Composition sulphuric acid 1-5% Thiourea (thiocarbamide) 3-7% Seems like the sulfuric acid would strip the rust if nothing else. I still think you should try some lemon juice.
That's one brand but there are quite a few others as well. They are all similar in nature (composition) but differ in strength, some a lot, others not so much. Or, if ya know chemicals well enough, you can even make your own from scratch. And they can all either be used full strength or diluted to varying degrees. It should be noted that coin dip, when used correctly, works like a charm - it almost seems like magic at times. But, when used incorrectly it can literally destroy a coin. So you absolutely must know what you're doing when you use it ! It should also be noted that using coin is always a crap shoot, because ya never know what you're gonna find underneath whatever it is you're taking off the coin. And, it should also be noted that some coins are candidates for dipping and others are not candidates for dipping. And it is incumbent on you to know which is which !
I'm glad to know what coin dip actually is. And as far as knowing when to use it, I don't. But I think a visit to my friendly neighborhood coin dealer can h me with that.
Some can, some can't. But only one way to find out But ya also have to remember that you have to KNOW how to use coin dip correctly ! You have to know how long to dip a given coin, and sometimes more than 1 second is too long, depending on the specific coin and what the issue is, and the specific dip. Then you also have to know how to rinse it properly, and how to neutralize the dip properly. It really is a complicated process, and there really is a lot to know before you ever try it. Your dealer might be able to teach you all of this, assuming of course that he knows how himself.
Truer than true! I think someone (maybe you?) should write a book about proper cleaning methods. It would help a lot of people.
I truly appreciate the kind words, really I do. But oh good lord - bite your tongue - no more books for me - too much dang work
Okay, if that's the way you feel about it, guess I'll just have to watch a few YouTube videos! Which I've done, btw. Interesting stuff there. Everything from don't clean advice to how to clean properly to some idiot putting a bunch of coins in a tub and pouring toilet bowl cleaner in it and shaking everything up to clean them. The best advice I did get was if the look of a coin didn't match the amount of wear, then the coin was likely cleaned.
Or, you can do it the easy way and toss the coins in the vibrator/tumbler with your range brass. (New people reading this....that was only a joke).
5 days of distilled water (or is it 6 now?) and I'm seeing diminishing returns from additional soaking:
Starting another coin with lemon juice. 1 cap full to 1/2 cup of distilled water. Here are the before pics: And after 10 minutes:
George I do believe you're having quite a bit of fun with these experiments of yours, and learning at the same time. So by all means keep it up But hey, don't forget the ketchup and taco sauce methods as they were both always among the favorites of home remedies for cleaning coins
In other words, vinegar and salt? No, thanks. (Although, depending on how much onion and garlic goes into the mix, I suppose they could contribute sulfur too...)
I realize you were being facetious with your 2nd paragraph. There. Can't be too careful around here, though, you never know when kids might be eavesdropping...
3 hours of lemon infused distilled water shows continued signs of improvement. I changed the water for the 2nd 90 minutes: