How to clean coins

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Very often numismatists, especially beginners, are faced with the question of how to clean coins. Antique copies require cleaning from dirt and oxides. The processing method depends on the type of metal. The cleaning process itself is the removal of various contaminants from the surface of the coin. Experienced numismatists know how to clean coins. These are proven methods, which we will talk about in this article.

If there is only dirt on the surface of the coin, then this is the simplest problem. Warm water with soap will help to cope with it. For cleaning, you can use a soft brush. In this case, the type of metal does not matter. This is a gentle method that will not harm valuable coins.

Harder to deal with oxidation. When removing oxide, one should focus on the quality of the metal. Gold coins can simply be washed in warm soapy water. Before cleaning silver coins, you should clarify its sample. If the sample is higher than 625, then a special solution is used, which is called a Silbertauschbader. Ammonia can also serve as an analogue, as well as an acid fixer, which is used when developing photographs.

If the silver from which the coin is made has a lower standard, then you can completely immerse it in the solution. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the coins do not touch and do not lie tightly on the bottom. After a certain time, they need to be turned over. After removing plaque, the coins are wiped with a soft cloth.

How to clean copper coins? They can be washed with warm soapy water. For purification from oxide, they are immersed in a solution of acetic acid 5-10%. You can also use plain table vinegar.

This process can be very long, depending on the degree of contamination. Cleaning time lasts from several minutes to a month. But first you need to find out the nature of the oxidation.

If the coin has a greenish oxide, this is the heaviest contamination. Such oxidation occurs when acetic acid vapors come into contact with oxygen. It is difficult to clean up. In case of severe contamination with verdigris, it is better to use the services of a specialist.

How to clean copper coins, except for acetic acid? Ammonia solution can also be used. We lower the coin into a container with ammonia. It must be periodically turned over, but not removed from the solution. If it comes into contact with air, it can be irreparably damaged. At the end of cleaning, water must be added to the solution to reduce the concentration. When she reachessmall limit, you can pull the coin out of the container. This method should be used very carefully.

The achievements of the chemical industry are also used to clean coins. For this, any means for removing plaque and rust is suitable. Pour the product into the prepared container and place the coin there. The cleaning time is 15 minutes. After that, the coin is washed and wiped.

Copper coins may become slightly reddish as a result of cleaning. This is a temporary phenomenon that happens due to the destruction of the patina. But gradually it will be restored, and the coin will become a natural color.

If the contamination has a greasy structure, then use other means for cleaning. Organic solvents are excellent in this case. Among the most famous drugs are acetone, white spirit and others.

Cleaning a coin is a very serious matter. With the wrong choice of drug, it can be completely ruined. Therefore, if you are not completely sure that you know how to clean coins, contact a specialist in this field.

After using any product, wash the coin very thoroughly with soap and water. Instances that are of little value can be cleaned using toothpaste.