Sandes. The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins
Written, Produced & Directed

By
Kevin R Sandes CCCE*

* Certified Coin Cleaning Expert
Preface
Collecting ancient coins via uncleaned coins is a wonderful, inexpensive, yet addictive hobby; once bit, watch out! Remember, cleaning coins is an art not a science. No two coins will ever be quite the same in condition. Some will come clean with just a scrub of a tooth brush, soap and waterwhile others will be much more challenging. In this seminar, I will walk you through all the facets of cleaning, restoring and attributing ancient coins, revealing to you all lessons, tricks, mistakes and perhaps a few secrets that I have learned in fifteen years of cleaning ancient coins.
Chapter One The Basics

From the beginning, the very most important concept you must understand is that unless you purchase uncleaned coins that can be cleaned, youre wasting your time and money. Please note that 95% of the uncleaned sellers on eBay are a rip off. They make promises like gold found or lots of silver coins. Hogwash! No one in their right mind would sell a gold or silver coin for $2.00, eh? Dont trust pix as seen on the right, trust me.

This is what youre looking for; coins showing lots of detail. Shop around a bit, either on eBay (not suggested) or from a few selected sellers that I will suggest at the end of the seminar. It is best to pay just a bit more to receive premium uncleaned coins than wasting your money on crap.

Once you have established a relationship with a reputable dealer that you trust, stick with him or her, as the case may be. Sellers, the smart ones anyway, appreciate repeat customers and tend to send you even better coins to keep you coming back. Seen right are a few coins that I cleaned from a very reputable wholesaler. Read on and your coins will soon come out like these!

The two most asked questions concerning ancient coins, especially Roman issues, is where do they come from and how long will the supply last? As of this date, the bulk of Roman uncleaned coins come from the Balkans, and Bulgaria heads the list. Other sources are England, Syria, and Israel. In many cases, the coins that you receive have been smuggled from the country of origin. Not to worry, though, once in the US they are safe to own. As for the supply, just remember this: The Roman Empire existed for close to 1,000 years, and during that time they minted millions of coins each year! These coins didnt simply evaporate into the air; many millions were simply buried for safe-keeping, as there were no banks at that time. Through neglect, forget-fullness, death or Barbarian invasion, thousands of buried troves were lost for centuries. The supply for now seems assured.

Once you have purchased some uncleaned coins with great possibilities, you now need to consider how best to clean them. Mechanical Chemical Electrical

Mechanical refers to the long-standing established way of cleaning ancient coins: soap, water and a tooth brush, scalpels, dental picks, rose thorns and what have you. I have added a number of 21st Cent tools to this heading, despite the frowns of a number of my colleagues who consider this a Dark Side of the Force, such as Diamond-dusted Dremel tools. They are wrong and I am right. Mechanical is mechanical, eh?

Chemical refers to using solvents such as lye to clean coins. Im not a true fan of chemical cleaning, but I do use it occasionally in stubborn cases. Lyed coins are sometimes referred to as having a European Patina. Most chemically cleaned coins come out bad, but many can be restored via restoration tools and products. I will discuss the Good, Bad and the Ugly of this process in the following chapters.

Electrical
Cleaning ancient coins via electrolysis is truly the Dark Side of the Force. It is without doubt the very most invasive and damaging process for cleaning coins. Certainly, it does remove even the most massive encrustations, but leaves the coin stripped of all patina and in most cases, youre left with a horribly ugly pitted coin. Nonetheless, I use this process in many cases as I know how to clean, smooth, and restore these coins to lasting glory.

Now, Ill address the topic of lighting and magnification. If you are serious about about cleaning ancient coins, you absolutely need to have a steady hands free magnifying system. Forget about microscopes. Trust me, you dont need them. A simple light and magnifier as seen to right, is all youll ever want; $20.00 from Home Depot.

Inexpensive and will prove its price for many years to come.

As mentioned above, cleaning ancient coins is an art, not a science, but before you begin, you must understand exactly what is is that you are cleaning! Whether you are an experienced coin-cleaner, or a beginner in the hobby, you need to understand just what it is that youre cleaning! Fifteen years ago, when I got sucked into the hobby, I had no clue as to where to begin. At that time I could not tell one emperors portrait from anotherand as for legends? I was stumped! At that time, they all looked the same to me, and I made more cleaning mistakes than I care to admit. The most profound problem that I had then was learning to recognize the emperors portraits, read the legends, and deciphering the reverse details.

All ancient Roman Coin Legends are inscribed in Roman Latin Text.
It will only take you a few hours time to decipher them; once understood, they are all rather easy; but you will need a few references to help you out. A typical late Roman Constantine I obverse legend reads CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG. Easy to interpret. Constantine I, the Ultimate Ruler of the Roman Armies. Simple enough, eh? But what about this Reverse legend? VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINCE PERP? When you clean coins, you really need to know what your cleaning. eh?

Books and References
The necessity of resource materials is also very important! Purchase as many books as your budget allows; in fact, I advise that you purchase at least one reference before buying any coins! Seen right is my very worn, well-used, and dirtstained copy of David Van Meters Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins.

Despite the fact that there are hundreds of Internet sources for ancient coin attributions, having to look up each and every coin becomes rather unwieldy and very timeconsuming. My suggestion is to purchase this book; it is not the be all end all of ancient Roman Coins, but it is the very best beginner Ancient Roman Coin reference that I subscribe to. A relatively inexpensive reference work that is filled with photos and near-complete Ancient Roman Coin attributions. I do not sell this book, but its available from a number internet sources at a low price, usually about $30 or so.
Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

As mentioned above, mechanical cleaning is all about scraping and brushing to clean coins. This is the preferred method to clean any ancient coin. In any occasion that you can clean an ancient coin, this way is the best way; but there are other ways, as well. Well discuss these other opportunities later in this seminar.

