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 Replies: 25 / Views: 9,180 |
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Valued Member
 United States
293 Posts |
I haven't been on here in a while. Good to see that there is some interest in this topic  I've mostly been letting the coins soak so far. I pulled them out tonight to give them another brushing. Not sure what exactly I should try at this point...just leave them alone for a few months? Here's the first one that's showing a good bit of detail without much effort in case anyone would like to see:  Thanks for looking! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
Quote:
heating hydrogen peroxide in the microwave Quote:
trdhrdr007- that sounds really dangerous since I presume that fumes from hydrogen peroxide should be avoided. I don't have details about how dangerous heating hydrogen peroxide is. I would assume that fumes of any sort should be avoided. I probably should have made some sort of disclaimer when I posted. I did recommend an internet search for details, any prudent person would do so before working with any chemicals. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
3039 Posts |
Wouldn't an ultrasonic unit remove a bunch of crud ?
Edited by numismo
02/14/2010 5:08 pm
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Valued Member
Australia
155 Posts |
Id stop brushing the whole surface.See how the metal is starting to show on the detail?You dont want that.As soon as you start to see the slightest bit of shine stop,that part of the coin wont get any cleaner,in time youll be able to work out when to stop brushing without removing any of the patina.
Your next step would be to start cleaning in between the details with a toothpick (or there are tools you can buy online for this) and when the tip of the pick goes furry,i normaly give the details that are still dirty a little rub(very gently) with the fur.
It takes time to get the muck of without damaging the patina,some of the coins I take out of a soak will get 3 or 4 rubs with a brush and then back into a soak for another few months.
I have a few in my collection where I've rubbed some of the higher details patina away,i didnt do it to just one,it took awhile to to get the knack,less rubbing and more soaking is the way to go.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
As others have said - the best method is olive oil and a toothpick - oh, and the patience of a saint! The coins do get better the longer you soak them but be prepared to wait years in some cases.
The thing to do - if you want to preserve the patina best is to keep buying uncleaned lots every now and then and drop them into your oil. Every 3/6 months or so get them out and have a quick go at cleaning. If they wont give up just pop them back in the oil for another 3/6 months.
As they wont all need years and as your topping up with new coins now and then you will always have some that you can work on when you decide to get them out.
As far as the Ultrasonic and chemical methods go I only do this when I decide the coin cant be cleaned using oil and patience. Basically you have a good chance of ruining the coin using these accelerated methods. Sometimes they give good results but coins cleaned in these ways can degrade badly in the years that follow. It is though sometimes the only way you can shift the corrosion and have a chance at identifying them - which is the whole point!
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
Forgot to say - Once you have cleaned a coin give it good rinse to make sure no chemicals, oil or soap are still on it, dry it and put it in the oven for a few minutes (not too hot!) - this gets all the moisture out and ensures it wont react in the future. Then coat it in some wax - Renaissance wax is one of the best, its used by the British Museum, is PH neutral and protects the coin from atmosphere moisture and from the moisture on your fingers when you are looking at them. The wax gives them a nice finish and you can pick up a small pot on ebay that will last you a lifetime for about £10GBP, $15USD. |
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Valued Member
Australia
155 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
Old topic I know but just took the coins out for their next rinse. Some detail is beginning to show on a few. others are showing no improvement. the coin on the bottom is the control coin. they were all in this shape when I got them. Back into fresh olive oil to start year 4...  |
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Valued Member
United States
293 Posts |
So, the group of uncleaned Romans that I have are sitting in olive oil...where they've been for probably close to a year. I just looked at the container and the olive oil has turned a bright, almost neon, green! Is there anything to worry about? I don't want to open it and release some toxic fumes or anything. I'm thinking about opening it up, giving them a good wash and refreshing the olive oil (I'm assuming that's the next step).
Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
842 Posts |
It is safe to open it. The color change is due in part to chemical reactions and sediments. When you take them out gently scrub them with a toothbrush. And you are correct - just put them back into a new container of olive oil and wait! And wait, and wait.....
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Replies: 25 / Views: 9,180 |
First Page
Posted 02/14/2010 10:03 am
