I came into about 200 Roman Bronze coins and they are a mess. Some are covered in white, tan or thick dirt and crud. The attached photos show one of the best ones in the lot. It’s missing about 20% of the coin and there is a crack between 2 & 3 o’clock on the obverse. 1) I have no idea what this Coin is, where it’s from, who’s on it or anything else about it. if you can identify it please do so. 2) What would be the safest and best way to try and clean the thick dark crud off of the coins? 3) Any way of cleaning the white or tan off of the coin so you can see what the coin is? I’m not sure what the white is, but the tan looks like sand. It does not scratch off with the fingernail. Thank you to all those who offer information on answering these questions.
I have dealt with very dirty and encrusted bulk ancients in the past. Doing a soak in distilled water for a few days and using a soft toothbrush and/or toothpick to gently remove the residue is a good first option, IMHO. After that, a long term olive oil soak is what I would do. Could take weeks to months and periodic monitoring. Have fun!
I've cleaned a bunch like that in the past. as NPCoin said, distilled water to start then oil.. alot of ppl use olive as it's mildly acidic but I find mineral oil seems to work better.
I like to identify my coins in my lifetime. I use a combination of mechanical and chemical cleaning. The coins in the photos here have been placed in a solution of Vinegar and 40 Vol Peroxide. Notice the bubbles that start forming immediately from the surface. The coins must be monitored closely or they may "burn". Removed them and rinse in water regularly. I have several hundred very nice coins that started as uncleaned.
If they look like that, they are done. When I have coins in that condition, I toss them in my cull jar.
I think the cull collection is more suited to some. If you truly want to know what you have it needs to be taken one more step. You may not be able to finish with a museum piece, but you can finish with a recognizable coin. I certainly agree that there are some that are "done". If they are classified as culls then what is the risk of being a little more aggressive with them?
My point is that you can get better uncleaned coins. In fact, I would not even call these uncleaned...they are coins that I am sure have been sorted through and discarded as junkers. If someone is selling you broken coins and not being honest about the condition, then they are also ripping you off...but that is just my opinion. I have been buying uncleaned coins for decades, so I also have an informed opinion. here is my 11 pounds of culls--
It's Constantius II with a SPES REIPVBLICE (Emperor holding globe and spear) reverse from the mint of Lugdunum (modern Lyon)
Thanks Victor, I value your opinion. I don't have 11 pounds of culls, but I do have a bunch. And, like you, I buy better quality uncleaned coins from a dealer I know and have a good track record with. My thought was related to the fact that CN wanted to know what he has.
