Dear all what is the best way to clean a thousand of ancient bronze coins most of them are roman coins from desert area. Since it is not worth to clean each coin separately I want something, material, method tested before and got a good result. Also, I want the process: Step by step if you can
I found that the easiest and 'safest' way is to simply boil quite a few in distilled water and use a rough cloth to dry and 'clean' them...and then if you can tell the condition (high-grade or 'slugs') make a decision to use a hard nylon brush or soft wire brush carefully on them after boiling once again....and then let them soak for a long while and then cloth dry/clean them once again... Of course, there are numerous ways to clean them, but most require a one at a time process (electrolysis) and many people think less is more when it comes to cleaning even ancient coins...You don't want to remove significant metal layers and you probably want to retain some evidence of centuries of ageing--let alone that terrific varied patina all coins accumulate, especially non=precious metal types..
Mikey, I doubt many people on this board will agree with you on electrolysis. Orientation2015, you might want to do a search for "electrolysis" on this and other forums. It is generally not recommended. Similarly, there is a ton of information about cleaning coins on this forum and on Forvm.
I agree with you TIF, I merely mentioned 'Electrolysis' as a method that is available and even 'recommended' by sellers of uncleaned coins on e-bay. Personally, I don't like the idea of it and thought 'Members' might want to comment before anyone tries it and ruins their coins, since they may luckily discover some very nice examples which can be attributed and have actual value...although, these days--unlike the '90's when I first entered Ancient Coin collecting and purchased many 'uncleaned coins---the overall quality seems significantly lower than 'back in the day'...
i used to clean coins, and had some degree of luck with this basic technique. 1. initial soak for 12hr- day in water with a tad bit o dish detergent. set out in sun and swirl around every now and then. 2. pick at them with a toothpick or needle (careful) and toothbrush 3. back to soaking, plain distilled water. 4.repeat 2-3 as often as you want, every day...every week...whatever, until your happy. 5. bake the coins to dry, 20 minutes 200 F (or sit them out on in full daylight in the summer to bake. 6. apply some wax if that something you're into (optional) oh, and welcome orientation!
Welcome O2015, 1st. if these are a desert patina you don't want to get them wet.you would just use a brush on them.are they sandy or red in color. these tend to be highly sot after. 2nd. if they are just dirty, use a large plastic tub,put coins in and fill with distilled water. hand mix every day. drain at the end of the week, repeat till you can pull out coins you like. 3rd. if the ones you like are still dirty put those in a smaller tub add olive oil, soak a few days and brush with soft brush. This whole lot may take a YEAR to clean, don't give up, when dealing with that many coins, it will take time. Pictures would help!
good point eng, sometimes you don't want to clean "uncleaned" coins. post pictures here before you do anything!
Thanks Mikey Zee, TIF and all of you for the great information you gave to me. I am still new in this issue. I have a multiple of items I want to ask about and I am very proud to know all of you.
Thanks ENG for the great information. The issue I dont have time to do that and wait all that time since I am detecting also in the same time
We will know better once we have seen a sample of the coins. If you don't have the time to clean them properly, you may want to consider selling them as "uncleaned". What country are you from, if you don't mind me asking?
If these are in fact unsorted uncleaned coins, the first step is to sort them into groups that should be treated together as a mass setting aside coins that deserve careful one on one handling. I recently bought for $5 a coin I would have paid $100 for had its previous owned not electrocuted it ruining its surfaces. If you are in a hurry and will be satisfied with a bunch of coins worth less than a dollar because it is not worth your while to be sure there is nothing worthwhile included, full speed ahead! I do agree with those who suggest the sample photos as a great idea.
