Classical Numismatics Discussion
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Author Topic: Mudstained Coin?  (Read 1819 times)

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Offline SeptimusT

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Mudstained Coin?
« on: May 11, 2017, 01:52:23 pm »
This coin looks more detailed in hand than it does in the scan I did, but I think you'll get the idea. The detail is actually pretty good; the inscriptions are legible in hand. The mint is London, which really makes me interested in getting it cleaned up.

It was covered in soft red mud initially, but on removing that by gently poking it with a toothpick, I wound up with this. It almost looks like the mud has stained the patina. I've had it in distilled water for about a month now, without it getting much better past the initial removal. Is there anything that can be done here? More soaking, or something else?

I'm worried about removing the encrustations, too. For fear of what might be under those.



Offline Joe Sermarini

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Re: Mudstained Coin?
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2017, 07:24:21 pm »
Mud cannot stain the patina.  You need a brush with firm bristles and some more picking.
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Offline B-Chicago

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Re: Mudstained Coin?
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2017, 11:30:24 am »
you could try boiling it in water and baking soda for about ten minutes

make sure you change the water every few weeks and clean the containers you soak  the coins in every few months, I have found vinegar to be very effective in cleaning the containers - soap after and rinse well

Offline SC

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Re: Mudstained Coin?
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2017, 12:49:07 pm »
Be careful that it is indeed mud and not surface corrosion or decaying patina.  Red-brown rough porous patinas do exist and what is under the layer is no better.  If you are not revealing nice surface anywhere I would not press on as it might not get better.

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