Thanks for the response Mark. This week end I experimented with
fine grit
flame shaped rubber polishing points under water and dry, as well as wool/felt polishing pads using different grades of polishing compound. Both helped with removing some scratches, but neither removed all. Also because its such
fine detail
work it is hard to keep from rubbing through the
patina at the highpoints of lettering and design features, especially with the wool/felt pads. The
flame shaped rubber points worked best removing scratches and avoiding high points, but they too left scratches visible at 10X under my micrscope. I've ordered some extra
fine grit
flame points and will give those a try when received. Also just received some fairly pointed wool/felts pads and will try those. I'll keep experimenting on slugs or semi-slugs before trying to dress up what I consider to be better coins, like the one pictured. (That's 8-9 hours of
work I don't want to foul up.).
I think I understand now why others have been hestitant to join in this discussion and give advice. This stage of cleaning/restoring/finishing is quite difficult. When you've cleaned a coin for hours without breaching the
patina and exposing metal, is it best to live with cleaning scratches or risk polishing through to the metal in an effort to improve the coin ? I'm leaning toward the former (and will just learn to clean better!!!), but I haven't completely given up on abrasives yet. Will share some photos when/if I find an approach which yeilds the desired results.
Ken