Cleaning coins!

[jspeedy]

Yes that's right, I said it.

Any ideas on how to remove the crusty stuff? The coins look to be medieval. Thanks!

 

[David]

Wow those look very, very old!!!! My mothers parents are from Scotland. I want to go detecting there someday and probably coins like that there.

Re: Buy a cheap tumbler!
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?19,851193

Re: Cleaning Coins
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?63,853165

There is also an inexpensive machine called something like an Ultra-sonic jewelry cleaner that used high frequency waves or vibration in a water solution to clean coins and such. BUT do not use stuff like Silvo or Brasso that will take the surface off of the coins and ruin their value. A Tumbler is not a good idea for old coins either but look at the other ideas.

Hope this helps.

 

[David]

I have this one on file too, so I might as well post this also while I am at it:

High quality storage and carrying cases for metal detectors

Also look at Pelican Cases---Hardigg Cases---UK Cases...

UK Cases:
http://www.customcaseco.com/ukcases.html

This Hardigg one is awesome:
http://www.stormcase.com/StormCaseSizes/StormiM3220.htm

The best ones at Pelican for a metal detectors are models 1700, 1720, 1730, and 1750...get olive green or beige but not black for the direct sunlight...you will be very please with these waterproof cases...
http://www.pelican.com/case_category.php?pageNum_RecordsetCase=6&totalRows_RecordsetCase=58&CaseSize=%&New=%

 

[David]

Cleaning Gold and Things
http://www.nqminersden.com/cleaning__gold.htm

 

[cosmic]

First thing is what kind of metal are they? Bronze,copper, silver,gold?

 

[jspeedy]

I wish I could answer that question. How do I determine what metals they are? I am sure they are not gold and the two with visible markings are not silver. The very crusty one sounds like silver but close up looks like copper.

 

[cosmic]

First try a distilled water soak and a soft makeup brush.. After that (if needed) hot hydrogen peroxide (heat up in the microwave or a coffeemaker hot plate and place coin in, check every 1/2 hour and change the solution when it stops fizzing, remove crud with a soft brush and running water... Or make instant potatoes and place the coin into them.. Check every half hour and as with the rest clean with a soft brush and running water.. After cleaning a soak in distilled water for a day and when dried soak in a preservative like coin wax,beeswax or Vaseline.. Just go slow and always keep a eye on the progress,as always, to little is better than to much.. I hope this helps...