To Cean or Not to Clean, That Is The Question

I recently received this year 3 Alexandrian tetradrachm of Vespasian.



If it was yours, would you clean it further or leave it be? In my limited experience billion silver is a tricky metal to clean.

 

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The question I see is whether you consider the coin 'as is' welcome in your collection or whether you would risk it in the hope of removing the black even if that added a porous surface and made the EI on the reverse left hard to read. Since the black is pretty much restricted to the recesses, I'm not sure it would be worth the risk but it is the kind of coin that I probably would dip in lemon juice and probably would regret having done so. If the coin were rare and important, I'd leave it alone. If you consider it just another piece of billon, what is to lose?

 

If you opt to use an acid it may be prudent to let it soak in a base solution afterwards, then in distilled water.

 

It's your coin. If you like it the way it is, leave it be.

 

If it was mine, I'd leave it be. It's a strong coin with good detail, and the dirt lies mostly in the fields, highlighting the devices. It looks ancient, and in my book, that adds eye-appeal.

 

I'm with JA. I'd leave it alone... I like how it looks.

 

Considering there is so much of it, I would leave it be. The only thing I would worry is Bronze Disease. Is that it forming around the top of Vespasian's head?

 

It doesn't appear to be. It looks just to be green surface deposits. The dealer's picture is at least eight years old and the coin today is exactly as it appears in the photo.

 

I'd leave the coin alone as well---the 'dirt' just enhances the coin and adds to the natural contrast...and the ancient appearance.

 

Yes...use a wire brush (med bristles) and H2SO4. DOH!

 

Let me ask this...why would you want to or consider cleaning it?

 

All ancient coins are cleaned. It's just a matter of personal taste as to how much they get cleaned.

 

Basically I was asking for other opinions, and I suppose, to reaffirm my inclination to leave it as is.

 

Unless the surface deposits were actively degrading the coin I would leave it as is.

I mean, no matter what, you can only do so much to pretty up Vespasian's mug anyway.

 

LOL! Funny you should mention the portrait - it's really the reason why I decided to buy it.

 

I did not know that...I thought the NEVER clean applied to all coins...thanks.

 

I'd leave it alone. The dark discoloration is in spots that help, not hurt, its visibility. I think if you "clean" it you will regret it.

 

Waste a few dollars and order some "uncleaned" ancients!

 

When in doubt about cleaning, don't do it! I've ruined some really nice coins when I didn't follow this rule.

 

It seems the overall consensus is to leave it as is, which seems sound to me. Thank you all for the advice, opinions, etc ...