Methods for getting rid of artificial deposits on coins

Hi all
I'm working on a project to restore a few of my coins to their natural condition - and by that I mean "get rid of Athena's and Zurqieh's undeclared artificially applied deposits". I'm not going to do this on my prized Uranius, but I'm keen to start on a couple of lower value pieces.
What is the recommended method? Soak in acetone and then scrape away with some kind of ... scraping implement?
Sorry - completely clueless here.

 

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Try acetone; dab or brush gently with a cotton-tipped swab (or something else that doesn't dissolve in acetone). If acetone doesn't do it, try alcohol.

One of those will probably work. If not, use mineral spirits.

I doubt it will be difficult. Just let the coins soak in the fluid and dab at it in a few minutes or ten minutes or a half hour or whatever interval seems appropriate based on the initial reaction or lack thereof.

 

Thanks TIF. I shall post results. Hopefully my coins are more attractive without the makeup... or I'll find out what the makeup was hiding!

 

From someone who's been there: I think it is better to clean it off but you may go through bit of a mourning period if the devices no longer stand out as well and if less appealing surfaces are revealed.

 

I don't recommend it. I've cleaned away artificial sand patinas only to be left with ugly, pocked, and totally undesirable coins. There's a reason some coins get doctored, whether you agree with the idea or not. Nobody would want them otherwise. I would leave them alone and just be careful in the future, unless you're 100% convinced that you've got a better coin under the fake sand.

 

JA's comment is definitely food for thought.

 

Exactly my thoughts. I fear cleaning the fake patina will leave some horror.

 

I'll just do it with one - a Trebonianus Gallus that is ugly with the fake sand, and is otherwise on my "to be upgraded" list. I've bought some acetone, let's see what happens!

 

I bought this AE2 FH from a well-known desert patina applier, and I did it knowingly. I wanted to see what was under the sand. Which coin would you prefer? Before, after...

 

I know what you mean but I have a slightly different perspective.

Isn't it better to learn to love an ugly coin than learn to live with a fraud? Might as well buy a copy of the coin if you want modern handiwork that looks ancient.

Of course if I was the one cleaning it would be a horror show whether the underlying coin was nice or not

Though I have to admit this makes a pretty convincing case... the sellers name starts with a Z doesn't it?

 

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting it's a good thing. I avoid fake patinas and tooled or smoothed coins altogether. I like it when coins look naturally ancient, even if they're on the worn and rugged side.

But just to play devil's advocate, there are obviously many people who don't think it's a fraud. If you restore a classic car, is it fraudulent to repaint it?

 

I see the point. If all ancients are cleaned anyway then what's the problem with adding a bit back? Definitely a fine line.

My thoughts are in line with yours on the issue though. I'd rather avoid the practice if I can in my own collection.

 

I don't see adding sand as morally repugnant in the way that tooling certainly is.

On the car analogy, I have a classic-ish car (a Z3), that has had some work done. I have lowered the suspension, replaced parts & made a few enhancements to make it "cooler":



But for a motor car, I think this is acceptable. The aesthetic isn't to do with the car being authentically ancient, as it is with coins.

 

If you're happy to take a risk with ending up with an even uglier (but honest) coin, I for one will be keen to see the before and after pics. They will definitely be of educational value to those who own iffy "desert patina" coins. I have a few.

 

I've rebuilt a half dozen or so cars and have always tried to keep them as original as possible. Your Z is a beauty

 

OK have tried soaking Trebonnianus Gallus in acetone for 90 minutes and the stuff still doesn't come off! Is it reasonable to soak him overnight? Or should i move on to alcohol?

 

Smeag, I always find that moving to alcohol is a sound decision!

 

Good point. It's Saturday night after all. I'm starting on the Sav.

 

If the "sand" patina is artificial, you might try just soaking it in distilled water for a couple of days and then hitting it with a toothbrush and a little dish washing liquid.

I assume the coin in question is bronze. If so, you could also go to your local hardware store and pick up a small brass-bristle brush. Brass is softer than bronze, so it won't scratch the metal. It can damage a fragile patina, though, so you can't just use it willy-nilly on any bronze coin, but in your case, the (fake) patina is the problem and the brush should be able to remove it.

 

if you soaked it for 90 minutes in acetone and it did not come off, it might not be artificial. Usually 10-15 minutes will dissolve these fake patinas.