Help !! Rust on coin

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by Wizank, Feb 24, 2022.

  1. Wizank

    Wizank Well-Known Member

    Please, wise advice on how to remove rust. 1918 iron coin. IMG_6615.JPG IMG_6616.JPG
     
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  3. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    Perhaps you could go to Google on your computer. Type in: "How to chemically remove rust from Iron."

    Thank me very much. :D
     
  4. Wizank

    Wizank Well-Known Member

    Nice, thanks.
     
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  5. derkerlegand

    derkerlegand Well-Known Member

    I would recommend this, but it may harm the coin?

    naval.jpg
     
  6. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    Or WD 40 ...but i recommend olive oil soft cotton wipe...most probably the damage has been already done.
     
  7. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    I guess the real question is "how can you remove rust from an iron coin without damaging the coin's surface", and the answer is most likely "you can't" -- rust is going to leave damage where it's consumed the iron.

    I did get a jug of something from Lowe's that was a non-acid rust remover. In fact, I think it was prompted by a discussion here. I'll see if I can find it.

    Edit: it was from Walmart, and the thread is here:

    https://www.cointalk.com/threads/wa...ans-how-to-restore.349463/page-2#post-3832675

    I got the stuff, but then it went over to my father-in-law's, so I haven't yet had a chance to try it out. When I do, I may hit my bicycle first, as it's in much worse shape than any of my coins, rust-wise.
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2022
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  8. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    Then tell us what you did and what you used. Try a soak first.
     
  9. spirityoda

    spirityoda Coin Junky

    That coin is too far gone.
     
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  10. Oldhoopster

    Oldhoopster Member of the ANA since 1982

    The iron in the coin has reacted to form iron oxides (and maybe other iron compounds). Removing the iron oxides will also remove the iron that used to be the surface.

    Not a whole lot you can do to make it better
     
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  11. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    I think any effort to remove the rust will just make matters worse.

    At best, keep the coin in a dry environment, with a packet or two of silicon. That should slow down the oxidation process or stabilize it.
     
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  12. offa the saxon

    offa the saxon Well-Known Member

    Sadly the answer is you can’t
     
  13. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    offa the saxon, posted: "Sadly the answer is you can’t."

    onna the Norman replied: "Bets? Actually, he can remove the rust."
     
  14. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    What is trying to be said is that the iron on the surface is now the rust. The question is " How deep into the surface has the reaction progressed. A small amount might still have significant details and worth the task of trying to remove. Deeper with visible pitting is probably not worth the trouble and expense. The value/rarity of the coin should be the determining factor for time and expense. Jim
     
  15. Theodosius

    Theodosius Fine Style Seeker

    Evaporust works well to remove rust and then stop it from spreading. You may have to soak it overnight. Then I would wash it bake it for a couple hours and rennwax it.

    I use evaporust for car restoration work and it's probably the least destructive way to remove it.
     
  16. mrbadexample

    mrbadexample Well-Known Member

    Electrolysis is an option.

    This was the best I could do with some rusty iron ore:

    Norway 1 ore 1942 (3).jpg

    Edit, I've just checked and actually didn't use electrolysis on this. Vinegar, then Cif, along with a couple of rounds of heating until red hot and then dunking in iced water to shock the corrosion loose. This was the before picture:

    Norway 1 ore 1942 (4).jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2022
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  17. joecoincollect

    joecoincollect Well-Known Member

    Citric acid might be worth a try
     
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