2006-10-05 05:07:00 · 7 answers · asked by Janet W 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Cleaning Gold Coins
> name SUSIe
> status other
> age 40s
> Question - i just found some 1854 gold coins which went through a
fire. i
> was wondering how i might get them cleaned. they are all in great
> condition.. you can read and see all the details of the gold coin but are
> all black. i would appreciate any and all help. i have been searching the
> web and i can't find help for this certain condition.
>Before you do anything to the coins (which could affect their intrinsic
>value), contact a local, state, or regional Numismatic Society, historic
>preservation service group, or a decent size museum ( you do not necessarily
>have to go to the Smithsonian in Washington, but it would not hurt to
>consult their website).
>
>I am relatively certain an ultrasonic bath (like a jeweler uses to clean
>jewelry and watch parts), a good brass polish ( a sterling silver polish
>might be milder, though), or simply soaking the coins in a mild
>vinegar-water solution would remove the surface soot, BUT I do not recommend
>you do this BEFORE you consult a professional for advice. You might cost
>yourself some big bucks regarding the coins' worth if you damage them in the
>process of cleaning them.
>
>JS
=========================================================
I can suggest some chemicals but I recommend that you take one of the
>coins to a jeweler and let them advise a method.
>
>AK
>
>Dr. Ali Khounsary
>Advanced Photon Source
>Argonne National Laboratory
>Argonne, IL 60439
2006-10-05 05:12:19 · answer #1 · answered by mommakaye 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can check with Numismatic Conservation Services, www.NCScoin.com, P.O. Box 4750 Sarasota, FL 34233 866-NCS-Coin. They are the pros. If the coins are real valuable that is the only way to go. Home remedies like coke,vinegar or cleaning agents just damage the coins more. The fire has reheated the metal ,so it may not be possible to do much, if the coins are really not rare. Anyway check with the pros. I clean ancients with olive oil, but it takes a long time. The results are good however.
2006-10-05 18:33:20 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't recall the name of the company but there is a professional coin conserving company I believe associated with NGC. These guys would be able to help you without endangering the numismatic value of your collection. I would talk to them before trying any home brewed remedies.
2006-10-05 17:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put coins in a jar with lid then pour a can of coke over the coins then let them soak for a week then remove coins and wipe off juk then if not clean to your liking repeat process or you could use salt and vinigar put salt on coin then add brown vinigar and rub until juk is gone keep adding salt and vinigar
2006-10-08 02:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a house fair last year, sorry for your losses. Backing soda, or take it to the jewelers. They not only worked on my jewelry, but coins and my husbands awards and med ales from the army. Lots of luck and it will get better, form some one who had the same as you. God is wacthing over you.
2006-10-05 12:15:34 · answer #5 · answered by momof5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the coins and type , silvers or coppers . if they only have sentimental value then you can try electroliss it works good on real toasty beach coins .......I have had sucess with amonia and a soft tooth brush, let it soak for two minutes then brush , repeat untill it looks good..if they are real bad they will never be perfect again .....if they are just black the baking soda and a soft tooth brush will be fine ......
2006-10-12 02:15:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ketchup or vinegar.
2006-10-05 12:15:07 · answer #7 · answered by chinesefoodruleZ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