In order to complete my “Eyes to Heaven” trio I purchased this DAFNE reverse type knowing that it had some deposits. The coin is nearly uniform black but the deposits are a lighter color. In your opinion is it possible to remove these safely? I may start with a distilled water soak to see if they soften but would like other opinions about what to try or if I should even bother.
Soak in distilled water and then lightly remove the deposits with a toothpick. It may take several sessions. However, sometimes soaking will bring other imbedded material to the surface. Then you have more cleaning to do. And you risk weakening the bond between the details and the body. The metallurgy back then was not great. I say leave it alone.
I think the coin looks fine the way it is. If you wanted a deposit free example, you should have paid up.
Yep, I have been on the lookout. I have searches setup on Numisbids and Vcoins. A perfect EF showed up in ‘21 or ‘22. I put in my max bid and it was blown out of the water. Someone got a really nice coin. RIC rates some of these as rare. It may be that there’s not enough interest for more to show up at auction rather than true rarity. There’s a nice one on vcoins but that seller isn't getting money from me.
A fun coin! I’d try a gentle dry brushing with a cut down toothbrush, then leave it alone. Here’s mine that I got extremely lucky to snag for $38 all in.