Cleaning coins with a sonic jewelry cleaner.

How soft the basket is, is not going to help. Anything that touches the surfaces of the coin will create rub/wear on the high points. Try it. Take a fresh coin with no wear and lay it in the basket and turn the cleaner on. I don't believe the rims will protect all of the devices. Maybe with some coins with strong rims, it's possible.

 

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GOOD INFORMATIVE POST!! It should also be noted that there are ultrasonic cleaners for jewelry and those used for cleaning metal parts, such as small engine carburetors. A significant difference in performance/cost.

In the hands of a knowledgeable individual with proper procedure/solvent, very effective!

Words to the uneducated, conservation should be left to those properly trained, such as NCS. Materials/timing are critical.

JMHO

 

Not directly on topic, but I bought a small parts cleaner from a NASA surplus auction years ago that I've never really used other than to plug it in and test it - it's heavy green metal with glass jars that cavitate. It appears to be 60s / 70s vintage. I wish I had a good use for it. Sometimes we buy things because they are cool in the heat of the moment.

 

Sounds like you have another hobby you are unaware of.

 

"Who knew ultrasonic cleaning could be so complicated" Particularly on older coins that do have some toning/corrosion. It is my understanding that the ultrasonic causes cavitation, and if that cavitation occurs under anything, it can cause it to break off or crack.

 

Unless it’s Roman in which case yes please do

 

How about Greek...

 

And if you have to ask if it's OK to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean coins, you don't know what you're doing.

That said, putting a couple bullion value 90% silver or FV cents and nickels in one and experimenting, observing what happens is a good thing to try.

 

We all love experiments...but learn more from the failed ones.