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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;kaparthy, post: 998027, member: 57463&quot;]There are known and acceptable methods for cleaning ancients.&nbsp; In order to know what to recommend, we have to see the coins now.&nbsp; Generally, you want to do as little as necessary to the coin.&nbsp; If it has dirt soil earth ground in it, then dish soap and warm water are fine to remove that.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>NEVER EVER scrub a coin.&nbsp; (See exceptions below.)&nbsp; Abrasion removes the surface and the surface cannot be put back.&nbsp; Pat it dry, do not rub it dry.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Stealer is wrong: do not &quot;dip&quot; an ancient coin.&nbsp; Jeweler&#039;s dip is an acid.&nbsp; Americans use it to remove sulphur toning from their Mint State coins.&nbsp; It is not appropriate for ancients.&nbsp; First of all, the metals, while nominally &quot;silver&quot; are different.&nbsp; Ancient silver crystalizes.&nbsp; Ancient silver was struck hot, not cold like modern silver.&nbsp; With ancients, especially those recovered directly from the ground, you get &quot;hornblend&quot; and other silver compounds that are not easily washed away with an acid rinse.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>With ancient copper coins, there are people who use BRASS brushes on the theory that brass is softer than bronze and copper.&nbsp; Myself, I have never done that.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Also with copper, some people prefer to soak the coin in olive oil for 30 days.&nbsp; (You waited 2000 years: what&#039;s another month?)&nbsp; Then wash the coin in mild soap and water.</p><p><br /></p><p>More could be said, but we would need to know more about your coin(s).[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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