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<p>[QUOTE="Silverlock, post: 7911397, member: 98181"]An ultrasonic cleaner will remove any lose deposits, but so often will a good soak in distilled water and a gentle brushing. </p><p><br /></p><p>Olive oil is mildly acidic, so it will dissolve the surface of the coin and maybe some of what is on it. Because it is such a weak acid, coins can often be left in olive oil for weeks on end with only minimal changes. Because there can be a range of PH and additives, I agree with Doug and refrain from using it. Many deposits are stable and will not be affected by acids. </p><p><br /></p><p>Alkalis often work on things acids don’t. Bronze disease, for example. Many deposits are stable and will not be affected by alkalis, either. </p><p><br /></p><p>Organic solvents can work, but the heavier ones are strongly carcinogenic so you need to decide how badly you want to clean the coin. MEK is nasty stuff. </p><p><br /></p><p>Electrolysis is entertaining. Wrap a silver coin loosely in aluminum foil and drop it in a basic solution (sodium hydroxide or baking soda) and the tarnish (patina) is reconverted to silver. A rusted piece of iron is even more exciting as it fizzes away, converting the rust back into iron. </p><p><br /></p><p>Sometimes the only way to make progress is mechanically. A microscope and appropriate picks can do wonders in the right (read: not my) hands. </p><p><br /></p><p>Here are a few things I’ve learned from messing around trying to save coins:</p><p><br /></p><p>1) If it improves at all consider it a win. Stop. </p><p><br /></p><p>2) Don’t expect miracles. Remember what you started with</p><p><br /></p><p>3) Know when to stop. I’ve worsened more coins trying to make them a little bit better. </p><p><br /></p><p>4) Virtually every coin you buy from a reputable dealer has been prepped by someone who knows more than we do on the subject. A good rule of thumb is to leave those alone. </p><p><br /></p><p>5) Uncleaned coins are sold uncleaned for a reason.</p><p><br /></p><p>Most of all, have fun.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Silverlock, post: 7911397, member: 98181"]An ultrasonic cleaner will remove any lose deposits, but so often will a good soak in distilled water and a gentle brushing. Olive oil is mildly acidic, so it will dissolve the surface of the coin and maybe some of what is on it. Because it is such a weak acid, coins can often be left in olive oil for weeks on end with only minimal changes. Because there can be a range of PH and additives, I agree with Doug and refrain from using it. Many deposits are stable and will not be affected by acids. Alkalis often work on things acids don’t. Bronze disease, for example. Many deposits are stable and will not be affected by alkalis, either. Organic solvents can work, but the heavier ones are strongly carcinogenic so you need to decide how badly you want to clean the coin. MEK is nasty stuff. Electrolysis is entertaining. Wrap a silver coin loosely in aluminum foil and drop it in a basic solution (sodium hydroxide or baking soda) and the tarnish (patina) is reconverted to silver. A rusted piece of iron is even more exciting as it fizzes away, converting the rust back into iron. Sometimes the only way to make progress is mechanically. A microscope and appropriate picks can do wonders in the right (read: not my) hands. Here are a few things I’ve learned from messing around trying to save coins: 1) If it improves at all consider it a win. Stop. 2) Don’t expect miracles. Remember what you started with 3) Know when to stop. I’ve worsened more coins trying to make them a little bit better. 4) Virtually every coin you buy from a reputable dealer has been prepped by someone who knows more than we do on the subject. A good rule of thumb is to leave those alone. 5) Uncleaned coins are sold uncleaned for a reason. Most of all, have fun.[/QUOTE]
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