How to “darken” cleaned coins? !RESULTS!

may

I have a couple cleaned coins, how do I darken the Indians and the dime? I tried the windowsill for a year, nothing but some corrosion. I know I can’t get those hairlines off the dime, but can I make it look better?
Thank you.

may

I would prefer fast ways, but any is fine.

dsessom

http://www.metaldetectingworld.com/cleaning_coin_p22_tarnishing.shtml

keyman64

One way is to get a 1950s mint set or proof set brown envelope, put the coin in there (tape the envelope shut) and hang the envelope with a clothes pin/chip clip in a warm & humid environment (outside storage unit or garage) for a few months, checking on it once a month or so. Strong results are obtained in Florida. Results may vary.

Walkerguy21D

I wouldn’t expend any effort on the 1887.
The dime needs exposure to sulfur, maybe cardboard storage? Or old album?
The1885, maybe the envelope?
You’re still looking at probably a year though.

braddick

A seasoned dealer used cigar smoke. He'd blow the smoke on the coin throughout, smoking his cigar.

lkenefic

I recall a product called Dellar's Darkener years ago that was basically a sulfur paste. Never used it...

Tramp

Ground coffee beans. Results very but results nonetheless. https://youtu.be/Cv_FDyMnDhk

Let us know if tried and the results.

Connecticoin

@lkenefic said:
I recall a product called Dellar's Darkener years ago that was basically a sulfur paste. Never used it...

I believe Deller’s is no longer made, however, Wizard coin supply sells a product called “Dillers Duller” which I think is the same stuff.

Walkerguy21D

@lkenefic said:
I recall a product called Dellar's Darkener years ago that was basically a sulfur paste. Never used it...

Never used it either, but I suspect, but don’t know for certain, that Deller’s was used on this one. Or perhaps a gun bluing chemical.
I no longer own it, as it was one of the first coins to go when I decided to break up the middle date hoard. a national dealer bought it quickly as the eye appeal was actually very nice.

ricko

A couple of small pieces of hard boiled egg yolk in an envelope with the coin (keep them separate or if the yolk makes contact, it will get ugly) for a while, and it will darken. Cheers, RickO

may

@ricko said:
A couple of small pieces of hard boiled egg yolk in an envelope with the coin (keep them separate or if the yolk makes contact, it will get ugly) for a while, and it will darken. Cheers, RickO

I'll try that on the dime, and do the coffee on a Lincoln to test it out, then on the Indians if it works.

See you in a couple weeks!

Fraz

@ricko said:
A couple of small pieces of hard boiled egg yolk in an envelope with the coin (keep them separate or if the yolk makes contact, it will get ugly) for a while, and it will darken. Cheers, RickO

Dang, you’re crafty! You omit telling PO to leave the envelope in the dog bowl.

lilolme

Namvet69

Liver of sulfur works but you need to experiment cause it can get very dark. Good luck. Peace Roy

TimNH

@ricko said:
A couple of small pieces of hard boiled egg yolk in an envelope with the coin (keep them separate or if the yolk makes contact, it will get ugly) for a while, and it will darken. Cheers, RickO

I tried this on a shiny polished silver coin and it worked amazingly well, also amazingly fast, so keep a close eye on it. Another hour and it probably would have been overdone.

may

Not sure I like it…

Shane6596

How long was it in with the yolks?

That is interesting

lilolme

@Ownerofawheatiehorde said:
Not sure I like it…

You had/have a well circulated cleaned with some discoloration coin. What were you expecting to get out of it?
Looks acceptable for an album coin.

This is the Morgan from the matches test. It was a similar coin.

2windy2fish

Fairly certain it was called “Dillards Darkener” just for the sake of clarity….

TurboSnail

a bar of $2 sulfur soap

MasonG

FWIW...

PerryHall

In a past similar thread, there was a forum member who made his own darkener by mixing powdered sulfur and petroleum jelly. Not sure where to find powdered sulfur but you may be able to create a similar darkener buy mixing a hardboiled egg yolk or some crushed match heads with a little petroleum jelly. Of course, you'd want to first experiment with it on a junk coin before trying it on a collectable coin with numismatic value.

may

Well, results are here. The barber and the seated came out nice, and I like the bullion too. The walker was… “odd”. The silver eagle is just hilarious . The Indians came out good, but with some discoloration. That ‘39 quarter though. All the coins were cleaned except the bullion + the ‘60 quarter.

may

A little bit of hot water and baking soda later…

TPRC

I like the egg yolk story. Very interesting. Surprised no one mentioned a quick dip in Clorox for silver. Personally, I don't like the look, but it will dull down a "too shiny" silver coin.

Walkerguy21D

I’m amazed at the arrows dime look.
A bit scary actually.

Steven59

No wonder eggs are so expensive.............

BustHalfBrian

This thread is so informative! I'm going to have to try the egg yolk toning on some of my cleaned coins. Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge.

may

>
Yes,> @BustHalfBrian said:

This thread is so informative! I'm going to have to try the egg yolk toning on some of my cleaned coins. Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge.

Please share it if and when you do it!