Found a few more before photos. I do see how some of the nicks seem to be stronger, but my before photos were blurry so I am not sure- this is for Idhair. For phil Ham- I am not done with the 1909 S. I will repost in a few months. RLM- I don't know about steam. Someone should do a Jim style experiment and show us. I don't have a steam machine. I am not the best at photos. I should use a ruler and keep a standard distance. I get better. I think I will attach a string to my camera to stay consistent. Charmy's response sums up how I feel about cleaning. I'd rather not call this cleaning, but conservation. Call it what you will though. I don't like grime on my coins. I am much happy with my coins after this treatment for those who need it. I am much happy about my 1909 S. When I am totally done and it regrades I will restart that post. I don't know if I will send this one in or not. They do get pricey at MS and above. First 2 photos before Second 2 are after
If you read between my lines, what I am saying is that I see no advantages and some possible disadvantages for using steam from a cleaning aspect. Its only advantages I know of are that there apparently is already a machine to do it and pressure is easily attained.
This after image is what made me form my opinion. To me it's just not a natural look. It's too clean. The color is not too bad but it has no skin left.