Electrolysis

It's Ok to clean Roman coins by electrolysis or rather not? Can I damage coin if I clean with electrolysis

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I wouldn't use it on ancients. You will strip any patina and probably ruin the coin.

 

Can I use on silver ancient coin?

 

I've never used this method since it is very destructive. I would think silver is much easier to clean than base metals and there should be no need to "electrocute" silver (or any metal for that matter). Just my opinion.

 

I repeat, don't use it on any ancients. Can't speak for later coins, I don't collect them.

 

Ok thank you for answer I just wonderer why they sell this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELECTROLYSI...287?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43c6e75d3f

 

Because they are trying to make money and they don't give a stuff about ancient coins.

 

Interesting. I bet everyone has 3 or 4 9vt adapters cluttering up a desk or drawer. Attach a couple of .50 cent alligator clips and you're in business. I read an article a few years back in one of my World Coin magazines where this technique was used on "uncleaned" ancients. I never had a reason to what to try it out. I respect volts and amps!

 

I have seen the results of this "electrolysis" method of cleaning and it's not pretty. If you want to remove all the patina and get the coin down to the bare metal, then by all means have at it. But, in my estimation, the patina has a lot to do with the collectability of Ancient coins (not to mention the protective coating afforded by the patina).

 

Electrolysis should only ever be used to clean ancient coins when all other methods have failed. Its the most destructive method, and as such should only be used if there is no other alternative. It will remove the patina and if left too long literally eat the coin away.

 

Only use it on iron objects(axe heads/hinges/ect) before treating w/preservative wax and monitor the process costantly.I've seen some pretty big things dissolve overnight when done wrong!