Why do you think they applied an artificial patina, it was to cover up a crappy coin. I'm sure if you removed the "paint" from the coins I posted they would be in the same condition.
I was wrong, 2 of the 3 from the same auction did have an applied patina that washed off with just a gentle wash with water.
I thought that there was something off about their coins, and then I found this thread, thank you for confirming my suspicions that the coins were messed with.
I have several coins from them. All have very artificial patina. They probably do some harsh chemical cleaning in bulk, and after that glue on fine sand, also in bulk. But I keep buying from them, some coins are rare (like one Victor posted) and if I can't get a better example it works for me. Definitely not for everyone. My main concern is that this initial harsh chemical treatment will cause some bad reactions (like bronze disease) and artificial patina will mask it until it is too late to treat. So far I didn't see it, but I don't have them for very long.
I’d love to hear from anyone with experience removing artificial patina from bronze coins (as those who have done so above). The coin below looks treated to me, though less heavily than some earlier examples in this thread. Thoughts? Any experience-based speculation on what it might look like if the added patina were removed? Thanks in advance! Clicking on the image should sizably expand it. BTW: I know its attribution. I'm just in need of advice re: its patina.
Soak it in acetone and scrub with something like a toothbrush. Unfortunately, it is probably not going to look so good.
Thank you @Victor_Clark My "Like" of your comment was genuine, and I 'clicked' out of sincere appreciation... but... LOL!... it was saddest "Like" that I can remember clicking in a long time. As Grandpa used to say, "Sometimes the truth hurts. But it's still the truth!"
I don't think you will want to remove darker patina. The reverse doesn't look too bad to me. Maybe a firm bristle tooth brush and warm water would remove the brighter areas on the obverse?
Thank you @David@PCC. I will decide upon its arrival after I get a close-up look under the 'scope. Whatever I end up doing... I'll post the results here.
