Question about bronze/copper cleaning....

idunk

I have a couple bronze (possibly copper) tokens that have a white/green oxidation on some areas. Does anyone know if over time that could damage the token further? Of course it's not attractive either but I could live with that if I know they are further deteriorating. They are somewhat valuable and I would be willing to get them cleaned/conserved professionally if that's necessary. Is it possible there is a way I can do this myself? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Regulated

Sounds like a job for a professional - do you have pictures of the pieces?

idunk

Thanks for your help. Here's a pic, the other is similar.

Regulated

I wouldn't try to remove anything like that myself.

idunk

Thanks for your opinion. Do you think it will cause further damage if I just leave it?

7Jaguars

I don't think I would be scared to try acetone, and maybe even Blue Ribbon or similar oil based seal. That looks to be a chloride salt that will likely continue to spread, the rate determined by temperature and humidity likely.

relicsncoins

I would first soak the coin in Acetone for a few minutes, and then plunk it into some olive oil for a couple of months and then take a camel's hair brush and lightly brush it.

JJ

tmot99

I usually take acetone first, then Blue Ribbon. Then BLOT, not wipe, as best as possible. Then rinse the Blue Ribbon off with a good acetone rinse. I doubt that even this combination will do much to this though.

idunk

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions, I am going to try all of them. Will let you know how it turns out.

ccmorgan

Keep the coin in a non humid environment if possible to prevent further oxidation.

BRdude

Someone posted about useing one of those sonic cleaners and it appeared to do a nice job on his coppers. you might try using the search feature for sonic cleaners.