Dont Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[birdy1976]

Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello once again. I had been detecting the family farm again in search of the illusive 19th Century store site. I didn't really narrow down the search field that much however I did find a few firsts. I found my first silver/mercury dime a 1936. I also found my first brass door knob. I found 5 more wheat's and a wartime Jefferson nickel.
Does anyone know what you get when you mix citric acid," the stuff you use for home-canning", and pour in a healthy dose of hydrogen peroxide? I don't either, but i know you get some awfully nasty sh@#. I thought it cleaned the pennies really good at first so i thought I would put them in a little plastic jar and soak for a while. All of a sudden I noticed the jar was hot enough to melt the plastic. Needless to say I believe I've ruined the finish on my wheat's, It did bring the date out on that buffalo I found a few weeks back though, 1925, but it's eat the finish on the coins now they feel like real fine sandpaper. If anyone knows how they might could restore please let me know. If there isn't room on here I will post another topic to include the pics of the ruined coins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[birdy1976]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the info..I really appreciate all the support and help everyone has offered me on this matter!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wheezy]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're lucky you didn't hurt yourself!

 

[Eddy1H]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well to bring the wheats back you my try putting them back into the ground for 50 years or so to bring back the patina. I have never cleaned a coin that way, but they do look pretty cool, I bet not many of us have wheats that look like that, and besides you know how to get the date off old buffs to boot. By the way congrats on your first merc, and the rest of your finds WTG
Good luck hunting

Eddy

 

[wildrider]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Find you an old jewelry box at a garage sale or flea market to put your stuff it.

I did this when I first started and now I look back at the stuff in it and say, "I sure was dumb back then." lol and LNL (live n learn).

Burt

 

[TonyinCT]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can get some color back with Nic-A_Tone for copper coins.

 

[Jeff G]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Basically you created a marketed bathroom cleaner called Oxy-Citrus cleanser--but in a strong form. Here is a PDF for the product.

http://www.wd40.com/Brands/pdfs/msds-x14_oxy_citrus.us.pdf

 

[Blind.In.Texas]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HH, Ringfinder

Better luck next time. Search the forum for cleaning methods before you do another batch. Check the dates on your copper finds and experiment away on the common junk. That way you will learn to properly clean the good stuff.....I have ruined a few coppers myslef. Never ever let Drain-O work on crusted copper for very long Not that I kow anything about that

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, don't do that!!!!! I would just like to make sure you understand now Mixing Household Chemicals Is Very Dangerous you should always look up what your mixing and make sure nothing you mix will make something deadly, even if just inhaled.

As for treating your coins, just use veg oil or olive oil. All chemical cleaners are bad for coins even if they make them look nicer at first they do more damage in the end. Such as Stripping metal or making false ugly tones, and coins cleaned with rags, towels, toothbrushes, or toothpicks can scratch coins.

Oil soaks for 1-5 days for a very mild cleaning, 2-3 months for a deep clean. Rinse with water and air or blot dry. (never wipe or rub) Is the safest way to clean your coins. A rock tumbler is good for Clad and worthless change. I would not use it on wheat's or silver or gold.

Great Finds, WTG
Keep @ it and HH!!

 

[birdy1976]

Re: Don't Do This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone I cannot express the gratefulness of all the terrific support and ideas that you all have given me on this topic. I hope everyone has the best hunting they can possibly have and best of luck to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
birdy1976