Truth, Myth, or just a Joke?
MWallace
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Over the almost 2 decades I've been on this board I've read on several occasions a recommendation to use a Rose thorn to flick verdigris off of a coin. Is this Truth, Myth, or just a Joke? 
Mike
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Truth
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It’s true. The theory is that a rose thorn is sharp enough to get under the gunk, but soft enough not to damage the coin. I have used toothpicks now an then.
I have heard this is one of the better tools for this
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Thank you. My guess is it was true but who knows with some of the characters in this board. LOL!!!
Been there, done it, and it works well.
Rose thorns and toothpicks are used to dig out and remove gunk from the lettering and other crevices on coins. I don't think it would be all that effective to remove verdigris which is the product of corrosion.
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"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Don't forget, even though a rose thorn is soft, it can still push around harder and/or abrasive gunk which could leave marks on the surface. Just make sure you're careful when using one
it's old school and harkens back to a time when it was probably a wise choice by some enterprising Numismatist. there are better things now which offer less of a chance of something bad happening.
Thank you. Gunk is probably a better description. I have the coin in hand. Here are the sellers photos. Despite the color of the photo it is silver. Not a major concern to me if I remove the "gunk" or not, but if possible I'd like to.
I'll post "after" pics when I give it a try.
The rose thorn will work... but as @keets said, there are other choices. You should soak that coin in acetone for a while and a good rinse should remove most of that 'gunk'. Cheers, RickO
Rose thorns and toothpicks are used to remove crud mostly from copper coins. Acetone is usually a better choice for removing crud from silver or gold coins.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I prefer thorns from an agave plant. Easier to hold and work with.
There was a guy selling bags of porcupine quills for this on eBay a couple of years ago.
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Anyone try softening the gunk by soaking the coin in oil for a few days and then using compressed air to blast the gunk out of the crevices?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
This. Rose thorns have little substance to grip. Myself? I prefer thorns from Didieria madagascariensis.