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Ancient Coins

Started by gmarguli,

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gmarguli

gmarguli

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Does NCS conserve ancient coins?

 

If so:

 

1) I've got some that have spots of encrustation. The rest of the coin was likely (properly) cleaned, but these didn't come off. Has NCS had any luck removing these encrustation on ancient coins?

 

2) How about the "green patina" that is so often found on ancient coppers? Can NCS remove this to show a more natural copper color?

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CHRISS

CHRISS

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We have had varying success with conserving ancient coins. The problem typically with encrustations on ancient coins is that they are frequently protecting the coin from further deterioration. If it appears that the encrustation is of this type, we frequently will opt to not conserve the piece. If we do conserve a coin such as this, the results are often not pretty and certainly not stable for long-term storage.

 

The green patina that is often found on ancient coins will not be conserved. The surface metal has been chemically altered to such a point that what is underneath would appear unnatural.

 

Green patina caused by PVC contamination, on the other hand, is something we would be able to safely remove from the surface of an ancient coin.

 

Chris, NCS

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