Iron coins

goossen · 10-09-2004, 12:51 PM

Hello all,

I have some iron coins from Germany and they are getting rust. How can i clean them and avoid the rust come back?

**GDJMSP** · 10-09-2004, 02:24 PM

If the coins actually have rust on them - they are already damaged. And while I can suggest a method for removing the rust - it will leave the coins still damaged. The best you can hope for is to prevent further damage. For that reason - this is going to be one of the very few times that I ever tell a person how to clean a coin.

Go to your local hardware store and purchase some naval jelly. It is a pink gelatinous liquid that will remove rust. Using the tip of your finger place a small amount on the coin and gently rub it over the surface until covered. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly and pat dry, do not rub, with a soft cotton cloth. Let the coin air dry to be sure all traces of moisture have evaporated. Then store your iron coins in a good quality holder to prevent the air getting to them. Store them in an area that is as dry as possible with silica packs.

The cleaned coins will likely have visible spots where the rust was removed. But if stored correctly - they will rust no more and further damage will be alleviated.

Good luck.

sylvester · 10-09-2004, 03:51 PM

Rust like verdigris is a catch 22... i'd advise you to remove it. Remove it you'll damage the coin, leave it you get more damage.

Best to move it and stop any further damage as far as possible.

goossen · 10-10-2004, 01:25 PM

Thanks for your answer; can i use any rust remover? I can't find "naval jelly" here in Paraguay.

**GDJMSP** · 10-10-2004, 02:58 PM

Yes you should be able to use what you can find. But because I am unfamiliar with the product you will be using I can't speak for what it will do to the coin. I suggest you treat one coin first - then wait and see if there are any after-effects from the treatment before treating the others. Best of luck

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