Cleaning coins with basic safe electrolysis.

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by mpcusa, Jan 29, 2023.

  1. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

    I came across this video when I was looking for something else and thought I would
    share, this is for information purposes only ! I would not recommend doing this on any valuable coins how ever maybe on something that you dug up in the back yard or
    found on the street it works pretty good :)
     
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  3. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

  4. mrweaseluv

    mrweaseluv Supporter! Supporter

    I refuse to comment as I could only incriminate myself :D
     
    KevinS and Marsden like this.
  5. tibor

    tibor Supporter! Supporter

    Might work on some crusty ancient pieces.
     
    KevinS, Marsden and Evan Saltis like this.
  6. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    It's a cool system. If the coin turns out too dark, you had too much amperage. I had trouble with turning silver dark.
     
    Mr.Q likes this.
  7. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    It is very cool! I think one of those supersonic jewelry cleaners or denture cleaners would yield better results. I've owned a few large cents that have been through electrolysis, but they always seem to be very porous and pick up weird color.
     
  8. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

    This guy knows what he’s doing he’s very
    complete with the process using sea salt
    instead of using table salt.
     
    Mr.Q likes this.
  9. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    It works better if you put your finger in the solution, just kidding. Thanks for sharing.
     
    KevinS, Kentucky and mpcusa like this.
  10. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Toothpaste. :banghead:
     
  11. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

    That’s kinda a weird but it seams to work :)
     
  12. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Seams to work? I wonder........throw the hair dryer into the bathtub.....that makes for interest. (devil)
     
  13. techwriter

    techwriter Well-Known Member

    My granddaughter(6 years old) thinks Dawn and a toothbrush works okay. LOL
     
    Cheech9712 likes this.
  14. numist

    numist Member

    What could possibly go wrong? [​IMG]
     
  15. Hommer

    Hommer Curator of Semi Precious Coinage

    I found this copper cudded '92 D Close AM should I try this on it?
    20230205_073415.jpg
     
  16. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Don't forget your eye protection. And maybe a blast shield.
     
    Hommer likes this.
  17. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    I think most already know this but for those who don't - using electrolysis or any ultrasonic cleaner to clean coins can easily and permanently damage coins.

    Using these methods is not recommended.
     
    BadThad likes this.
  18. BadThad

    BadThad Calibrated for Lincolns

    I agree but there are exceptions. In many cases you have to choose between and unidentifiable slug or a coin of some sort. Traditional chemical methods are slower and often not very effective. No matter what - end result will be a damaged coin but at least you'll have a coin.

    I always figured if I ever tried it I would very tightly control the voltage/current using a proper electronics setup. The reaction is very easy to visually observe and if you gradually bring things down as it progresses, you can minimize the surface damage. If you go very slowly and keep a close eye on things, electrolysis can be very effective on heavily encrusted materials.
     
    -jeffB and masterswimmer like this.
  19. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    And I have no problem with using it in situations like what you describe, for in those situations there's not much you even could do to make things worse. But in other situations I would avoid it.

    In a way electrolysis and sonic cleaning are kind of dipping a coin - a decision has to made. There are times when a coin should be dipped, and other times when a coin should not be dipped - and it's up to you to know the difference.
     
    Spark1951 and BadThad like this.
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