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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,269 |
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Valued Member
United States
84 Posts |
Hey all, I just picked up this coin, and it was being kept in a PVC flip. It does not appear to be anything like verdigris but I'm not sure if it could be caused by the PVC, if it has been coated in something, or if this is a natural kind of toning. I am new to ancient coins so I am kind of at a loss if I should try to Conserv myself or leave it how it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.    |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Looks like it might have been lacquered to preserve it and the lacquer has discolored.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Here are two Caracalla I was watching with gold tone for comparison. I don't think it was the flip.  |
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Valued Member
 United States
84 Posts |
Interesting, so you think it might actually be a gold coin?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
No not gold. Discoloring due to old Laquer, or even toning due to environment is possible.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
616 Posts |
Acetone would remove the lacquer and shouldn't hurt the coin. Emphasis on the weasel word should.
I'd try it on Gordian III but not on an Athenian tet.
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Valued Member
United States
84 Posts |
I ordered some verdicare, not sure if you have used before if you think that may be more Benificial before trying acetone. I have had issues with acetone in the past completely changing the color of a copper coin even with just a quick dip. I'm not sure what this coin is made of.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
Chemically pure acetone won't affect a coins patina; if it did, it was probably additives in the acetone. You could buy some pure acetone or distill what you have to try and remove that lacquer (if it is that). I wouldn't use VerdiCare - that is more for copper coins as far as I know.
Sulfurous compounds in the air can turn silver to a golden colour, so it could be that. Not much to be worried about in that case; wash it in distilled water and dry it, then store it in something airtight to prevent further reaction. If you want it back to 'blast white', then there are a few ways to achieve that, but they are all destructive and will remove a tiny layer of silver.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Yeah I had some issues with acetone changing the color of a copper alloy coin too !
That's because someone had apparently used a black Sharpie to cover up the problem areas
Another time it removed the olive green paint that someone used to 'repatinate' a provincial bronze of Gordian on which they had used paste to plug a hole !
Acetone baths are the #1 best way to detect petty frauds
If something happens to the coin
It isn't the acetone that is at fault
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,269 |
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Posted 11/16/2018 11:42 am
