Cleaning

[katydid-migration]

I have a few 19thC coins that have a lot of green oxidation/crusting. Should I attempt to clean them or leave as is? And what would I use?

 

Thanks,

Shell

[midwest]

 

PUT THEM DOWN DO NOT TOUCH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! I REPEAT PUT THEM DOWN DO NOT TOUCH THEM. DO YOU POSSIBLY HAVE A LIST OF WHAT THESE COINS ARE?

[katydid-migration]

Okay, okay! I didn't mean to get people upset! They're actually German coins-I posted here cause the Main Index seems to be temporarily unavailable.

Pfennings and Kroners, ranging in date from 1845 to 1881

 

(I wasn't going to touch them till I was absolutely sure. Seen enough episodes of 'Antique Roadshow' .

 

Shell

[IGWT]

Katydid -- I hope that you take the previous post seriously even though it appears to come from a dog dressed in a . . . well, I'm not sure what the dog is dressed in. Travis is right, of course; best you know exactly what you have before you attempt any "cleaning" of the coins. There are others on this forum who know far more about conservation -- as opposed to cleaning -- than I do. They'll be along shortly to advise you provided they have enough information to do so. If the coins are worth conserving, it's likely that it's worth paying a professional to perform the work.

 

Edited to add: Welcome!

 

Edited again to add: Oh, darkside material. Get the brillo pad

[katydid-migration]

a dog dressed in a . . . well, I'm not sure what the dog is dressed in. "

 

I think it's David's Electric-Colored Dreamcoat.

 

But thanks for your help, Guys

 

Shell

[nwcs]

For once I agree with midwest. if you post pics we can help guide you. Some oxidation is good to leave alone, some is good to remove, and some can't be dealt with and attempts will destroy the coin. It takes some experience to know which is which and we'll all be happy to help you figure it out.

[katydid-migration]

a dog dressed in a . . . well, I'm not sure what the dog is dressed in. "

 

I think it's David's Electric-Colored Dreamcoat.)

****************************

Phew, I was way off. I meant "Joseph's Amazing Techincolor Dreamcoat"

(Distracting by thoughts of coins)

 

You're right, the smart thing is not to alter anything till I get a good assesment.

 

Ummm, not to start anything, but what do you mean, "for once i agree with midwest?" He certainly got my attention with that big red stop sign.

[SilverDollarMan]

About cleaning. A lightly cleaned coin can be detected hudreds of years down the road! ...............Welcome Katy

[Die Varieties]

Welcome to the boards katydid!

[Bruceswar]

 

PUT THEM DOWN DO NOT TOUCH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! I REPEAT PUT THEM DOWN DO NOT TOUCH THEM. DO YOU POSSIBLY HAVE A LIST OF WHAT THESE COINS ARE?

4 letters never seemed so good STOP!