Cleaning question.

I just received an order of 5 unclean coins from a peat bog. I was just wondering how you guys would recommend cleaning them. I've read dirty old coins recommendations, but I would trust your opinions over theirs. Here are the pictures.

This is how they arrived I haven't touched them yet.

As always thanks in advance....now I get to go "play" in the snow while I wait for your priceless advice...

 

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Hmmm mm might want to start off with an acetone soak for a day or so to see if there is any organic junk to get off.

 

Distilled water soak and a soft bristle brush. That's always where I start. It won't harm the coin and will loosen up any dirt, then you can see what you're up against.

 

Agree, but if there is organic residue like tar, the acetone first would help the water.

 

Yup, acetone won't harm them either.

 

Keep us posted

 

Hiya @DorkNerd !

I would spend time looking at them as closely as I could with some magnifying lenses. I would want to know how these coins feel in my hand. They look like they feel not completely dry. I guess they look like they have that same cool moist feel like lead (even if they aren't). Each coin would be photographed by itself. Then it would sit where there is no moisture for a while (at least a week or two) to dry out. Then another close inspection and if there appeared any difference from the first photographs, I would take photographs of each one again. Only at that point, when I could compare the first and second photographs, would I make a decision about what to do next. Maybe a light brushing with a baby toothbrush. But I am sure I would not be introducing these coins to more moisture.

Just my two cents.

 

Ok! I'll run and get supplies now! They are dry, the areas where they are rough feel dry and crusty. I think it's just organic matter that rotted and solidified over a millennia and some change. Thanks guys, I'll try and show you my progress, but it's hard for me not to move right on to the next project right away.

Again, much appreciated!

 

Real quick, pure acetone or should I dilute it in water?

 

Absolutely pure!!!

 

They are soaking now. I'll check them in a little bit!

 

Those should be Identifiable really, good luck and keep up posted.

 

Looking forward to seeing your coins

 

Yeah, one looks like it has two dudes tied up with a banner in the middle. It's amazing how that acetone works. I can see some of the luster showing through.

I will say I did get better defined coins from Noble Roman than compared to D.O.C. I've ordered 15 from D.O.C. and 5 from N.R.C. Granted I'm paying less on D.O.C., but with less assurance that they are quality.

Here they are, the one on top I already started cleaning but it wasn't that much work to get it where it is currently.

 

http://www.romanorum.com/docs/A Method for cleaning ancient coins. Romanorum.com.pdf

 

Nice essay @galba68
Bitter Afterword And a Bitchy Epilogue? Lol....umm.....yeah!!

 

Cleaning "uncleaned" ancients is something everyone should try at least once, but it gets frustrating easily.

 

But I think I did not find 'my' preferred way until I had cleaned about 15 of them in the generally prescribed (but faster) way. One coin is not going to teach anyone much. They are bound to need multiple experiences before either getting good or getting bored or fed up. imho.

 

Naw, I’ll just take your word for it.

 

Ok, @galba68, you are the G.O.A.T. I read your pdf, and after that, I feel well prepared to do this the right way. I took all my coins I already cleaned, and restarted with your process. I'm missing a lot of your tools, but will be upgrading my setup as soon as possible. I currently use Andre tools, and a soft bristle toothbrush. I have jewelers glasses with up to 25x magnification, and a few other things, but nothing compared to what you have. I spend a lot of time killing my back with these glasses. Although with the joy of discovering what I have, and imagining the world around this coin when it last took a breath, that makes it well worth that ache. I also already have the Renaissance wax. I'll be referring to your work often!

Thanks again!!!!