Full Version: How to..............
clean wheat pennies. Is it ok to soak them in some honey to make them shine like new. Is cleaning coins a big NO-NO?
Yes, generally, cleaning coins is a big NO-NO. 
There are some methods such as using a solvent like acetone to remove PVC residue or some other soluable material on the coin that can cause little harm. But, most anything else that you will do to try and improve a coin will leave it looking un-natural and that spells the loss of most of the numismatic value the coin has to most collectors.
Never scrub and never rub a coin with anything. Abrasive cleaning is the worst thing you can ever do. It will leave scratches and hairlines even if you can't see them with the naked eye.
Most chemicals will not be appropriate either. There are a couple that are generally used for some purposes (like jewel lustre for removign toning) but it is best to stay away from them unless you really know what you are doing.
All of the above is my opinion only and is worth even less than you paid for it.
There are some methods such as using a solvent like acetone to remove PVC residue or some other soluable material on the coin that can cause little harm. But, most anything else that you will do to try and improve a coin will leave it looking un-natural and that spells the loss of most of the numismatic value the coin has to most collectors.
Never scrub and never rub a coin with anything. Abrasive cleaning is the worst thing you can ever do. It will leave scratches and hairlines even if you can't see them with the naked eye.
Most chemicals will not be appropriate either. There are a couple that are generally used for some purposes (like jewel lustre for removign toning) but it is best to stay away from them unless you really know what you are doing.
All of the above is my opinion only and is worth even less than you paid for it.
QUOTE(Stujoe @ Oct 24 2005, 10:17 PM)
Yes, generally, cleaning coins is a big NO-NO.
There are some methods such as using a solvent like acetone to remove PVC residue or some other soluable material on the coin that can cause little harm. But, most anything else that you will do to try and improve a coin will leave it looking un-natural and that spells the loss of most of the numismatic value the coin has to most collectors.
Never scrub and never rub a coin with anything. Abrasive cleaning is the worst thing you can ever do. It will leave scratches and hairlines even if you can't see them with the naked eye.
Most chemicals will not be appropriate either. There are a couple that are generally used for some purposes (like jewel lustre for removign toning) but it is best to stay away from them unless you really know what you are doing.
All of the above is my opinion only and is worth even less than you paid for it.
[right][snapback]107069[/snapback][/right]
There are some methods such as using a solvent like acetone to remove PVC residue or some other soluable material on the coin that can cause little harm. But, most anything else that you will do to try and improve a coin will leave it looking un-natural and that spells the loss of most of the numismatic value the coin has to most collectors.
Never scrub and never rub a coin with anything. Abrasive cleaning is the worst thing you can ever do. It will leave scratches and hairlines even if you can't see them with the naked eye.
Most chemicals will not be appropriate either. There are a couple that are generally used for some purposes (like jewel lustre for removign toning) but it is best to stay away from them unless you really know what you are doing.
All of the above is my opinion only and is worth even less than you paid for it.
[right][snapback]107069[/snapback][/right]
I like your opinion my friend. Have you ever soaked some pennies in honey before? They come out clean without you having to rub them or use any chemicals.Pure honey nothing else.
But with that being said I will not clean any of our coins. Thanks for your help!
QUOTE(coinmonster @ Oct 24 2005, 09:32 PM)
Have you ever soaked some pennies in honey before? They come out clean without you having to rub them or use any chemicals.Pure honey nothing else.[right][snapback]107078[/snapback][/right]
I never heard of that before... (looks over at her junk wheatie bowl).... hmmmm
Looks like I'll be soaking some cents tomorrow 
I've been soaking coins in various solutions for the past month. Some cleaned quite nicely after a few minutes, ammonia ate almost all the details off Mr. Lincoln's head.
I've been soaking coins in various solutions for the past month. Some cleaned quite nicely after a few minutes, ammonia ate almost all the details off Mr. Lincoln's head.
I have a "few" cruddy dug wheaties........and some honey.
I had a friend pay me a bet he lost in pennies a few years ago and he put them in honey.You have to let them soak for a couple weeks, at least that's what we did and they came out really clean.
QUOTE(Burks @ Oct 25 2005, 06:00 AM)
Looks like I'll be soaking some cents tomorrow
I've been soaking coins in various solutions for the past month. Some cleaned quite nicely after a few minutes, ammonia ate almost all the details off Mr. Lincoln's head.
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I've been soaking coins in various solutions for the past month. Some cleaned quite nicely after a few minutes, ammonia ate almost all the details off Mr. Lincoln's head.
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What are your soaking times ?
I have a proof 9999 gold coin with red spots and I tried all solvents known to me
But I may have to restart since I only soaked 12 hours in each
A german coin forum says it is reacted silver surface contamination like silverchloride in that case I may have to resort to other things then solvents
I have never heard of honey before for copper. I have heard of ketchup but that is pretty much the vinegar doing the work and I think it leave a funny color.
QUOTE(ageka @ Oct 25 2005, 02:18 PM)
What are your soaking times ?
I have a proof 9999 gold coin with red spots and I tried all solvents known to me
But I may have to restart since I only soaked 12 hours in each
A german coin forum says it is reacted silver surface contamination like silverchloride in that case I may have to resort to other things then solvents
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I have a proof 9999 gold coin with red spots and I tried all solvents known to me
But I may have to restart since I only soaked 12 hours in each
A german coin forum says it is reacted silver surface contamination like silverchloride in that case I may have to resort to other things then solvents
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I doubt you'd harm the plumb gold coin with any sort of acid or alkali solution. Jeweler's pickle should dissolve silver chloride compounds if that's what's spotting your coin. An accomplished coindoc should be able to pickle it for you in a heated pickle pot. All it should take is locking plastic or nylon tongs clamping the coin by opposite edges and a very careful hand to avoid touching the proof surfaces.
QUOTE(28Plain @ Oct 27 2005, 01:56 AM)
I doubt you'd harm the plumb gold coin with any sort of acid or alkali solution. Jeweler's pickle should dissolve silver chloride compounds if that's what's spotting your coin. An accomplished coindoc should be able to pickle it for you in a heated pickle pot. All it should take is locking plastic or nylon tongs clamping the coin by opposite edges and a very careful hand to avoid touching the proof surfaces.
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As I see it I can reconvert the silverchloride contamination to silver by electrolysis active or passive or redox reaction maybe to have the same red spots again in a few years
Or I can try and remove the silverchloride by dipping but what am I going to find underneath the spots ? Damaged proof spots with different reflection or just vanished spots and no damage to the proof surface ?
Several german coins were returned to the mint with this complaint and replaced
by the mint
I do not have that option since I have the certificate of authenticity and the box but not the original purchase order
http://www.chemicalland21.com/arokorhi/ind...THIOSULFATE.htm
http://www.chemicalland21.com/arokorhi/ind...ic/THIOUREA.htm
Honey is acidic with an average pH of 3.9. The major acid in honey is gluconic acid, but there are several others. Check it out:
http://www.nhb.org/download/factsht/ph-acid.pdf
Speaking of which, it's about time I brewed another batch of mead.
Dave
http://www.nhb.org/download/factsht/ph-acid.pdf
Speaking of which, it's about time I brewed another batch of mead.
Dave
I knew honey was acidic but not that low (or high depending on how you look). Interesting read too.
I seem to remember cola is still lower with phosforic acid
QUOTE(ageka @ Oct 28 2005, 12:44 PM)
I seem to remember cola is still lower with phosforic acid
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Correct. Around 2.5 is normal.
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