Whats the shell rock stuff stuck to my beach finds?

[kindgrind]

Was wondering what the clump of shells and stuff are called on beach finds and how you can remove it. I have so many beach finds with this problem. Thanks

Kindgrind

 

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[Capefearsman]

Never really had that problem! Is it on coins or different metals or on all? A pic would help

 

[Tricia]

I'd like to know too.

Had the same thing this week. Just started by soaking the coin in warm water. Tried to chip off tiny bits of the crust and for whatever reason this penny (finally was able to see what it was) had the copperplate coming off.

The copper was bubbled and buckled in spots. Couldn't tell the year. Was either '84 or '04.

I know I should have waited and done a better job cleaning it but it was one of my first hits ever. I'm sure it was clad but that's o.k. Was fun finding it but will be more careful in future with encrusted stuff.

 

[seas1to2]

its the new Penney's, made from zinc. they corrode real fast in salt.I have at least 400 or more that are just cover in shell an sand an pitted with no writing or image visable.don't waste your time trying to remove it,its only going to be a zinc penny an its going to be in really bad shape.

 

[Gold Dog]

I find these on Dry land sometimes. Looks like the Earthworms are feeding on them. These are the Penny's that Aren't worth a Cent...

 

[Monty]

If it's a saltwater beach it's probably the salt reacting with the zinc on the penny and yielding a residue. One of you chemists jump in and tell us if it's sodium something or zinc oxide or something else? Wish I'd paid more attention in chemistry class. M nty

 

[goldencoin]

The best method to clean worthless sand crappe is to get a big bin or something, then put all the pennies into a bath of CLR or a similar cleaner. The sand and juck melts off and leaves a relativly cleaner penny/object

HH
-GC

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Was wondering what the clump of shells and stuff are called on beach finds and how you can remove it. I have so many beach finds with this problem. Thanks

Kindgrind

Yes, I was wondering what that stuff is called and the best way to remove. I get it on copper, brass, aluminum or silver. The first thing I do with all saltwater or beach finds is soak them in distilled water to remove the salts. It will also remove some of the shell.

 

[Monty]

I use to try to salvage those corroded pennies but I quit and now I just toss 'em unless I have reason to believe they are some kind of rare cent or just can't identify what they are. But I do photograph them for my "finds" before I toss them. I have photos of everything I recover except for some pull tabs and such. Anyway, the corroded cents are basically worthless. You can't spend them, you can't roll them up and turn them in for cash, you can't melt them down, so trash. Monty

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yes, I agree Monty. Just trash. But I have the same shell pieces stuck on my older silver finds.

 

[stevemc]

Thats called a concretion. It is the oxidized metal, such as rust or silver oxides, forming and the surrounding sand or shells will get stuck in it and it will get real hard and actually be like concrete. When you find things on a very old shipwreck, must of the stuff is very encrusted. There is also other things, such as coral, coralline algae, and shells such as barnacles, and tube worms that form on things in the water. If you want to save modern coins, you can tumble them. Some older things get so bad IF you want to remove the concretion you have to hit it with a hammer. Or if it might be something good, you can use acid or reverse electrolyis

 

[ron lord]

I use white vinger and salt on all my beach coins . Cover with vinger add 1-2 teaspoons of salt stir and let it set 30 min.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I use white vinger and salt on all my beach coins . Cover with vinger add 1-2 teaspoons of salt stir and let it set 30 min.

They have been soaking in saltwater or a salt environment for many years. Dont the salts need to be removed?