How to clean coins

Very often numismatists, especially beginners, are faced with the question of how to clean coins. Older specimens require cleaning from dirt and oxides. The way of processing depends on the type of metal. The purification process itself is the removal of various contaminants from the surface of the coin. Experienced numismatists know how to clean coins. These are proven methods, which we'll talk about in this article.

If the surface of the coin is just dirt, then this is the simplest problem. Cope with it will help warm water and soap. For cleaning, you can use a soft brush. In this case, the metal does not play a role. This is a gentle method that does not harm valuable coins.

It is more difficult to cope with oxidation. When removing oxide, you should focus on the quality of the metal. Gold coins can simply be washed in a warm soapy solution. Before you clean the coins from silver, you should clarify its sample. If the sample is higher than 625, then a special solution called zilbertaushbader is used. An analogue can serve as ammonia alcohol, as well as an acid fixer, which is used in the development of photographs.

If the silver from which the coin is made has a lower sample, then it can be completely immersed in the solution. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the coins do not touch and do not lay tightly on the bottom. After a certain time, they must be turned over. After removing the coating, the coins are wiped with a cloth that has a soft structure.

How to clean copper coins? They can be washed with a warm soap solution. For purification from the oxide they are immersed in a solution of acetic acid 5-10%. You can also use a simple table vinegar.

This process can be very long, depending on the degree of contamination. The cleaning time lasts from a few minutes to a month. But initially it is necessary to clarify the nature of oxidation.

If the coin has an oxide of greenish color, this is the heaviest contamination. Such oxidation occurs when the vapors of acetic acid and oxygen are in contact. It can hardly be cleared. If the contamination is strong, it is better to use the services of a specialist.

Than to clean copper coins, except for acetic acid? You can also use a solution of ammonia. We lower the coin into a container with ammonia. It must be periodically turned over, but not extracted from solution. When in contact with air, it can be irreparably damaged. After the cleaning is finished, the water must be added to the solution to reduce the concentration. When it reaches a small limit, you can pull a coin out of the container. This method should be used very carefully.

To clean the coins use the achievements of the chemical industry. For this, any means for removing plaque and rust is suitable. Pour the product into the prepared container and place the coin there. The cleaning time is 15 minutes. After that, the coin is washed and wiped off.

Copper coins as a result of cleansing can acquire a slightly reddish tinge. This is a temporary phenomenon, which happens due to the destruction of the patina. But gradually it will recover, and the coin will become a natural color.

If the contamination has a greasy structure, then other cleaning agents are used. Excellent in this case, suitable organic solvents. Among the most famous drugs - acetone, white spirit and others.

Cleaning a coin is a very serious matter. If the drug is chosen incorrectly, it can be completely ruined. Therefore, if you are not completely sure that you know how to clean coins, contact a specialist in this field.

After using any remedy, it is necessary to wash the coin very carefully with soap and water. Instances that are not of great value can be cleaned using toothpaste.