Augustus - To Clean Or Not To Clean?

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

Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 639
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 07/19/2023 7:40 pm There is a greyish-green surface deposit on this Augustus coin. It appears that someone has removed some of it on the obverse of the coin revealing good detail. If the deposit on the reverse of the coin is similar, there could be good detail to be revealed there too. The question is; should I try to clean the coin mechanically, chemically, or just leave it alone? What would be the best way of going about it, as it is doubtful if soaking in distilled water would have any effect? Report this Post to the Staff

Kamnaskires Pillar of the Community United States 7066 Posts	Posted 07/19/2023 8:00 pm Looks like a pretty thick layer of...verdigris? Personally I'd leave it as is since (1) it's an impressive coin even in this condition and (2) I'd be fearful of doing more harm than good if I attempted anything. But, then, I don't have much experience with trying to remove such a thick "deposit". Someone with the right skill set could perhaps do a great job. Keep us updated, Jim. Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 07/19/2023 9:30 pm I agree with Bob, Jim. That deposit looks concretized to me. Trying to remove it is very likely to do unnecessary damage. I'd go so far as to say that the open areas were not "cleaned". Simply areas where the concretion layer was weak and flaked off over time. The coin is still a beauty with a 2000+ year old story to tell. Let it speak! Edited by circusmax120 07/19/2023 9:32 pm Report this Post to the Staff
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 07/20/2023 09:50 am Thanks, Bob and Mike. I would definitely not want to ruin this coin, so best to leave it as it is. I have often been in awe of the "before and after" images of coins that members have cleaned, and thought that this might be a candidate for trying myself. I've had extremely limited success in the past with distilled water, olive oil, toothpicks and bamboo skewers, but have not attempted using any metal pointed instruments. It would not be a good idea in my unskilled hands I think. I have a small "crusty" coin that spend a long time in distilled water with no effect. It has now been in olive oil for over five years and I have only managed to pick a little bit off the edges. There is a coppery coloured metal underneath the solid encrustation, but I have no idea what it could be. Time to consign this crusty to the trash? Maybe cleaning coins is not for me! Report this Post to the Staff
Kamnaskires Pillar of the Community United States 7066 Posts	Posted 07/20/2023 10:15 am Quote: It has now been in olive oil for over five years Maybe drop it back in and check it another 20 years? Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 07/20/2023 2:54 pm Well, Jim...your choices here are to 1. Drop it back into the oil bath and wait (as Bob says) another 20 years. 2. Toss it into the trash bin and count your losses. Or 3. Use this specimen to try your hand at cleaning with metal tools and abrasive pencils. What can you lose? Report this Post to the Staff
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 07/20/2023 8:32 pm Quote: Maybe drop it back in and check it another 20 years? Yes, but I doubt if I'll still be here in 20 years. Quote: Use this specimen to try your hand at cleaning with metal tools and abrasive pencils. What can you lose? Indeed. The olive oil experiment has gone on long enough. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 639

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

All Forums Category: World Coins and Currency Forums Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins

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 0.28 seconds to rattle this change.