How to re-patinate a cleaned ancient bronze coin?

Would it be that, theoretically if the water didn't get physically disturbed, there might be an area of de-ionized water surrounding the coin after reacting with the chlorine ions and the other water would stay where it is and therefore the remaining 1-2 qts be useless? Or would water circulate naturally based on ionization? To become homogeneously ionized progressively as the coin reacts?

Good question, @gsimonel!

I'd assume stirring it regularly would solve this if the former were the case, but would that negate the (lazy) point?

 

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We need a chemist here. How long would it take Brownian motion to evenly distribute the chlorine ions throughout the liquid?

Maybe I should quit whining and just change the water.

 

I agree with TIF and believe more has been done to more coins than we realize. The problem comes when the coloring hides what else was done (tooling).

The link on JAX is fascinating. More than once it points out that the product varies from coin to coin and may involve going too far and require using a Dremel brass brush to start over. I have more problems with using a Dremel tool on a coin than using a chemical darkener.

There was a day when all men had a pocketful of change as part of their financial security. I have known more than one guy with ancient coins mixed in with their pocket change and admit that some did improve from the time spent there. Is it natural circulation if that circulation time includes a 2000 year break? I suspect we are headed to a time when coins will join paintings and sculpture where restoration is accepted and expected as long as it is done well. Those of us who have a problem with this will be passing away losing our say in the matter. I do know that a couple coins I have owned for over 50 years are darker now than they were when I got them. They have cycled through various trays/holders/flips/envelopes not to mention filthy fingers. Natural? I say yes.