Opinions? Laquered Coins clean or not?

NJMark1

I am running into laquered coins again and do you guy's think the laquer should be removed or left alone. No big dollar stuff involved here just nice coins somebody clearcoated once upon a time.

Mark

satootoko

If acetone will work (I think it does) I'd use it without a second thought.

If other agents are needed, I'd pass on the coin.

Askari

If it's degraded or poorly done, I'd "curate" the remains. If it's a good job and intact, it might be best not to mess with it.

MacCrimmon

I agree with Mark. If it's streaky or splotchy try it first with acetone or even better xylol (xylene). However, if it's copper or cu-ni, I would put a microthin coating of Blue Ribbon on the surfaces which will inhibit any potential corrosion. The BR does need to be applied with one of the brushes from Rod Burress though.

(pasted from another thread)

Here's the contact info for these brushes.

Rod Burress
9743 Leacrest
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513-771-0696

In the event you order, Rod charges $4.50 for UPS shipping ($5.00 for the Western States). These brushes may be sourced elsewhere, but I've never checked. The imprint on the handle is:

BU 544 GERMANY

You'll want the #4 Soft Jewelers Brush at $8.50 each. I would get two or three. One for dry brushing of coins which do not have an oil protectant, such as Blue Ribbon applied, and one which would be used solely for cleaning gunk from circulated coins with BR or other solvents.

This type of brush will not harm or hairline the surfaces of any coin providing you 'sweep' gently across the surface and leave the Hercules grip behind.

Steve27

I would try acetone first and paint thinner second, but I would definately try to remove it. I used acetone to remove a large drop of old dry red paint from a coin, the paint had actually preserved that part of the coin, and the acetone didn't cause any harm.

1jester

I have a couple medieval coins, some silver and some copper, which have (remnants of) an ancient layer of lacquer (I presume) on them. The coating appears dull yellow/green. I don't know what the best policy is, but so far I've left them alone, thinking that the antiquated lacquer lends an aura of irreplaceable authenticity to the coins.

Steve, would you recommend trying to remove this lacquer in my case?

Steve27

Jester,

In your case I would suggest alcohol, but not for the coins.

1jester

Good one!