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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Pishpash, post: 2174415, member: 71514&quot;]Hi Ace</p><p><br /></p><p>Ancient coins need to be soaked.&nbsp; I used distilled water or de-mineralised water (top up water for the car battery).&nbsp; Some people use olive oil but that can darken the coin if left a long time.</p><p><br /></p><p>Put the coins in a tub and add the distilled water.&nbsp; Leave them a few days, change the water if it becomes cloudy.&nbsp; The idea is that the minerals in the crud will leech into the water and make it easier for said crud to be removed.</p><p><br /></p><p>Every coin is different, the crud is different (unless they came from the same hoard).&nbsp; It has been there around 1700 years and in most cases, will not give up the fight easily.</p><p><br /></p><p>Get yourself a cheap toothbrush, reduce the bristles by half.&nbsp; Soak and brush, soak and brush, and keep going.&nbsp; It can take a couple of hours to many months to get rid of the crud.</p><p><br /></p><p>You can use bamboo to pick at the coin.&nbsp; You do not want to get down to the bare metal.&nbsp; Ancients have a patina that is desired by collectors.</p><p><br /></p><p>When you have progressed in your cleaning and got a bit of experience under your belt, you can move on to sharper implements.&nbsp; I use a scalpel.&nbsp; But you have to learn to run before you can walk.</p><p><br /></p><p>Please DO NOT try electrolysis.&nbsp; You will ruin the coin.&nbsp; Take before and after photos and post here!</p><p><br /></p><p>Any questions, please shout <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie8" alt=":D" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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