Your Thoughts on This 1908 IH

Finally got an answer about how to remove the solder residue (shiny silver solder film) from a copper coin!

Answer: "If you don't mind a shine, scotch brite pads or steel wool. It is common to do with copper pipe, if you have a vise and a small torch or something, while it is hot, wipe it off with steel wool. Even possibly a tougher cotton."

Hummm, anyone here want to destroy some cheap copper cents? Run little coins, run!

 

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Um, you know Verdi-Care has nothing whatsoever to do with removing "crud," right? It's for verdigris control.

Only if they want to piss off knowledgeable numismatists. Why are you doing this?

 

Thanks for the info...then I just wasted $$$ on it due to raves from a bunch of posters (I see you were not one of them - good!) on this thread who swear by it. Remember the original OP showed a green coin! Anyway, so far VC MAY become a final preservative treatment UNTIL I use it all up.

Want 100% verdigris control...store your coins properly BUT THAT'S another topic.

Insider said: ↑
There are several "orange" based industrial solvents that you guys may wish to experiment with.

Why am I doing what? Weren't you the fellow who wanted to experiment on an IHC. The best way to gain knowledge is to learn from informed individuals. Then test what they have taught you to see if they know what they are talking about. Then, take what you learned and experiment. I've gone way past many of my teachers in Numismatics by doing this. Someone who worked at NCS told me that Fridays were to be reserved to test new methods/chemicals on "junk" coins. Why did they do that?

I like to clean coins. I'll guarantee you'll never see my work unless you get lucky and call everything you see "Cleaned" like many members here do. A long time ago, I thought any coin with hairlines had been cleaned. I have since learned that is not the case. Random hairlines, no matter how many, usually result from circulation.

I want to read everything others post about things I am interested in here (including the BS that makes me laugh). I also wish to pass on "tips" without getting too specific in some cases. Ever hear of a degreaser vat? I know a collector who built one for his conservation chores. Blows care, MS-70 and VC away!

Disclaimer: If any of you decide to play with chemicals at home, do it in a well ventilated area and wear safety glasses.

 

With all due respect, man, if you're recommending orange- and petroleum-based cleaners, your knowledge of the process is not as deep as you think it is.

 

You have us rolling all over the lab w/tears of laughter. I love you man!

 

So quit laughing and learn how to do most of this this stuff with plain water and noninvasive procedures, like I can. Until then, you are an amateur.

 

Please quit... We have work to do and AMATEURS like myself NEVER USE PLAIN WATER ON A COIN That sound we hear (copper coins running away) now includes SILVER DOLLARS . Please keep it coming

 

I can't help it if a Dremel will do for me when you can't wield anything simpler than a jackhammer.

It's actually hard to comprehend that you're arguing against water as a conservation tool when you're willing to employ complex hydrocarbons. For those reading, please look at what he's saying, and what I'm saying, and apply common sense.

Here's a fact (nothing you'd know about): water at 200 degrees is more effective than any chemical cleaner for simple crud. Heck, water at 10 degrees is more effective than any chemical cleaner.

And insider, if you've "gone to work," why do you still have the time to follow me around quoting my posts? And if you lack the time to address the realities I'm trying to force on you, where are you getting the time to respond to me with no content at all?

 

Contact me if desperate.

JPL

johnmenc@optonline.net

 

SuperDave - He's baiting you. Don't waste your time. To anyone who is honestly looking for help, Don't follow insiders advice. Number 1 - Don't clean coins. Period! There are exceptions, but this is a good basic rule. Number 2 - Never use an orange oil or petroleum-based product on a coin you care about.

I think insider is joking around. He hasn't stopped to think about the damage he could cause with such reckless (and UN-FUNNY) posts. Jack

 

Uh...are we mixing temperature systems here? 200 degrees C is steam and 10 degrees F is ice! However I get your sentiments.

 

Petroleum based product??? How about Xylene?

 

You are right about Xylene Kentucky, and I am corrected. My fear was that someone, new to the hobby might use gasoline, or turpentine, or some other such harsh solvent as a cleaner. I've never used Xylene but I know many folks who recommend it. The scope of my experience has been only distilled water, hydrogen peroxide and as a final resort, acetone. Afterwards, a quick application of Verdi-Care and I feel as though I've met my obligation to conserve. Jack

 

The interaction between freezing/heating water and the coin in that water will pull almost every type of crud off a coin eventually due to the coin and crud expanding and contracting at different rates. You don't need chemicals in 90% of cases.

Xylene and acetone are fine; it's when you start combining random ingredients that you run into the chance of unexpected outcomes due to not knowing the specific chemical nature of what you're removing.

Rule 1 of conservation vs. cleaning is always use the simplest materials possible. Rule #2 is never be in a hurry. Time is your ally, because water is patient.

 

double post .

 

Dave , even though what he is proposing won't work . His method of experimenting with various chemicals will help him learn . It will help him learn what and won't work but perhaps just as important it will show him what certain chemicals will make a coin look like . Like using a dip on copper will turn a coin a pinkish hue . As long as he only uses common coins I'd recommend this to all newbies . JMHO

 

We certainly don't want newcomers reading this, and ruining their coins. I am a firm believer in distilled water, then acetone. Xylene was very useful but alas it is no longer available in California.

 

Jack- What is your distilled water method?

 

Since hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent, I would hesitate to use it on coins.