Need a little advice about using electrolysis on coins.

orm25 · May 31, 2013

Hi,
I have purchased these coins (apparently hammered, Hungarian I identified some) from ebay.
I am trying to clean them because they're all like covered in dirt.
When I was using the electrolysis machine, it did remove some of the dirt but I think it has transferred copper from the cables/steel onto my coins.
Some of them might silver and some of them are copper. Would I be doing something wrong or are these actually fakes just silver plated?

Mackaydon · May 31, 2013

Welcome to Treasure Net !!
If, as you wrote, your coins are covered in dirt, a simple 'soft' toothbrush and water should get the dirt off; especially if the coins are soaked overnight. Any chance to post pics of these coin (including the ones you have yet to ID) ?
Don...

cudamark · May 31, 2013

You may have the electrodes reversed if you're plating your coins. Also, make sure you're just doing one coin at a time and change the solution when you change from silver to copper/bronze type coins. I agree with Don, if they're just dirty, soak them in hot soapy water to start with.