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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;kevin McGonigal, post: 3995815, member: 72790&quot;]Another reply from the British Museum, the Senior Conservator, Conservation, Collective Care at the British Museum. The Senior Conservator writes that when this person first started in the 1970&#039;s , micro-crystalline wax was used on a variety of objects and states that they made the items look more attractive, giving their colors a darker and more intensive look, a mellow sheen. The Conservator goes on to write that time has moved on, that the wax attracts and traps dirt and fluff, especially on porous items, leaves marks on show case linings, is difficult to remove, and that the only current usage for microcrystalline wax in conservation the conservator has heard of is on external metallic sculpture where it is used to waterproof castings and give protection against bird droppings, etc.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nothing on its use on coins is specifically mentioned by the Conservator. The Conservator also cited some other material which says pretty much the same thing except that polyethylene wax can be problematic but I don&#039;t know anything about that material and whether it is marketed by any firm for numismatic use. As a matter of fact, other than postings here and or other coin collecting cites, I can&#039;t recall any product manufacturer recommending the use of their product for preserving numismatic items. I am wondering if coin collectors just assumed that a micro-crystalline product that was good for armor or weapons or outdoor statues would work well on coins and medals.</p><p><br /></p><p>Would I use it on my ancient coins? Probably not on anything of considerable value because of potential removal problems later on. But at the same time I must admit that on common coins of lesser value, it may improve the appearance of what otherwise might be coins of little aesthetic or collectable value, and if used on coins that are common, like Fourth Century Falling Horseman or Fel Temp Reparatio AE 3&#039;s, in public displays of ancient coinage like a montage for school usage, or libraries, it might be useful in making coins that are difficult to see more aesthetically viewable.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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