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 Replies: 22 / Views: 18,978 |
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Valued Member
United States
123 Posts |
I know the subject of cleaning coins has been beaten to death but I have a question concerning the use of ammonia to clean seriously dirty coins. I have lived in the UK for a number of years and have purchased several UK coins as well as supporting books. One of the books advised the use of ammonia to clean dirty coins. I have tried this and it does work. Dirt just seems to melt away. The trick is knowing how long to leave the coin in the ammonia. If left too long then the coin comes out looking cleaned so I have discovered just dipping the coin in and out and the much of the dirt is dissolved without a "cleaned coin" look. I am interested to know what the forum thinks..........thanks,
Jack
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Moderator
 Australia
16806 Posts |
It depends on which kind of coin, and on the nature of the "dirt". If it's just actual "dirt" that will wash off in water, ammonia is a bit of an overkill. If it's corrosion, itshould be treated in case it spreads. If it's toning or oxidation, it shouldn't be removed.
I've found that ammonia can do a good job on copper/bronze coins, but it can leave the coin looking flourescent orange in colour - definitely not a natural look, so for that reason I wouldn't recommend it for coppers.
Ammonia is one of the standard treatments for cleaning dug-up silver coins.
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
I wonder if it would work on dug up cents that were dug up in the 60 and 70's. The dirt on these cents are stubborn and seem to have a baked on effect. Soaking in plain soap and water doesn't effect them in any way. There are no key dates just plain wheaties and memorials. I want to look for varieties and doubled dies, would anyone hesitate to use ammonia on them?
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Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
I can tell you that if done correctly it does wonders on PVS residue on silver coins. The trick is to not leave them soaking too long. The amount of time is determined by the amount of PVS residue left on the coin. I had several that only required a few minuets and some that required hours. Don't test on rare or valuable coins.
Be sure to soak the coins in a distilled water bath for at least a few minuets. Place the coins on a soft cloth and pat dry.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
An important factor here is the actual Ammonia itself. Please note if you read the lables on containers of Ammonia you would see that it comes in different strengths, numerous different additives, different warnings, etc. The solutions of the one you use may contain substances for removing wax easily off floors but could be a discoloring agent on metals. Some have warnings due to higher percentages and the fumes could be really hazardish. One neighbor of mine found that out the hard way and ended up in a hospital. Different amounts of time a coin is emersed and the method of drying also could be a factor in the outcome of the usage of Ammonia for coins. Really know the product your discussing and it's potential problems and good usages. Myself, I would never attempt using Ammonia on a coin no more than lighter fluid, NitroGlycerine, toothpaste, pencil erasers or other usually posted great methods of cleaning a coin. I've tried many a long time ago and usually found most ruined coins. Except the NitroGlycerine since the coins couldn't be found.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19930 Posts |
Ammonia will remove metal from the surface. The action is not so much on the dirt, but on the coin metal itself.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
I guess I better leave ammonia alone. What in the world will disolve aged rock hard dirt?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
717 Posts |
Aged Rock?  |
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New Member
United States
49 Posts |
I don't know if this helps or hurts, but Tabasco Sauce will clean pennies.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
He had to much Tabasco. Never heard of it, but I'll give it a try.
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New Member
United States
49 Posts |
Let me know how it works.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Do not use Tabasco on anything but pocket change, one of the main ingredients is vinegar.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
I don't know if this helps or hurts, but Tabasco Sauce will clean pennies.
So will Battery Acid, an atomic bomb, Lemon Juice. The main thing here is to try to remember not to reuse the Tabasco Sauce on your food after using it to clean coins. The reverse is also not a good idea. |
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New Member
United States
16 Posts |
Wow..just caught this thread. I have to say I'm impressed. Folks actually ANSWERED the poster's question with actual answers instead of "Oh never...ever.....blah, blah ,blah" Awesome! Great forum! Very refreshing. WTG folks!
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Valued Member
United States
436 Posts |
What about soaking coins in a olive oil bath?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
If it is baked on dirt, an olive oil bath may work. You can leave it in for months (I think some members here have coins in oil that have been there for years)until the dirt softens and falls off or can be easily removed with a wooden toothpick.
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Replies: 22 / Views: 18,978 |
Posted 03/09/2010 09:00 am
