Victoria Copper "cleaning" experiment

Decided to try and spruce up a couple decent copper Vickies. The photos at the top of each array are the after and the bottom are the before. Let me know what you think. Input on grade would be appreciated too. I'll reveal my methods after a bit of discussion knowing full well that any and all methods of cleaning are controversial.

 

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Looks like you had some moderate success. I look forward to your methods and other comments.

 

I think you goofed on your obverse pictures....

You show the same obverse twice as the after, but no before of it.

And the other obverse you show the before and after, but the first one (bottom left) is the before, and the second one (bottom left) is the after.

 

Thanks...I think I fixed it.

 

Ah, yes, that makes a lot more sense. I was really confused for a minute.

And, your after results show some pretty good improvement. Looks like they could still use a bit more attention, however.

 

Looking forward to your reveal of the methods. I can see the improvement.

 

Copper is problematic, particularly the older brown coins. Oils are pretty commonly used, but, except for good ole' water, most fluids are not too good (except VerdiCare of course)

 

I like light oils, peanut, olive, etc.... soak for weeks, months...

 

Got any before/afters? I haven't had much luck in the oil soak department.

 

Soaking in various oils is common for ancients to remove corrosion. The oils also seem to condition the copper and protect it till they evaporate.

 

Good morning. Thanks for the feedback on the coins. The method I used was warm water, dish soap and a sonicare ultrasonic toothbrush. I didn’t scrub with the brush but instead just held it over the cruddy areas and let the vibration do its thing. I would never consider such torture to an MS or a silver coin because of the possibility of hairlines, but with the old copper, it seemed not to damage the surfaces. The micro vibrations did a pretty good job of blasting away some gunk. I treated each piece for only about 30 seconds, so presumably, longer would remove even more. I might experiment with oils as well.
Happy New Year’s Eve eve!

 

Can you take some close ups? I'd like to see how hairlined the coin is.

 

Here are some close-ups...as best as I can muster.

 

I'm not saying hairlines aren't there, I'm just saying I don't see them. @desertgem I have seen a video where the EAC president claimed you could use a light brush on a coin and still pass straight grade. I'm I'm curious whether you see hairlines here?

 

Where can Verdi-Care be bought online? I have searched but found no dealer who carries it and has it in stock. There are no local coin dealers in my area.

 

Here, you can at least be notified of new stock: https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/verdi-care.html

Otherwise, @BadThad any help?

 

I've been on their "notify me" list for over a year, haven't seen any sign of it ever being in stock.

 

I haven't been on their list that long, but I am on the list.