The tried and true method of cleaning ancient coins begins with Olive Oil. Olive oil has a very low amount of acid that tends to impregnate and loosen dirt and encrustations. Simply place your coins in olive oil and let them rest for a week or two, allowing the acid to do its work.

After a week soak in olive oil, remove the coin from its olive oil bath and scrub it off with any liquid soap under warm running water with a common tooth brush.

You must remove all dirt!
In this case, dirt is your first enemy. It is of absolute importance that all dirt be removed before you can proceed. These coins are hard enough to clean as is, but until the minimal amounts of dirt are removed, youll have no gage to know when to stop cleaning.

Before we proceed further to the tools, there is another way to loosen/remove the mud and hard clay from coins: Gringgotts Wizard Mix #2! In most cases, when I receive coins that I plan on cleaning, I use this product first before olive oil soaks. Simple to use either as boil or short term soaks. But this sounds like Chemical Cleaning, Kevin!

Perhaps yes, perhaps no After all, olive oil is mildly acidic as well. Gringgotts #2, when used as directed, will not harm your coins patina. I have found that after application of this product, 90% of coins will not need olive oil soaks! Lets proceed, shall we?

Now that youve removed as much soft dirt as possible with brush and soap under running water, it time to examine your coins under your magnifying light.

Examine each coin carefully, then separate them into three categories: 1) Those that have crisp portraits and details already showing. 2) Portraits and details that may need a bit more time in olive oil. 3) Coins that have very heavy encrustations.

Category # 1
Coins such as these are now ready for mechanical cleaning, with no further need of soaks.

Category #2
Coins that look like these are problematic; return them to olive oil, wait a few weeks, then soap and brush again. It cant hurt. Ill return to these coins later in the seminar.

Category #3
As seen, these coins are heavily encrusted. Commonly refered to as crusties, such coins, at least from my experience, can only be cleaned via electrolysis. You can put them in olive oil for the span of a lifetime with no result.

Lets go back to Category #1 and talk about cleaning tools. You may have read that the only way to clean ancient coins is with a bamboo skewer or a dried rose thorn? Please

Believe it or not, the accepted way to clean ancient coins for the last 100 years is to clean them with a bamboo skewer or a dried rose thorn, as seen left. I have tried bothbut never again. Weak vegetable tools such as these will never clean your coins in your lifetime, trust me.

This is the 21st Century, not the 19thand our cleaning tools have come along way from the rose thorn. Consider a common dental pick

The common dental pick, with its hard steel and sharp point, is my 1st choice cleaning tool. Use this tool to probe your coins surface. Its best to begin by using the tool sideways, rather than point first. Begin with the coins fields, rather than the details, using little pressure, remembering to use the tool in a circular manner rather than left-right or up and down. This is important!

X-acto Knife This common house-hold tool is sometimes refered to as a scaple by snotty coin cleaners, but its really a very simple craft-knife. Inexpensive? Yes! But I suggest that you only use the curved blade seen right, rather that the flat blades! As with all cleaning tools, this one is used for specific purposes only.

Craft Knife Cont. If you use any flat-type blade, youre asking for trouble, trust me, I know. Flat blades tend to easily cut too deep into a coins patina, and thats not what you want, eh?

Craft Knifeand when to use it.
Note the early Roman Imperial copper As seen right as a typical example. Dirty and corroded, little detail showing, this is a problem coin that can be restored.

Craft Knifeand how to use it.
Hold the coin in hand, then use edge of the curved blade to gently begin to scrape off the dirt and corrosions.

Craft Knife and how to use it. Go slow and look carefully at the coins surface.

As seen left, always remember to keep the blade as flat as possible against the coins surfaceand when ever possible, use circular motions!

Seen right are a few coins that were cleaned by Gringgott's #2 boil (no olive oil), a common dental pick and a craft tool.

Following the above methods, from my experience, 40%-45% of your Ancient Coins should come out like thisand than aint bad!

Unfortunately, due to the vagaries of soil condition, many ancient coins do not fall into the previous categories. Too often, no matter how long the soak, many coins do not respond to either Gringgotts #2 or olive oiland the common dental pick, as seen in the example left. So, what to do?
Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning with 21st Century Tools

21st Century Tools
Our cleaning tools have come a long way since the days of rose thorns and bamboo skewers. Consider the Diamond-dusted Dental Pick This tool was originally developed by a Doctor of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, to hone down miniscule imperfections on Crown replacements. It is spade-shaped on both sides, and has a 600 Grit covering of diamond dust

The Diamond-dusted Dental Pick
If you are new to this tool, I must remind you to go very slow. Its so much better than any tool that you have ever used that you may make a few blunders before you know it! When used correctly, you will be stunned, or even shocked, by how well it cleans your coins. This is not a Rose Thorn! Beginners should remember at all times that easy pressure wins the race. THIS IS NOT A SCRUBBER TOOL! It is best used for delicate cleaningexcept in the case of particular coins.
21st Century Tools

Dremel Soft-brass Bristle Cup Brush
Unlike the common, and very harsh brass brush from the Dremel folks, this tools bristles are twice as long.* We will use this tool at the completion of the following project to polish the coin. DO NOT USE IT BEFORE! * Thanks to Bruce Nessett for turning me on to this tool!

21st Century Tools Dremel Tools!
Everything worth doing well takes practice, whether it be sports, music, photography, or flying a stealth fighter. The use of Dremel tools for cleaning ancient coins requires not only practice, but patience, as well.

