Questions about old coin, please

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by Odomax, Jun 14, 2017.

?

S

  1. clean

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Or leave alone

    12 vote(s)
    100.0%
  1. Odomax

    Odomax Member

    Should I soak this coin in oil and lightly clean or leave as aquired IMG_3832.JPG
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    Don't see anthing wrong with the side your showing.

    What's oil suppose to do?
     
  4. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    That patina actually looks pretty nice on a WW2 zinc Nazi coin.

    I say leave it alone, but a mineral oil soak to remove surface grime should be safe enough to do without causing any harm, provided you're gentle when you wipe the oil off with a soft cloth or paper towel. I do not like olive oil. It is mildly acidic and leaves a sticky residue. In my experience, mineral oil is preferable and I actually like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), since it's less runny and messy for a dab on/wipe off application.

    And Vaseline or mineral oil might actually help preserve the coin in its original state, but would be less permanent than lacquer, which old-school collectors of yesteryear used. Lacquering is a no-no now.

    I would avoid any other kind of "cleaning", by mechanical or chemical means.
     
  5. Collect89

    Collect89 Coin Collector

    I agree with Lordmarcovan.
     
  6. kanga

    kanga 65 Year Collector

    Zinc is a real pain to deal with.
    It's very reactive with air in a moist environment.

    The face value and mint mark (small letter at the bottom center) are on the reverse.

    IMO leave it as it is but store it well.
    Probably not a lot of value.
     
  7. Mike Thorne

    Mike Thorne Well-Known Member

    When in doubt, leave it alone.
     
    Kentucky likes this.
  8. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Yup, of all the metals you might try and cle...uh...conserve, zinc is by far the most problematic. It is a moderately soft reactive metal, so a light coating of mineral oil and some light brushing with a toothbrush won't hurt.
     
  9. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    The coin is zinc?

    Don't even try to touch it.

    It appears rather attractive now. Zinc is absolutely one of the most difficult coinage metals to work with - nearly everything reacts with it, and nearly every reaction seems to ruin the surfaces or eye appeal. Your coin appears stable and attractive. Leave it that way.

    Zinc and aluminum..... just don't even try to do anything with these metals.
     
  10. Odomax

    Odomax Member

    Thanks guys, it's new to me and just looking for ideas on preservation. Lots of good info
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page