Another cleaning topic

I read the thread on cleaning under the US coins forum, and there was some good information there, but not exactly what I was hoping to find.

I'm a noob here, but I collect antique guns, and cleaning is a big no-no for them as well. What isn't is removing dirt and grime, especially when it can be harmful to the metallic surfaces if left alone. My question is, how do you SAFELY remove dirt and grime from a coins surface without damaging or compromising the integrity of the metal below.

I just picked up a large number of coins which were stored in the blue whitman albums for 40-50 years. Several had been taped, as was mentioned in the other thread, and others just have accumulated crud on the over the years. Here is an example.





I also am a relic hunter. As with coins, cleaning can destroy if done improperly, or can save what would otherwise deteriorate. Here is a Civil War button I found, before and after cleaning. The differences are pretty clear on which was the way to go.





On the button, I soaked it in warm peroxide until most of the gunk floated free, then gently picked out the remaing crud with a toothpick. Afterwards, I gave it a very light coating of Renaissance wax.

I'm wondering if this method would work on coins as well, but would rather have some input before trying it out.

 

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Experiment with low value coins. You won't hurt the Walker in your post because it will always be worth bullion value.

 

By the way, nice work on the button. Where did you dig it ?

 

The button was dug in Stafford County Virginia. Just across the Rappahannock river from the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Wilderness battlefields.

 

GDJMSP,

I think you lost me there when you said this coin has already been cleaned. It may have been, but I'm not sure what you are seeing that I am not.

The coins I picked up (and there were over 2,000 of them) were from a guy that ran a bar back in the 60's and 70's. They were mostly taken straight from circulation, but he would offer "specials" such as an Indian Head penny or Large Cent would get you a beer. The beers were $.15 at the time. Most of the rest were just change in the cash drawer.

Thanks for the assist !

 

I agree.

If you wish to STOP damage it seems to be one process.

Then there is "Remove" damage. (Can't be done that I know of)

Prevent damage. Regret damage. Hide damage.

Inflict no damage.

Accept damage & admire/appreciate the aging process and the history it reveals.

Your own old gun metal experience should permit you to teach many here, so share damage types please.

Looks like your experience is significant already AND you intend to treat the subject with respect.

And you provide great photos!

 

GDJMSP,

Wouldn't typical circulation wear also account for that type of discoloration as well ?
Below are two coins that I recovered metal detecting. The capped bust dime was recovered from a Civil War site, and was likely in the ground since 1862, the SLQ was recovered from a 200 year old homesite which is still occupied, so there is no way to tell when it was lost, but most likely pre-1964. Both of these were placed in a dish (individually) and warm water run lightly over them just to remove the attached dirt. No chemicals, soaps, cleaners etc. of any type were used. Both were recovered in 2009.





The capped bust obviously shows some discoloration, which would be expected after 140 years in the ground, but the SLQ shows (to me anyway) much of the same coloration as the Walking Liberty in the first post. I'm not trying to disagree with your assesment, but more understand how the conclusions are reached. I'm pretty sure the previous owner did not "clean" them, but that certainly doesn't mean it was never cleaned. His coins ranged in all conditions. Some were near black, others show what appears to me to be original luster. I'm certainly no expert though, and willing to listen and learn.

DoK U Mint,

I've seen some absolute disasters when it comes to people "cleaning up" old guns.

The Model 1861 shown here was cleaned up with a wire brush or wheel. If it had been left alone, it would have easily been a $2000-$2500 gun. As it is, I picked it up for $400 and use it as a "shooter" just so folks can say they have actually fired a rifled musket from the Civil War. Also, thanks for the compliment on the pics !

 

If you are just attempting to remove dirt or "crud" asyou referred to it, and not corrosion, I would try carefully with a toothpick moistened if necessary. You have to be so careful with almost all chemical cleaners, I would advise not to attempt soaking them at all. I've experimented soaking some silver coins in jewelry cleaner. They look good to someone who doesn't collect coins, and that's about it.

 

Sweet

SWEET.

 

As a gun collector as well, Never clean anything "EVER"

 

Oh come on~

Please exclude any item you consider usable.

Oh come on~Since it is already ruined I'd like to check it out, hands on. I have access to minie' balls, if it can handle them. They did anti date this item a bit but I've never had a chance to fire a rifled musket myself. Clean is clean. Busted is busted and I'd like to bust a cap on this one.:thumb:

 

If you are in the Northern Virginia area, let me know. I'm guessing your location is Kentucky from the "Bluegrass". I'm right outside of DC.

My main goal on the coins is their preservation, and knowing that "stupid" cleaning will do serious damage, with coins as well as guns, however unchecked conditions will also cause deterioration.

I follow Springfield Armory's advice on caring for my antiques, so here it is for other gun folk.

http://www.nps.gov/spar/historyculture/guncare.htm

 

Yep. Heart of the Bluegrass. Used to live in Bethesda, but I was just passing though.
If I ever get my GPR I hope to head that way some day. If you ever head this way I have access (my brothers) to 600 acres of flintlock range.
Meanwhile keep your powder dry and you coinage pouched:smile

 

I'll have to defer to your experience on that one, but it did get me wondering how much the lighting plays into it, so I took the same two coins, side by side this time, and examined them closely with a loupe. The SLQ shows obvious scratching, which on a gun I would associate with improper cleaning, but that is the one I dug up, so I think it is more abrasion/erosion that cleaning damage. I also took new photos of them with different lighting conditions and backgrounds. Here they are again.

 

Also, many people have a tendency to clean coins they get in change just to see the dates a little better. I've seen many people spit on thier fingers and then rub a coin to see something better. Kids still clean coins to make them shinny. Kids in school also have fun in chem labs trying different methods to clean coins. People attempting to sell cleaning agents and polishing materials tend to use coins as an example of how well thier products work. People find coins on the floor of a bar after closing and they are sort of sticky so they are dumped into something to clean them off.
There are probably millions of reasons coins get cleaned and they do.

 

I appreciate all the responses. There is a lot of good info on the site, and it will take a while to browse it, but so far I'm impressed !