Do not expect to read the following lessons, purchase the tools & some uncleaned ancient coins and believe you have it all down pat. Accept from the beginning that you will make many mistakes. I still do.
The Dremel Mini-Mite

The Dremel referred to in all my seminars is the battery-power Dremel Mini-mite 750-02. Do not attempt to use any plug-in type of Dremel; they are much too powerful and un-wieldy for delicate hand work. This tool is available at Home Depot, Loews Hardware, etc. but I suggest you click the following link to save some cash. http://www.nextag.com/dremelcordless/search-html
Dremel Mini-Mite Continued

This battery-powered Dremel is light in the hand and agile. Remember to always use it at the lowest speed: 5,000rpm. Faster is too fast! 5,000 rpm is just the ticket.
Common Dremel Tools? Not!

Never, under any circumstances, use any common Dremel tool! They will utterly destroy any ancient coin. Think using a pick-axe to clean the Mona Lisa, and youll get the picture.
Chapter Two
Mechanically Cleaning Silvered Coins
Now, after all of the above, lets get back to the topic of cleaning coins, shall we? In the following lesson, well kill two birds with the same stone; Using the diamond-dusted dental pick to remove hard encrustations. In this case, Ill walk you through the most difficult ancient coins to clean silvered issues. The same process can be applied to any ancient coin, so pay attention!
Overview of Ancient Silvered Coinage

Roman silvered issues
When the Romans realized that they didnt have enough silver to make all the coins needed to run the empire, they started covering AE (copper) coinage with a thin silver shell just to keep up appearances, just the same as our new modern coins.
Silvered coins come in a myriad of conditions

THE GOOD
Ancient coins similar to this example have a thick and intact silvered covering. These types, when you are lucky enough to find one, are relatively easy to clean.
Silvering conditions continued

THE BAD
We have all discovered heart-breaking coins similar to this example. The silvering is intact, but VERY fragile. This type takes lots of time and even more patience.

THE IMPOSSIBLE
Forget about it! The silvering is crumbling and is beyond restoration. With coins like this you have two choices; leave well enough alone, or strip it all off and see what remains. The latter rarely workstrust me, I know.

And the possible!
This coin is an excellent example of a silvered coin that has rock-hard encrustations commonly found on the Roman silvered coinage. I will use this example as a vehicle to demonstrate my methods for the cleaning and restoration of silvered coins.

Pick and Brush
For this lesson, you will need the following tools A diamond-dusted Dental Pick, a softbrass bristle Dremel cup-shaped brush, and a common toothbrush.
But why these tools? Cant I clean my coins some other way?
Sure, why not? But this is about how I clean my coins, after all. As you all know, for the last 100 years, the accepted way of cleaning all ancient coins was the tried-and-true method of soaking them in olive oil for weeks, months, and even years, on end. Pundits also suggested that only sharpened bamboo skewers, and even dried Rose Thorns, be used to clean between the legends Yikes, well all be dead before some of our coins come clean using this method.

First of all, you need to understand that the green encrustations on coins such as this will never give up to any amount of olive oil soaks, trust me. They are hard as rocks. The above withstanding, I suggest that you place your silvered coin in olive oil for at least five days. The olive oil soak is more for removing any dirt that remains on the coin.
My coin is cleannow what?

OK! Youre doing great! Heres the obverse of my example, free of dirt. Compare it to the original example as pictured above. Your coin should look pretty much like mine. And this is why you needed to clean off all the dirt, first! Note that I have circled a few minor condition problems that were unseen until now. The two red bits seen at 11 oclock and 2 oclock are to be avoided at all cost. These tiny eruptions will only get worse with if you try to remove them, so forget about them. The larger blemish seen at 6 oclock is where the silvering has pretty-much come off. Again, leave this alone. Ill inform you later how to deal with it!
My coin is cleannow what?

Same as the above
Again we see a number of similar tiny red eruptions. As we progress, you will discover that these minor problems need not concern you as long as you follow my methods. But Kevin, your reverse seems to show no details! Never fear, all will be fine with this coin!
Now that you understand why you removed the dirtput it back in the Olive Oil What, again? That sounds lame
Yes, back in the olive oil for at least a day or two I have two reasons for this: The first is that it cant hurt. The second is that I dont want you to get carried away with your cleaning. Go slow. Remember, slow but steady wins the race. And to quote JRR Tolkien, Shortcuts lead to long delays. I cannot tell you how many great coins that I have ruined just because I was in a hurry!
Is your coin back in its Olive Oil? I hope so

While you are waiting, I figure this is a best time to discuss the Pros of the tools. Let us first discuss the Diamond-dusted dental pick.

Your coin is now clean of all dirt
At this point we need to address the uses of the DDDP #1the point and the blade. In either case, this tool should NEVER be used in an Up-Down or Left-Right combination, i.e., scrubbing. Youll kill your coin! Use the tip to easily brush the encrustations.

The Tip of the Pick
Remember to always use a tiny circular motion. The tip of the tool is great for removing those rock-hard green encrustations.
The correct way

Tiny circular motions! You will be less apt to scar the silvered surface or common green patina using this method!
The wrong way!

Up & Down Strokes will murder your coin! This method will only mar the silvering. And once done, there is no way back, trust me. Remember, circular motions only!

The Tip of the Pick Easy does it. Dont bare down. Use the tools tip to clean between letters, etc.
The Blade of the Pick

The DDDP #1 has any number of uses, and not only for cleaning silvered coins. It works great on AE coins as well. In this case, use the flat part of the blade to gently scrub off those rock hard green encrustations. Always use circular motionsnever backand-forth
The Blade of the Pick

Here is a close up of the blade in action
The Blade of the Pick The right way.

Use the blade of the pick to gently remove the any encrustations As pictured, tiny circular motions always work best.
The Blade of the Pick The wrong way.

