Coin Cleaning Question

[ArDirtSlinger]

The past 4 months on 3 different outings I have found some Indian Heads that defy being cleaned up.
The first is a 1889 that I found last week. I have been using distilled water soaks and Dawn and soft bristle toothbrush. But the more calcified ( or whatever it is) is really stubborn. Dont want to be to aggressive as it has a beautiful turquoise patina.

What should I do.

The second is a 1890 that I found in a Coal Boom town south of me by 10 miles. It is coated with a layer of coal dust deposit and is also a Major challenge.
It has a Black patina that I dont want to loose either.


The third is in the worst shape. It is a 1903 that the date crumpled off of washing the dirt off after I got home from hunting.


The funny thing is the minerals in the dirt in this county can change drastically in a couple 100 feet.
The 03 and 89 where only a 1/2 mile or so apart.
Any cleaning techniques short of a steel brush or Hot peroxide bath will be entertained. Peroxide is a goto for me with coins that are not as old or in better shape and I have used it before.
But Im afraid these will loose to much of what I want to keep if I use that.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[OWK]

After awhile, you'll learn to love 'em with the patina, and not clean 'em.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

You've answered 2 of your questions.
1 & 2, leave as is. Both patinas' are wonderful.
Tha 1903 ain't worth nuthin', so clean at will. Heck try muriatic acid, tumbling, sandblasting, etc.
GL
Peace ✌
P.S. Disregard every word I just said. I once nearly exploded a microwave attempting to clean coins.

 

[Loco-Digger]

I have often wondered if the crust could be blasted off using a power washer. Would the water pressure of 1500psi affect the coin?

 

[ArDirtSlinger]

I dont believe that more deposits can not be removed while leaving the patina behind.

 

[basque-man]

Because of the high alkali in some of our area; my IHP have literally peeled apart after trying to clean them. Olive Oil for long periods of time!!!!!

 

[huntsman53]

Place the coins in Acetone to arrest (stop) the verdigris (the green stuff on the coins) from continuing to grow and further damage the coins. Acetone removes the moisture which verdigris needs to continue to grow! Next, rinse the coins with water, pat dry between the folds of a soft towel, then place them in Extra Virgin Olive Oil(**) for several weeks up to several months. Remove the coins every week or so to see if any or all of the verdigris and/or dirt, grime and encrustations on them can be removed. With the coins still coated in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lightly go over them with a green Rose Thorn to remove the above. If some of it is stubborn and won't come off at the time, place the coin or coins back into the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and repeat the above. Once you are satisfied and certain that no more verdigris, dirt, grime and/or encrustation will come off, then rinse the coins with water, pat dry between the folds of a soft towel, let air dry for several hours, then place them in 2x2 protective coin holders.

(**) Note: Some folks prefer to place Copper coin in Mineral Oil as Extra Virgin Olive Oil can darken Copper coins if left in it too long. However, I know from experience that Mineral Oil does not have the same ability to loosen verdigris, dirt, grime and/or encrustations on Copper coins as it lacks the slight acidity that Extra Virgin Olive Oil has!


Frank

 

[fmrUSMC_0844]

I know ill get some flak for this but oh well. If it is not a key date coin, I put them in my rock tumbler with aquarium gravel, water, and dish soap. That cleans them up real nice.

 

[bigfoot1]

I know ill get some flak for this but oh well. If it is not a key date coin, I put them in my rock tumbler with aquarium gravel, water, and dish soap. That cleans them up real nice.

no flak from me...I do the same thing.If its not for sale but I like it...in the tunbler it goes..

 

[dgrs2]

I use a sonic jewelry cleaner with very hot H2O2. I'll run three coins at a time for approx one hour. Take them out every 10 min and use a wooden tooth pick to rub and loosen any debris. It will remove the patina and leave a very nice coin.

https://youtu.be/JVArjyo6gME[URL] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dgrs2]

I use a sonic jewelry cleaner with very hot H2O2. I'll run three coins at a time for approx one hour. Take them out every 10 min and use a wooden tooth pick to rub and loosen any debris. It will remove the patina and leave a very nice coin.

https://youtu.be/JVArjyo6gME[URL] ...ouTube? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bowser]

i tried the tonic,excuse me soda called seirra mist for a short period of time and then mineral oil.

 

[Tnmountains]

Go to the cleaning and preservation section. There are tons of ideas with examples shown. I had a totally crusted I.H and kept it in a solution of warm peroxide in a glass heated by a light bulb. It did turn the coin black but every detail showed up perfect. It was either that or have an unrecognizable item.
Check out cleaning and preservation or use the custom google search tool bar just for t-net
Good luck!
Oh yeah be sure and post your results