Help for cleaning argenteus

[moneta_auction]

Hello friends,

please help me with your knowledges, options to cleaned this coin.  10% ammonia solution is a good option? Thank you.

best

[cmcdon0923]

I can't provide any suggestions on how to clean it, but may I ask exactly why you're looking to clean it ?

Is there dirt or some other surface buildup you're looking to remove?  If this is it, I'll let others chime in.

Or are you just looking to make it shiny?  If this is why, I would probably leave it alone.  It looks to be originally toned....albeit very dark.  Making it shiny would just make it another over-cleaned coin.

[Akropolis]

The purplish colored deposits are a classic example of "horn silver." Removing it "could" lead to exposing very rough surfaces....or not. The rough surfaces are the result of surface silver lifted off and residing in the horn silver. Also, it "could" lead to redeposit of silver in the horn silver (or not....leaving a black substance easily brushed-off), which could be difficult to remove, unless you are an expert at it, and  I know of VERY few folks that can do it.
I am not at liberty to name names. The process of doing it is not publicized by these experts, as it is a source of income for cleaning extremely high priced coins.
PeteB

[moneta_auction]

The purplish colored deposits are a classic example of "horn silver." Removing it "could" lead to exposing very rough surfaces....or not. The rough surfaces are the result of surface silver lifted off and residing in the horn silver. Also, it "could" lead to redeposit of silver in the horn silver (or not....leaving a black substance easily brushed-off), which could be difficult to remove, unless you are an expert at it, and  I know of VERY few folks that can do it.
I am not at liberty to name names. The process of doing it is not publicized by these experts, as it is a source of income for cleaning extremely high priced coins.
PeteB

Hello,

"horn silver" = AgCl (Silver chloride)
I read in one practical Hand book (how to clean Ancient Coins) for silver coins with AgCl the writer recommended acidic fixer (used in photography) for perfect results.
What you think for that?

[bruce61813]

Photographic fixer, Sodium Thiosulfate , will dissolve Horn Silver [AgCl] without damaging solid silver. If  I remember correctly there may be more than one type of fixer, so check that it is the Sodium Thiosulfate.  I also know the Noble Roman Coins does carry it in small packs.


Bruce

[v-drome]

Hi.  I have to agree with cmcdon and Akropolis.  If it is silver chloride and you dissolve it, you could easily end up with nothing left but a thin piece of solid silver and very little detail remaining.  Nice looking coin, as is.

Regards, V-drome