Again, as mentioned above, backand-forth strokes will just not do!
Dang, Kevin, Having Followed Your Advice in Everyway, My Coin Is Now Pretty Much Clean of Those Pesky Encrustations, but It Looks Just a Bit Dull! What Do I Do Now? Note: The following only applies if you are using the tool in a battery-powered Dremel. If you do not have the Dremel, you should!
At last, we come to the fun partthe SBBB (Soft Bristle Brass Brush)! The first thing you need to do is forget everything you think you know about brass brushes! Much like the DDDP #1, this tool is not a SCRUBBER! Rather, it is a polishing tool for very delicate work. Yes, I use it occasionally to knock off a bit of surface dirt on AE coinagebut that is not its purpose in this presentation. There are any number of ways to apply the brush bristles to the coin, but only one correct way! Remember, use the tool only on low speed!

Proper application of the SBBB! Rule #1 Never bare down on the coin, I.E., do not apply any pressure! Only gently touch your coins surface with the bristles. Go with the Force, Luke Close your eyes and feel the gentle vibration of the brush on the coin as you hold in in your fingers Doh! Sorry Rule #2 Always follow Rule # 1! Rule #3 Although not seen in the following pix, for brevities sake, you should always remember to use the brush under cool/warm running water. This is very important! Oil would be even betterbut what a mess! I actually tried this oncebut thats just me. Never again.
The Soft-bristle Brass Brush The Wrong Way!

As noted above, this is the wrong way! Never place the bristles flat-wise against the your coins surface! Go ahead and try itbut youll be sorry you did! Its just a bit too abrasive and may cut through the thin silvering.
The Soft-bristle Brass Brush the Correct Way!

It is the very tips of the brass bristles that do the job correctly. I was serious about feeling the vibration in your fingertips. Remember, this final application is not about cleaning; its about polishing! When applied correctly, this method will easily smooth out your coins silvered/green patinated surface and restore it to as close to its original patina as possible.

Before.The obverse covered with dirt and green encrustations.
If you have followed all my suggested procedures, your coin should now look something like this
And afterHeres the
obverseWow! What an amazing difference, eh? A few minor bits of encrustation still remain, but that is just a small annoyance and can be fixed with just bit more cleaning. OVB/ GALLIENVS AVG; laur. and dr. bust r.

And the reverseAs
noted above, all legends and details are now quite clear. REV/ CONSERVATOR AVG; Aesculapius standing left holding a rod around which a serpent is entwined. Antioch Mint; Gobl. 1649g
As mentioned above, heres the difference in the problem areas.

Before Obverse Problems Dirt Nasty green encrustations And in the circled areas, where the silvering was thin, that I reminded you to leave alone.

Obverse Problems Solved
By not worrying these bits with the diamond pick, you can easily see that they have nearly disappeared. This effect comes from the SBBB. The fields have been smoothed and polished to a lovely sheen.

Before Reverse problems
Dirt Nasty green encrustations No Details And the circled areas, where the silvering was thin, that I reminded you to leave alone.

Before reverse problems now solved
Again, by not worrying these bits with the diamond pick, you can easily see that they have nearly disappeared. This effect comes from the SBBB. The fields have been smoothed and polished to a lovely sheen.

A few more examples of silvered ancient coinage cleaned by the above process Byzantine billon trachy syphate coins.

Another example of silvered ancient coinage cleaned by the above process

And, finally, an exquisite silvered Roman Probus issue cleaned via the above process!
Final Procedures
As seen above, these tools work magnificently for cleaning ancient silvered coinage and Ae coinage as well. Remember that to succeed, youll need both tools, as well as the battery-powered Dremel tool.
If you do not have these tools, go to www.nobleromancoins.com.

As you progress in this delightful hobby, you will, at one time or another, come across uncleaned coins with what is known as a desert patina. These coins, unlike those found in wet European soil, come from dry lands such as Syria and Egypt. They can instantly be identified by their orange-colored patina.

Cleaning Desert Patina coins is rather easy. But, unlike their Western Cousins, the thought is to under-clean them, as seen in the example right. Leave the sand-fill alone, and simply use a common dental pick to clean around the details and legends

This Alexandria issue was discovered in Syria. Note how I have left nearly all the sandfill in place. Desert patina can sometimes be rock hard, and other times rather soft and very fragile, often to the point where even gentile tooth brushing will remove it! Be careful, and start out with a common dental pick until you understand the firmness of the patina.
Chapter Three
Mechanical Cleaning Ancient Coins with Dremel Tools
Chapter Three Mechanically Cleaning via Dremel Tools

More 21st Century Tools
Cleaning Ancient Coins With Dremel Tools is an Art not a Science

Everything worth doing well takes practice, whether it be sports, music, photography, or flying a stealth fighter. The use of Dremel tools for cleaning ancient coins requires not only practice, but patience, as well. Do not expect to read the following lessons, purchase the tools, some uncleaned ancient coins and believe you have it all down pat. Accept from the beginning that you will make many mistakes. I still do.
Chapter Three Mechanically Cleaning with Dremel Tools

To repeat, never, under any circumstances, use any common Dremel tool! They will utterly destroy any ancient coin. Think using a pick-axe to clean the Mona Lisa, and youll get the picture.
Chapter Three Mechanically Cleaning with Dremel Tools

These five unique, tiny diamonddusted tools will easily and precisely clean the most stubborn coins of their encrustations. In many cases, with no or little harm to the patina.
DD Dremel Tool Names

Left to right, tools are Flame Tip 55 (F55), Flame Tip 45 (F45), Point Tip 80 (P80), Bullet Tip 10 (B10), Bullet Tip 15 (B15). In future, the tools will be referred to as in parenthesis.
Diamond-dusted Rubber Dremel Tools

These four Diamonddusted Rubber Dremel tools are used for
smoothing and their use will become tantamount as the lessons proceed.
Diamond-dusted Rubber Dremel Tool Names

Left to right, tools are Black Arrow (BA), Black Bullet (BB), Sharp Gray (SG), Gray Bullet (GB). In future, the tools will be referred to as in parenthesis.
The Soft-bristle Brass Brush

The SBBB is a remarkable tool that can be used for many purposes. I use it to knock off dirt, detail cleaning and for polishing as well. Again, do not confuse this brass brush with those sold by the Dremel company; theirs are much too harsh.
Chapter Three Lesson #1 Cleaning Encrusted Coins

The following lesson will certainly shock you. I would much rather clean any coin without many of the processs seen in this next lesson. But, as too many ancient coins will never respond to the techniques as seen in Chapters One and Two, this is the best way that I have found to solve the dilemma.

