This Indo Scythian drachm has some hard crud on the obverse that I really want to try to remove, but at the same time I'd rather not clean the reverse. Is it worth giving it a shot? Is there a way to just clean the obverse and not the reverse besides just trying to pick at the gunk? And does it look like distilled water can weaken that gunk? Thanks.
I was thinking that too, but I noticed a glint of copper-colored toning on the reverse figure's arm (not visible in the photo) and got concerned because I have no idea if the drachm contains copper and how the ammonia would affect it.
I kinda like it like this. These types are common and often appear cleaned and shiny. Yours has character that those lack.
I like it grungy but would try getting off the larger deposits on the obv. Perhaps loosening it up with water selectively placed with an eye dropper and then picking at those couple spots.
I wouldn't risk any mechanical picking or abrasion but if some of those deposits could be removed by simple dissolving, great.
I totally agree... it's like getting a Gordian III with some grunge. There are tons out there, polished up and shiny if you want them. Looking as-found is harder to find and cooler looking in my opinion. Give it a good toothbrushing to get the loose deposits and enjoy it as-is.
Leave it as is. Removing it will take away its characters like others have said, but I also think it might end up looking rough.
I will leave it as is. I too like coins with some "character" and since the coin is very small anything I try to do to the hard gunk will most likely impact the rest of the obverse. I don't really collect Indo-Scythians but this is a neat little coin that has grown on me. Helps that it has Greek on it and is Greek-inspired, a collecting area I've really gotten into.
