Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Drusus, post: 163489, member: 6370&quot;]I agree, I am not saying soak it for a long time either...the fact of the matter is that old coins gather actual dirt. I soaked a pile of dirty mercury dimes in distilled water and when I pulled them out the dirt was cut but the toning was unchanged and they look so good, they were in great shape...I think I soaked them for several hours....twice...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I have never soaked a coin and had any effect of the surface, now water and electricity I dont would even use for an ancient (but it sure as hell will take off everything to the metal) unless you like your coins showing a few thousand years worth of pitting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I am willing to admit that if it can be avoid to never clean a coin...but I dont recommend leaving dirt on it either...if the coin is circulated already and has dirt on it, a soak in distilled water will help it without doubt but again this is just my own experience and I DO examine the surfaces of my coins as I take macro photos of them and can see every little scratch and tiny poke.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If the coin has been in circulation or contact with soil you are probably doing a good thing by removing the grime. As it has been said though, to each his own but I can assure you there is no possible way of telling it a coin has been soaked for a bit in pure distilled water....to each his own but I think it over kill to say that distilled water soak for a dirty old coin is going to lower the value...[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in