The coin seen left is a perfect example for Lesson #1; it looks nasty, doesnt it? Id guess that if you received this coin in an uncleaned lot, youd either write it off as crap, or toss it in olive oil for a year or two, eh? No so, in this case; Note the test scratch in the right field. In this case, I can already determine that the metal is sound below the encrustations.

Anytime I find a coin in this condition, the first thing I do is apply a Dremel Softbristled Brass Brush (SBBB) over the coins surface under running water. The running water is very important, trust me. Only under running water and only very light pressure; just enough to see what we are dealing with. Before

Reversesame coin.

Note that in this case I use an worn-down SBBB to softly scour the dirt.

And afternot much difference, but enough to see where we need to proceed. Ready to start using your Dremel DD tools? Lets go!

The B10 Dremel tool is my best way to begin cleaning any ancient coin. Here is the wrong way

This is the wrong way Never use any DD Dremel tool in a back and forth motion.

The right way Always remember to use any DD Dremel tool in circular motions.

All Im trying to do at this point is to remove just enough off the surface to better see the legends, fields and details. No pressure, please. Barely touch the ball tip to the surface and let the tool do the work. Never more than 5000 rpm, please. Do not over-clean.

Lets look at the coin after the B10..
The fields are more clear and the legends are becoming apparent. Note that I have left the green corrosion on the emperors chin and in the right field alone for now. Well deal with them later.

And the Rx
Again, the legends and details have begun to appear. I believe the B10 has done its job perfectly and can be set aside. Now, lets proceed to the Flame Tip 55 (F55).

The Flame Tip 55 The F55 is a broadtipped 600 grit tool that you should use first to hone down dirt/encrustations, especially in fields and wide areas in the coins detail.

As seen left, I am holding the F55 nearly flush to the coins surface. This is the correct way to employ the tool. I am using little to no pressure, feeling the gentle vibration in my fingertips, letting the tool its job. Using the side of the tool will extend its longevity as well as insuring less harm to the coin.

Point down is the wrong way! Less coverage and all that youll accomplish is to wear down the tip. Using tool-tips is fine, but not under these circumstances. Remember, always use the tool in circular motions; not back-and-forth.

Obv. after F55. Now we are seeing real progress. The fields, legends and portrait are coming clear and the patina remains intact.

Reverse after F55. Same as the obverse; make two notes here:
The fields, legends, etc. have been somewhat smoothed since the previous Rx. I went just a bit too fast and there are a few bits of copper showing.

I now want to take a closer look at the coin and, despite the copper showing on the reverse, Im going to apply a new SBBB to both surfaces of the coin, under running water. This application serves two purposes: it gently removes any dirt/dust remaining from the Dremel tools, and will also smooth it up a bit for better consideration.
The Soft-bristle Brass Brush the Wrong Way!

As noted above, this is the wrong way! Never place the bristles flat-wise against the your coins surface! Go ahead and try itbut youll be sorry you did! Its just a bit too abrasive. Remember, the coins under-surface/patina is now beginning to appear; slow but steady wins the race.

It is the very tips of the brass bristles that do the job correctly. I was serious about feeling the vibration in your finger-tips. These brushes, due to the soft bristles, will wear down with use. Always a have a few new ones around for the detail work, but dont throw your old ones away. They perform smartly for original cleaning and later polishing.

Similar to the other Dremel tools, remember to always use the SBBB in a circular motion, this time under running water, turning/spinning the coin as you do so. Do Not press down; simply let the bristle-tips do the work.

The sample coins obverse after brass-brushing is now much clearer, but more naked copper is showing. Sadly, this is nearly inevitable with a coin so incrusted.

The sample coins reverse after brassbrushing is now much clearer, but more naked copper is showing. HmmmI am beginning to have some dark thoughts concerning this coinbut well press on anyway.

The Flame Tip 45.
Just a bit smaller than the F55, this 600 grit tool is an excellent two-way tool. Use the side for further cleaning and smoothing. This ones tip is now sharp enough for you to seriously begin to clean between the legends and the portrait details. Go slow and take your time. The final detail-work is still to come.

This is the obverse after using the F45 and a short soak under running water with the SBBB. At this juncture I am not happy with the result, at all. The fault is not from the tools so much, but rather from the coins condition. Read on and remember to refer back to this obverse as we continue.

The details and legends on the reverse appear to be crisp and well struck, the under-lying metal intact. This coins patina is shot; too much corrosion to save the original patina intact. Not my fault, nor the coins. A shame, but it happens more often than not.

In my wisdom, I have decided that this Lesson #1 Coin is a near-hopeless mess of bright copper, uncertain patina, and few bits of hard green encrustations which needs to be soaked in lemon juice. Dont be shocked. The next images of our coin will shock you, but not to worry. Remember, this seminars lessons will include restoration, okay?

Obverse after a fiveminute soak in lemon juice and the SBBB under running water. Ugly, isnt it?

Reverse after a fiveminute soak in lemon juice and the SBBB under running water. Yikes! It gets worse before it gets better, trust me.

As seen above, this coin now appears to be a hopeless mess, doesnt it? Wrong! Patina-be-damned, it can and will be restored. Restoration of ancient coins is a rather simple process as you will see in the following.

