Need more knowledge :-)

NZGJC

Jr. Member
Apr 15, 2008
34
0
Auckland, New Zealand
Detector(s) used
Garrett Ace 250
I have been reading everyone’s posts for a couple of months now :icon_study: and yesterday purchased my first metal detector ;D. The coins that have been in circulation in this part of the world in the last 150 years are made from bronze, cupro-nickel, aluminium-bronze and of course silver. What is the best way to clean coins made of these metals?
 

Michigan Badger

Gold Member
Oct 12, 2005
6,797
149
Northern, Michigan
Detector(s) used
willow stick
Primary Interest:
Other
The best way (in my opinion) is to use a rock tumbler.

Fill tumbler 1/3 full of aquarium gravel with lots of water.

Never mix coins of different metals.

Tumble for about 30 minutes and check the coins.

The idea is to smooth the corrosion down enough to read details.

Don't turn keeper coins too long. You don't want old coins to look new-like and pitted.

Spend the new coins and seal the old non-silver coins (all metals that corrode easily).

To seal, heat the coin hot enough to boil water on it. This drys the coin out and removes surface grease.

Then seal the coin with Renaissance wax (sold online). Buff with soft cloth.

Badger
 

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