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 Replies: 9 / Views: 2,145 |
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
I'm getting into the metal detecting hobby and I know ill be finding some old coins and I'm checking to see what would be the best/safest way to clean them of the dirt etc
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
Never clean a coin, unless you find it metal detecting. It will ruin the value.
However, if you find a coin while metal detecting, then it will probably have some dirt on it. Try rinsing the coin in water, and then pat dry with a towel. If that doesn't do it, try soaking the coin in acetone and then rinse the coin in water.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Silver coins come out of the ground in nearly the same condition as when they were dropped. Other than a pure acetone soak, do nothing put a pure water rinse and air dry.
Copper can frequently become corroded in ground. But still use nothing but pure water and pure acetone.
Never scrub a coin of any type.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
  to the CCF! |
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New Member
 United States
8 Posts |
ok I see some videos of them rubbing the coin with dirt on it and all I think of is like 60 grit sand paper against it lol. Thought I seen someone using peroxide on a coin or might have been a button.
I'll have to get a hand held spray bottle for them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
634 Posts |
There are a couple of other non-damaging ways to remove soil and perhaps some of the corrosion. One is ultrasonic cleaning - you'll need an ultrasonic bath and some detergent in water. Many ultrasonic baths are available, designed for jewelry.
Another somewhat harsher method often used on coins found by metal detector is to tumble in a rotary rock tumbler with a polishing medium. This will remove corrosion and is good for crude overall cleaning, but can be abrasive and generally should not be used on coins with nice surfaces or significant numismatic value. There are many articles on the pros and cons of this method. Good luck to you!
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
If its spendable, then rub it with toothpaste and water. If its a rare coin, be very gentle with removing the dirt as you can make it worse.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Metal detecting recoveries?
Good old soap 'n running water, and rub with bare fingers.
Coins that are still unidentifiable may need brushing.
Worn bronze coins that are so heavily patinated to black or very dark brown may not be worth much. Such a heavy patina can completely ruin eye appeal, and make them difficult to photograph.
If all of the detail is obvious and easily seen, then best left well alone, without brushing. Leave them very dark.
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Moderator
 United States
188648 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
To the Forum. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 2,145 |
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Posted 02/20/2018 3:43 pm