Using Diamond-dusted rubber tools for Cleaning and Smoothing. The following two photos show the use of the two tools on the left; the Black Arrow (BA) and the Black Bullet (BB). All similar tools should be used under running water!

I first used the BB to clean/smooth the portrait and the fields and then the more narrow BA to define the legends.

Same as above, I first used the BB to clean/smooth the portrait and the fields and then the more narrow BA to define the legends.

I next turned to the Sharp Point P80, a superb tool for cleaning between legends and details. I used it to remove the bulk of the remaining patina on both sides of the coin.

Note how much of the retaining encrusted patina has been removed

The P80 could have removed the last bit of green at the top of the coin, but I decided to leave it alone as it will improve the look of the coin when all is done.

More smoothing
I next used the two rubber bits on the right; the Gray Bullet (GB) and the Gray Sharp Point (GSP). These two tools have a very fine diamond dust and work best after the BB and the BA. Dont forget the running water!

Use the GB for all-over for smoothing the fields, portrait and above the legends.

Next apply the GSP to clean/smooth between the legends and details. Note: The GSP is extremely narrow. Never use the tip itself as youll wear it down in no time. Rather, use it length-wise. And dont forget the running water! ;-)

Our 1st test coin now looks like this; stripped of all original patina, but with lots of sharp details showing. Bright and shiny, but whats next? It is now time for us to turn to repatination products.
Chapter Three Lesson #1 Repatination Products

Repatination Products? What does that mean? How can I restore an ancient coins patina, and doesnt it devalue the worth of my coin, you may ask? Certainly, especially if your considering a drop-dead gorgeous Nero Sestertius in EF+ condition that is valued at $20,000! But this is not what were discussing, is it? Much like me, you have spent your hard-earned money on inexpensive $2 uncleaned coins in the hopes of cleaning and adding them to your collection. How many of these coins have been disappointing, eh? Too manytrust me, I feel your pain.

But, there is an answer, my friends! So sorry, but in your mind, what really matters most? An original patina on a crumbly, impossible to attribute coin, or one with crisp and clean details; a coin youll be proud to add to your collection? In the next few pages Ill introduce you to a number of excellent repatination products before returning to our first coin example.

My favorite repatinating products are JAX solutions. They come in four types: Brown, Brown/Black, Black and Green Patina. Each are easy to use; just a few minutes soak in the solution. All of these solutions will give your coin a different patina; no one will be the same as every coin has a different metal content. Experiment with them.

Restoring the coins patina and JAX Darkeners These easy to use solutions are available in four types: Brown, Black/Brown, Black, and Green Patina. In this case, I chose JAX Brown Patina solution to give the coin a more natural appearance.

JAX Continued.
As mentioned, these darkeners are very easy to use. Simply pour a very small amount into nonreactive container, just enough to cover the coins surface. The darkening process happens quite quickly, just few seconds.

Now, lets proceed to the above patina-stripped coin, shall we? In this case I have chosen JAX Brown Darkener as the solution of choice.

Place your coin into the solution. After 5 seconds or so, turn the coin over and wait until no more bright copper is seen. Immediately remove the coin from the solution and gently brush the coin under running water with a soft-bristle tooth brush. It makes a mess in the sink and your fingers will get dirty, but it all washes off with a bit of soap. Return the solution to the container for further use.

Now, set the coin aside for an hour or so in a warm, dry area, allowing the darkener to complete its work. See our coin on the right. Note: you can leave the coin in solution for a darker patina, if you like.

Same coin, reverse
JAX Darkeners are very forgiving; if youre not happy with the result, simply brush off the patina with your SBBB under running water and repeat with the same, or a different, solution until you are satisfied with your final product.

This first coin is nearly finished. Im happy with the condition and false patina, but it looks just a bit dull, doesnt it? Time now to apply some Renaissance Wax! Ren Wax is a non-reactive wax that will not only bring out the luster of your coinbut will protect it as well. I have been using the same 1oz container for close to two years! A little goes a long way. ;-)

Apply a small amount of Ren Wax onto your thumb and fore-finger, then gently rub it onto the coins surface, being sure to fill it into all the bits and details. Let dry in a warm place for an hour or so, then gently buff with a soft cotton cloth.
Cleaning Encrusted/Dirty Coins

Now Ren Waxed and buffed, this is our final product
Lesson # 1 Cleaning Encrusted/Dirty Coins

Not the result that I was expecting, but certainly better than when we began this First Lesson
Cleaning Encrusted/Dirty Coins

Before and after pix Not bad, all things considered, especially looking at the before pix. But, being the perfectionist that I am, I believe this coin could have come out even better.

What worked correctly:
The DD dusted Dremel tools did their job as described. The smoothing tools as well. The JAX Darkener displayed a splendid result.
Where I went wrong Too much hurry, my friends. I was so caught up in finishing this coin for the seminar that I forgot my Number #1 Rule: Slow but Steady Wins the Race. See, even I screw upsometimes. ;-)

I should have stopped here At this point the coin was really clean enough to put into an olive oil soak; after a four or five months of toothbrushing, most of the coins original patina could have been saved. Oh well, live and learn
Chapter Three Question and Answer

Can DD Dremel tools be used to clean simple dirt-covered coins? Of course! The coin seen right, from my personal collection, was solely cleaning with Dremel tools; the SBBB, F45, and the P80, only. In this case, I took my own advice; Go Slow and Know When to Stop. Lovely, isnt it?
Chapter Three Question and Answer

Can DD Dremel tools be used to clean simple dirt-covered coins? Cont. I do not recommend that you ever attempt to clean any ancient coin in the condition as seen above with Dremel tools until you have mastered the art, and that will take you hours upon hours of practice. Remember, I have been using these same tools for over five years and I still make an occasional mistake. Please, begin your practice with Dremel tools on ancient coins that you do not mind sacrificing to the Gods of Coin Cleaning. Save your better condition coins until a later date.
Chapter # Four
Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations
Much too often, we all receive uncleaned coins with deep and ugly encrustations and, more often than not, we grumble a bit, pick somewhat at the coin, then either toss it in olive oilor, more often, into our junk pile. I have discovered a method that may just save some, but not all, of these coins. Read on

My best guess is that you have too many similar coins in your junk pile. Stripped, zapped, overcleaned, etc., coins purchased on eBay as Excellent uncleaned coins Gold Found! Authors note: Never buy uncleaned coins on eBay; they suck, trust me.

