Numismatic and History Discussion Forums > Uncleaned Ancient Coin Discussion Forum

Separating fused lead coins

(1/1)

nikopolis1:
Lead celtic imitations of Odesos .How to separete them?So far soaking in formic acid for a week did not help.I try to drive a needle in between -I give up ,lead is too soft and I will damaged them.I  think to try electrolysis  .Any sugestions for any other treatment?I suspect eletrolysis will strip the patina

Ken W2:

Maybe 3 or 4 wood toothpicks used as wedges spaced around the edges, gently pushing them in a little bit at the time ?  Wood is less likely to damage the metal and using multiple leverage points might help too. Good luck.

Ken   

Ron C2:
have you tried boiling them in water?

The issue with lead is that it both soft and has a low melting point.  Heat would eventually release them, but it would be easy to overdo it and melt the surface.  Boiling and then gentle prying with a wooden wedge is something you can try.

nikopolis1:
Boiling sounds good to me .I will try .Thanks for the idea +++ .I will leave electrolysis and heating like last resort

Navigation

[0] Message Index

Go to full version