cleaning ancients

Does it devalue all ancient coins to clean the surface so you can see/read the obverse and reverse, such as using distilled water a toothbrush and then a wax preserver (not removing the patina, just the dirt)? Any tips/suggestions

 

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Waxing IMO will lower that value, cleaning (not over cleaning) is shouldnt mess with the value except that leaving some dirt on can increase the value in some cases

 

Cleaning is a must in order to ID many of these. Especially when you are dealing with, what I call "rocks." Randy, get any new treasures ??? I am still waiting for my AP from Germany.

 

Thanks guys

 

definitely take your time something I wasnt able too XD

 

On a similar note, if you're buying British uncleaned coins, and the seller notes that the patinas are rather fragile, they're not kidding. Never thought I'd make something a slug with a toothbrush

 

bringing back an old topic. As for the preservers, most articles ive read on cleaning the uncleaned ancients mention some sort of preserver for the final step. Is this definitely a no?.. Thankyou

 

Renwax is commonly used since it is reversible, can bring a glossy sheen to the coin, and can act as a moisture barrier.

Cleaning ancients will mostly increase their value if they need it. Just use tool softer than the metal you are cleaning.

Chris

 

I consider Randy's Constantius II above an example of a coin that needs cleaning. It is attractive as it is but the dirt obscures the mintmark and looks like it might yield to cleaning. I like coins with legend that can be read so I'd risk ruining the coin to see the mintmark. Others are less curious.

 

In the case of the one I posted, I think that this had already been attempted, which could explain the darker area. I think they did the right thing not cleaning it more.

 

or even my thumb, they are the only coins I dont mind waxing.

 

Do you have photos of 'British uncleaned' that show the situation?

 

I had decent luck with "sand patinas" using a brush to brush off the highpoints of additional design features. Dry brush the area to expose more detail. Doesn't always work, but it did in many cases.

 

Not sure the origin of mine, but heres one that definitly has a fragile patina. Just a rinse in water and light rubbing did that. Its one of the ones I waxed.

 

when you say brush, what kind of brush do you use (toothbrush?). Also can anyone post a picture of a coin pre and post cleaned or at least post cleaning from an average lot of uncleaned coins purchased from somewhere like ebay. Thanks

 

I use a denture toothbrush, and either use them new or when used cut the bristles down. You want as firm of bristles as possible. I also make my own tools with pieces of brass hammered into shape, since brass is softer than bronze.

 

Thanks for the tip.
does anyone have an after pic of the average uncleaned coin from an ebay lot

 

I have had some luck with scraps of solid copper wire which is softer than brass and is available in various diameters. If you have ever had any wiring done you may have a lifetime supply thrown under the house in pieces too small to use for anything but coin cleaning.

I don't think you want to see a photo of an average coin from an eBay lot. You might want to start with the best grade available and work down if you find them too nice for your tastes.

 

It depends on who is doing the cleaning, and why...not to mention the result. Many of these coins are found in archeological sites or in the ground. They are going to be cleaned my scientist and numismatist of they have no value...they'd be crusted over rocks.

 

is it ok to use some sort of chemical. Does anyone do this?