As seen, this Lesson #2 coin appears to be a hopeless mess. But I have high-hopes for it! Lets see how it turns out, shall we? As always, I first used the SBBB brush under running waterand it looks better already.

Soft strikes on the reverseno encrustations. Well leave this side alone for now.
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations The Diamond-dusted EL44, a tool I havent discussed until now, is one that I only use under these exact conditions. It can be harsh, so only use it sparingly on hard encrustations.

Use the EL44 similar to the other Dremel tools, but being a bit more careful as this one sometimes can get away from you. Notice how the EL44 has grinded down the obverse encrustations to a more manageable condition.
The next step in restoring this coin is electrolysisthe Dark Side of cleaning/restoring ancient coins. If you are weak of heart, turn back nowor simply skip to Lesson #3 Still here? Excellent! Lets move on

Obverse after 5 minutes of electrolysis.
The fields and legends are now clear. Note the three red-circled areasstill encrusted. My eye and experience tells me that further zapping will
certainly remove the encrustations, but will also create massive and ugly pitting.
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations At this point there is not much more to do than use your four rubber smoothing tools and perhaps just a bit of the P80 tool to clean between the legends. See finished example right.
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations Here is the completely finished example after a short soak in JAX Brown and a buff with Ren Wax.
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations And the reverse.
Chapter Four Cleaning/Restoring Coins with Massive Encrustations Certainly not the greatest example of coin restoration, but you now have a coin to add to your collection thats not quite so embarrassing as this one.
Chapter Five
Restoring Ancient Coins with the European Patina.
Chapter 5
Restoring Ancient Coins with European Patina European Patina is just a polite way to describe a coin whose patina has been removed with lye. If youve been cleaning coins for a while, youve seen this type too many times; I know I have.
Chapter 5
Restoring Ancient Coins with European Patina
In the past, when you received a coin in similar condition, there really wasnt much that you could do to improve the condition. But now that you have invested in this CD, you will learn how to greatly enhance its appearance through a few very simple steps. Read on!
Chapter 5
Restoring Ancient Coins with European Patina The reverse of the same coin. Yikes, its really ugly, isnt it?
The obverse only has a few minor problems, so Ill spend more time on this very nasty reverse.
Chapter 5
As seen circled in yellow, the lye has not only removed the patina but also revealed some horrible deep pitting. Naturally the pitting cannot be removed, but it can be smoothed just a bit and, with judicious use of JAX, be rendered somewhat less hideous.
Chapter 5
When in doubt, always start with the SBBB. At right, I have now removed as much of the lyecorrosion as possible.
Chapter 5
Next, I used the rubber BA to smooth the pitting as well as possible, then quit when I noticed that in a few spots the pits were actually growing larger. Note how the figure of Victory is much clearer than before.
Chapter 5
This time, I decided to place the coin in JAX Black to help hide the pitting. JAX Black will give your coins surface a very shiny, almost silvered appearance, which will not work well for this coins condition, but Im not finished. After the soak and brush, I set it aside to dry for a few hours.
Chapter 5
While the coin dries, lets turn our attention to Dellers Darkener. Alone, Dellers is a terrific product for darkening either tiny mistakes or for major re-patination projects. Simple rub a small amount onto your finger-tips and rub it onto the coin, then allow the product do its work. For completely stripped coins, Dellers works best if you gently brush both surfaces with the SBBB held in your hand rather than in your Dremel tool.
Chapter 5
Dellers works differently on each coin based on the copper content of the coin. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and sometimes with little result at all. Like all the JAX solutions, it cannot harm your coin, but unlike JAX, it tends to take much more time and patience. After application, set the coin aside and, if possible, in direct sunlight for a few days. Repeat the process until you are satisfied with your coins new patina.
Chapter 5
Using Dellers Darkener on coins with their original patina to restore a few cleaning mistakes where the base metal is showing is just a bit different. Again, rub in a very small amount onto the coins surface, then set it aside to dry. After an hour or two, more or less, the Dellers will be absorbed into the patina and the shiny bits should begin to darken. If the Dellers fails to be absorbed after at least 24 hours, the coin is done. If not, repeat until the patina fails to absorb the darkener. Now, let the coin rest for several days, in bright sunlight, if possible.
Chapter 5
Either way, once you are satisfied with the new patina, let it rest for a few more days; it cant hurt but will certainly help. When done, simply gently buff with a soft cotton cloth.
Chapter 5
Using Dellers Darkener in conjunction with JAX Solutions is another remarkable way to add an endless variety to your final patina restorations. The trick is to let any coin soaked in JAX to let dry for several days, then very, very gently rub a bit of Dellers only onto your coins high-lights. Set it aside in a warm place for at least 24 hours and see what happens. Im always surprised; remember, this is an art, not a science! ;-).
Chapter 5
Now that you have better understanding of Dellers/JAX, well return to our European Patina example. Seen right is the Obv/Rev of the coin after SBBB, rubber smoothing tools, a short soak in JAX Black and a long dry. The following slides will show the difference after an application of Dellers darkener.
Chapter 5
Obverse beforean unhappy ancient coin, harshly cleaned with lye, with no patina and little to no details. A tossaway coin destined for the junk pile. And after
Chapter 5
Obverse after Buried 1,600 years underground, lyed, then brass-brushed, Dremel-smoothed, JAXed, and Dellered, this poor coin now has a new lease on life. Note how the application of Dellers has toned-down the fields and high-lighted the portrait and legends.
Chapter 5
Reverse before Again, an unhappy ancient coin, harshly cleaned with lye, with no patina and little to no details. A toss-away coin destined for the junk pile.
Chapter 5
Reverse after
Note how the application of Dellers has toned-down the fields, kept the color of the pitting to a minimum, and highlighted the details and legends. This is only my presentation of this coin, patina-wise. Using different combinations of JAX solutions, with or without Dellers, your results could be much better in the final outcome.
Chapter 5
Restoring Ancient Coins with European Patina Same coins, before and after.
Chapter 5
Lessons to remember
Cleaning Ancient Coins is an Artnot a Science.

