a better word. I have seen a few on e-bay I would be more than wiling to bet have been cleaned that way.
Learjet, don't have any ammonia at home, but will get some and see what happens. Will post the pics.
And Mairo, welcome to the forum.
Edited by latman100
05/18/2008 12:20 am
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
I've tried vinegar and salt on an old penny, just went lighter
will try on a silver
Edited by Spedward
05/17/2008 9:07 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
Don't try it on silver Eddy, it will damage the coin. The acids in the vinegar are too harsh for silver.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
655 Posts |
Jeeez, poor threepence! What did they do? Take an angle grinder to it?   |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
I think an angle grinder would have been more gentle.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
citric acid and water removes verdigris and toning, like I thaught, but probaby does damage the coin
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
839 Posts |
latman, how much did you put in of each ingredient?
and did you wrap it up in alfoil? in boiling water
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Replies: 29 / Views: 3,589 |
Posted 05/17/2008 04:54 am
