How do I clean corroded 90% silver coins?
Göttinger
Posts: 128 ✭✭✭
Hello fellow detectorists,
usually silver coins and relics come out of the ground pretty clean. But sometimes the soil is pretty harsh wich can lead to the formation of a nasty crust on the silver (I'm not talking about the natural silver sulfide patina). Depending on the conditions sometimes iron oxides (rust) from the soil form a additional layer of crust around the corroded silver item.
I am looking for a way to remove such corrosion spots and encrustations without damaging the coin underneath. Do you have any tipps or suggestions for me?
0
Comments
EZ-est or Jeweluster will remove rust. You might need to put it on a cotton swab and rub the rusty area directly. This will likely put hairlines on the coin; but, most of the coins we dig aren't worth any more than their silver value anyway.
If the coin has corrosion, the damage is likely done and removing it will leave a pitted surface.
Thanks for your kind answers and suggestions!
Of course, any coin of potential value consult with who, NGC, PCGS on their recommendations, or services. Don't quote me, but I think an uncleaned coin w a value of $10k may easily have a value of $1k if cleaned improperly or at all. Cleaning be tricky.