Cleaning 50% Silver, 50% Copper Coins

I have a few NZ Florins of that composition, which I suspect is particularly prone to tarnishing. While some people "dip" silver coins, I haven't liked the results I've seen as it tends to wash out details that should be naturally toned. And in this case, the coin is 50% copper--a metal that is even less forgiving to any chemical cleaning. However, in the case of accumulated dirt, there are solutions to soak the coin which will not attack those metals. Even a gentle cleaning is tricky, because removing dirt may reveal an uneven color and your cleaning work.

My method is soaking the coin in denatured alcohol overnight, then gently working dirt loose from the devices with a soft tool that will not scratch the coin. But even a gentle "conservation" is a tricky affair with mixed results--I only try it on my coins where I can risk it. Another method is to soak the coin in mineral oil over a longer period. If you do a search you'll find a lengthy discussion of the various methods, as well as those products and methods to avoid.

I've found ammonia to clean silver/copper pretty fast. I only use it on bullion coins. I wouldn't on a good coin.

I really don't like cleaning a coin but if you must, I suggest you try the usual Acetone method first. Check out this web site for Acetone. Not sure where they might be since things moved all over in different forums. Acetone is basically the safest method to try first. Distilled water is another very safe method. If you try any Alcohol product, be carefull since most are only a small % of the actual Alcohol and that substance may contain numerous other substances not even mentioned on the lable.
Be carefull on cleaning any coin that may be of some value. You could ruin or even distroy that coins value.

True KurtS that it will take off some dirt. Acetone is a little on the dangerous side due to flash fire possibility of course. Just make sure that whatever you do use on a coin, you rinse with distilled water and blow dry. This should assure the removal of any contaminates left from the evaporation of Alcohol.

I dont clean any coins could do more damage than good

Odd answer about the perfume types of solutions. I say this since as a chemist I try all kinds of stupid things on coins or other metals. Also, as an avid flea market person I find things rather cheap. One such purchase was a very strong substance in a black bottle but was cheap. I began using quantities to clean really corroded or dirty coins but ones of little value. I also used it to clean my desk, some tools, etc. Then my Son saw me doing this and almost had a fit. Appears that the stuff, Drakkar Cologne is supposed to be extreamely expensive. Gave the rest to my Son to shut him up.

Hi all,

Just need an opinion about an old silver coin werein I brought it to a jewelry shop for for plating. Would the value diminished by doing so.

Thanks,

noel biscocho

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA