Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2014 19:50:36 GMT -5
This is a work in progress. I figure that I'm about half way through cleaning these up. I go through a few simple steps, and eventually it will get you there. 1st) wash in warm water with dishsoap and your hands to get the dirt off. 2nd) let dry for a few days to get the moisture out and see if any green crap flakes off. Maybe help it along with your fingernail. 3rd) soak in olive oil ( leave container in a place that will annoy your wife so that she encourages you to work on your hobby and get them out of there) 4th) every few weeks, pull a couple out, dry them off with a paper towel and try to scratch off the more prominent green flecks with your fingernail. Don't overdo it. If your fingernail is worn off, stop. Repeat step 4 as often as necessary, eventually substituting your fingernail with a wooden toothpick.
Things to keep in mind; 1) these coins are not rare or very valuable. nobody will shoot you for what you have done.
2) Your fingernail is softer than copper, and so is the toothpick. Plastic is often harder. Don't use a brush.
3) take your time. I have D.O.A. coins that i've been working on for three years.
4) remember, it's a hobby. i don't work for the British Museum and i'm not an archaeologist. This is just how i do it, and it works for me.
I hope this helps some of you guys who are wondering how to breathe life back into those old coppers that you sometimes find. It's slow, but it works. When you are satisfied with the results, wash the coin off in hot soappy water, rinse in hot water, dry and then wax the coin with a conservators wax. Should be good forever.
If you have any suggestions, hints or tips, I'm always looking to improve the way I do things. I'm all ears.
merry christmas everyone, cg
Things to keep in mind; 1) these coins are not rare or very valuable. nobody will shoot you for what you have done.
2) Your fingernail is softer than copper, and so is the toothpick. Plastic is often harder. Don't use a brush.
3) take your time. I have D.O.A. coins that i've been working on for three years.
4) remember, it's a hobby. i don't work for the British Museum and i'm not an archaeologist. This is just how i do it, and it works for me.
I hope this helps some of you guys who are wondering how to breathe life back into those old coppers that you sometimes find. It's slow, but it works. When you are satisfied with the results, wash the coin off in hot soappy water, rinse in hot water, dry and then wax the coin with a conservators wax. Should be good forever.
If you have any suggestions, hints or tips, I'm always looking to improve the way I do things. I'm all ears.
merry christmas everyone, cg