Dremel! I bet you never thought you we see those words in the same sentence. But seriously, it works. I used the felt polishing wheel. These coins were virtually uncleanable. Here's the story...... I had just purchased some uncleaned ancient roman off of eBay, trying something new. (It was only like 5 bucks for a half dozen) I never knew what frustration lay ahead. I did some research online, and decided to try the distilled water on some and olive oil on the other. I left the olive oil solution on top the fridge for about a year and a half. The distilled water i changed about every week or so for about 9 months until i got tired of it and it ended up next to the olive oil container. Anyways after about a year and a half i took them all out and gave them a good scrubbing with my toothbrush (with a different, older, used out head of course!). But nothing happened. It was the same coin 1 and a half years earlier. (Wow i just realized how long this is. I don’t normally do this... I’ll sum it up) So the coins sat on my desk for a little while when i decided what to do with them. I decided to try electrolysis. I got out the power supply and alligator clips. After about 5 minutes on 12 volts, I pulled it out and nothing had changed except the water color. So i left it in for 30 minutes. Still no change. Then an hour. Same results. Eventually i just got frustrated and tried my dremel. I used the felt polishing pad on full blast. It actually worked! If anyone has ever tried clean uncleanable coins you may know what I'm talking about. I may have totally ruined this coin but i dont really care too much i just wanted to see the detail underneath the back goop
Not sure pics are a little light, Its never a good idea to clean a coin though Most people will tell you that!
yeah I've heard it a lot but i bought these uncleaned just to try it out. im about to post some better pictures
here is the link- http://www.flickr.com/photos/45181923@N05/4495433019/in/photostream/ and another -http://www.flickr.com/photos/45181923@N05/4496070352/in/photostream/
I know you're never supposed to clean a coin, but I think there is an exception to the rule for ancient and shipwreck coins, as that is the only way that you're able to get to the surface of the coin...besides after 2,000 or so years or a couple hundred years of being exposed to mother nature, the original, pristine surface has long since been gone. -LTB
