Massbaycolonist
Full Member
This is the results of cleaning tests performed on a sample of U.S. coins. The coins were washed in a preparation called 'Natural Pickle Mix'.
COIN SAMPLE
1987 Quarter
1999 State Quarter
1927 Mercury Dime
2005 Dime
1936 Indianhead Nickel
1977 Nickel
1919 "Wheatie" Penny
1963 Penny
1996 Penny
TEST PROCEEDURE
The directions on the label state: "Use 1 tablespoon mix per cup of water. Heat to boiling. Drop items to be pickled into solution. Let sit in boiling solution until all black is gone and piece is white." The test was performed according to directions on label.
TEST RESULTS
1987 Quarter The nickel cover has been dissolved in three areas of the face side. On the obverse side, the nickel cover has been mostly removed, exposing the copper filling of this "sandwich" coin.
1999 State Quarter. This is a damaged coin. The obverse side has been oxidized, leaving a cloudy or hazy finish to the coin. The test results were very good for this coin. The coin is one of the best results from this washing method.
1927 Dime. Lots of dirt still left on coin after washing. Not satisfactory cleaning.
2005 Dime. After washing, the nickel cover is partially removed around the rim of the coin.
1936 Nickel. Still lots of dirt left on coin after washing. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1977 Nickel. This coin looked good after washing.
1919 Penny. Lots of dirt still left on coin. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1963 Penny. Lots of dirt still left on coin. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1993 Penny. This coin looked very good after washing.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, washing coins in this preparation will either damage the coin, or will have little effect on cleaning the coin. Newer coins in better grades will do best with this wash. Not recommended.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
COIN SAMPLE
1987 Quarter
1999 State Quarter
1927 Mercury Dime
2005 Dime
1936 Indianhead Nickel
1977 Nickel
1919 "Wheatie" Penny
1963 Penny
1996 Penny
TEST PROCEEDURE
The directions on the label state: "Use 1 tablespoon mix per cup of water. Heat to boiling. Drop items to be pickled into solution. Let sit in boiling solution until all black is gone and piece is white." The test was performed according to directions on label.
TEST RESULTS
1987 Quarter The nickel cover has been dissolved in three areas of the face side. On the obverse side, the nickel cover has been mostly removed, exposing the copper filling of this "sandwich" coin.
1999 State Quarter. This is a damaged coin. The obverse side has been oxidized, leaving a cloudy or hazy finish to the coin. The test results were very good for this coin. The coin is one of the best results from this washing method.
1927 Dime. Lots of dirt still left on coin after washing. Not satisfactory cleaning.
2005 Dime. After washing, the nickel cover is partially removed around the rim of the coin.
1936 Nickel. Still lots of dirt left on coin after washing. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1977 Nickel. This coin looked good after washing.
1919 Penny. Lots of dirt still left on coin. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1963 Penny. Lots of dirt still left on coin. Not satisfactory cleaning.
1993 Penny. This coin looked very good after washing.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, washing coins in this preparation will either damage the coin, or will have little effect on cleaning the coin. Newer coins in better grades will do best with this wash. Not recommended.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
