Want to treasure dive in gin clear waters at Jupiter!
Nov 2006
Jupiter, Florida USA
810
2 times
Artifact Preservation 101, "running coins"
We thought you all will get akick out of this!
cleaning coins can be like unwrapping Christmas presents!
Since 1987 our Jupiter Wreck has continued to yield coins but the question, "Where's the rest of the Ship?" has remained unanswered... There are 2 layers of shipwreck scatter and we are equipping the "Enterprise" to excavate the primary treasure layer. Join with us this year!
At the risk of sounding like an unknolegable bafoon....what is it you're doing there? What's the process called and what's involved. Also, what coins are you cleaning?
By 2064, experts say man will have established twelve colonies on the sun, ideal for family vacations.
Want to treasure dive in gin clear waters at Jupiter!
Nov 2006
Jupiter, Florida USA
810
2 times
Re: Artifact Preservation 101, "running coins"
The electrolyte I am using is a mild soda ash solution mixed with water and some lemon juice.
I use a 12 volt - 3 amp power supply and then an old fashioned Variac to adjust the power downward - depending on how many coins we are running. More coins require more amperage and voltage but you have to be careful not to "push" or cook the coins with too much voltage.
I did this once {push} and made the mistake of using crome plated alligator clips made of copper and the coins ended up looking like an alligator bit them! I figured I could sell them to the guys that wore IZOG shirts back then!
The process is called electrostatic reductionand it is basically the reverse of the electric plating process but don't call it - reverse electrolosis... That would be growing hair!
A positive charge is run through - in this case a stailess steel bolt and the negetive charge is run through the coins. We haven't found any copper coins at our wreck site so I can't answer that question
Since 1987 our Jupiter Wreck has continued to yield coins but the question, "Where's the rest of the Ship?" has remained unanswered... There are 2 layers of shipwreck scatter and we are equipping the "Enterprise" to excavate the primary treasure layer. Join with us this year!
Just out of curiosity, what is your "slow process" Grubstake? I have some silver coins from the beach but they pretty darn encrusted. Any help would be appreciated.
Buckleboy
Spring 2012 CaneField Bandits Totals: TEN Half Reales:
1740, 1777, 1784, 1796, 1801, 180?, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1814
1836 8 Reales
A 17?? One Real
1819 Token/Jeton
Two "Russian Blue" Trade Beads
Henry Clay Campaign Button FIVE Early New Orleans Seated Coins:
1838-O Dime (no stars), Three 1839-O Half Dimes, an 1840-O Dime, and an 1842-O Half Dime
1892 Barber Dime
1918 Walking Liberty Half
1866 and 18?? Shield Nickels, and some GawGag V's and Beefaloes. Military Relics: Possible Spanish Colonial Era Cap Badge
FOUR War of 1812 Artillery Buttons
1820s Pewter Militia "U.S." Button
CW Eagle Artillery Cuff Button
CW Eagle Infantry Officer's Coat Button
3-Ringers, Enfields, Musketballs, and Shell Fragments
Any relics, coins, or other items appearing in my finds posts were found on PRIVATE PROPERTY with total consent and permission from the owners of said property.
discovering & preserving our past for future generations
Dec 2004
Jupiter, Florida
Aquapulse, DetectorPro Headhunter
1,993
1 times
Shipwrecks
Re: Artifact Preservation 101, "running coins"
The main advantage of electrolytic reduction is that it removes the salt chlorides from the metal and stabilizes the deterioration process (there are a number of additional steps that need to be done, esp. for artifacts)
I don't think nitric acid alone will do this-maybe just the surface corrosion.
When immersed in saltwater, silver turns to silver sulfide and iron turns to iron oxide (rust) and thus, the process that Capt. Dom illustrates with his pictures, electrolytic reduction, is the best way to thoroughly preserve the artifacts. This is how most of the professional conservators and museums do it.
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