A brief guide to cleaning ancient coins

 

The first rule of cleaning ancient coins? Do not clean it. While most coins may need general cleaning, using one's technique may do more harm than good. Most valuable coins rarely need cleaning, and they maintain their value without the need for some tidying. Sadigh Gallery shares in this blog post a brief guide on keeping coins clean. 

Image source: forumancientcoins.com

Coin cleaning is more apt for lower value coins such as dimes and pennies. For coins with patina, the greenish and copper-looking effect adds to the value, as condition and the date's rarity are considered. As a result, 99% of coins with patina cleaned off them do not sell for a higher value.

To preserve or add to their value, ancient coins must be cleaned properly, with the patina still in place. The key to cleaning an ancient coin is patience. It can be challenging to preserve the patina while removing all of the dirt. Leave old coins in a container filled with distilled water for 24 hours. After a day, brush the coins lightly to see its details. Some coins may need more than a day to let their details show. Keep them under distilled water for as long as needed. 

Image source: gocollect24.com

Develop a solution composed of lemon juice and olive oil to rinse off any impurities. When the solution turns green and with muck, it's time to change it. If dirt does not come off after one to three weeks using the solution, it could be time to heat the solution for better results. Even with this brief guide, Sadigh Gallery recommends collectors seek professional help when cleaning coins of great value.

Sadigh Gallery provides affordable ancient art works and coins for collectors of every level. With convivial service, it has been good friends with many of their decades-long customers. Head over to this blog for more updates from Sadigh Gallery.

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