Use your eyes to detect which coin to clean and how. Look for sound under-lying metal. Go slowSlow but steady wins the race. Learn when to stop cleaning. The SBBB is your very best friend. JAX Darkener can be removed.
Chapter Five Question and Answer

My methods seem very harsh; are there other ways to clean ancient coins?
Certainly. For the last 100+ years, the accepted way of cleaning all ancient coins was the tried-and-true method of soaking them in olive oil for weeks, months, and even years! Certain pundits suggest that only sharpened bamboo skewers, and even dried Rose Thorns, be used to clean between the legends Yikes, well all be dead before some of our coins come clean using this method. If you have the time and patience, this is the best way to proceed. But in the case of too many coins, olive oil will just not answer.
Chapter Five Question and Answer

Are there any other cleaning tools that you can suggest? Certainly; common dental picks work great on dirt-covered coins, while Diamond-dusted dental picks are even better, but like all the Dremel tools listed above, they take practice. Gringgotts Wizard Mixes can work wonders to aid in loosening hard dirt and other substances from coins. Simple to use, as well. No practice! Dremel buffing tools also are a superior way to really bring out the shine on Ren Waxed coins.
Chapter Six
Restoring Ancient Coins via Electrolysis
Chapter Six Restoring Ancient Coins via Electrolysis
An over-view of electrolysis, building your electrolysis machine, and the tools necessary to succeed.
Project Goals
The ultimate goal of this chapter is to inform Uncleaned Coin enthusiasts as to the most up-to-date methods of cleaning ancient coins by way of Electrolysis. Here we will consider all the latest Electrolysis cleaning tools and methods pertaining to all types of ancient un-cleaned coins, including Dremel tools, Brass Brushes, Dental Picks, Diamond-dusted Dental Picks, Buffing Tools, and Re-patination techniques, etc. Many of my methods are controversialand will certainly lead you to the Dark Side of coin cleaning. If you are a traditional coin-cleaning type, you may want to turn back now. Like it or not, the following is how I clean many of my ancient coins.
Cleaning Ancient Coins via Electrolysis is not something to take lightly

Still here? Great! Now that youve decided to consider the Dark Side of coin-cleaning, you need to know from the get-go, that each and every ancient coin should be considered as a one-of-a-kind. No two ancient coins are alike in condition. Each coin must be carefully examined before the electrolysis cleaning process begins. We will use the following photos as a guide for discussing coin status, tools, and final examples.
Overview of the Electrolysis Process

Electrolysiswhat is it, anyway?
The electrolytic process requires that an electrolyte, an ionized solution or molten metallic salt, complete an electric circuit between two electrodes. When the electrodes are connected to a source of direct current one, called the cathode, becomes negatively () charged while the other, called the anode, becomes positively (+) charged. The positive ions in the electrolyte will move toward the cathode and the negatively charged ions toward the anode. This migration of ions through the electrolyte constitutes the electric current in that part of the circuit. The migration of electrons into the anode, through the wiring and an electric generator, and then back to the cathode constitutes the current in the external circuit. * *Courtesy of Answers.com
The Electrolysis Process

Oh yeah, that clears it up a bit, doesnt it? LOL! In a nut shell, (and this case) electrolysis simply removes the encrustations from your ancient coins.
Electrolysiswhy is this considered the Dark Side?

PATINA IS ALLAncient
coins similar to this example have rested in the ground for centuries, and during those hundreds, sometimes thousands of years, the coins metal oxidizes and creates what is known as a patina. If your coin looks anything like thisyou do not want to consider electrolysis!
Many collectors believe that ANY coin stripped of its original patina is just a hideous piece of junk
Despite some opinions, many zapped coins can turn out like this one. If youre like meread on. The best is yet to come.
But I beg to differ.. Youd be amazed how many zapped coins appear on eBay.
What? Zapped coins for sale on eBay? Oh yes, my brothers and sistersat least 50% of the coins on eBay have been zapped and repatinatedat least to one degree or another.
But why should I resort to electrolysis?

Because, if you get really lucky, youre coin will turn out looking like this!
But why should I resort to electrolysis?

Or even better, this Carus example: Zapped coins do not ever get any better than this, trust me.
OK, Im convinced, Kevin! I want to learn how you clean ancient coinsand still manage to keep their integrity.
No problemjust follow my methods and all will be well.
Creating your own electrolysis machine is simple

As seen in the photo right, assembling your own electrolysis machine is rather simple. The first thing youll need is a sturdy transformer. I use a 12 volt, 1500amp transformer from Radio Shack. Neither too strong nor too weak, this is one a real workhorse. The transformer seen in the photo has been under steady use for over three years and cost about $12.00.
Creating your own electrolysis machine is simple

Next youll need some sort of low-sided plastic container, such as the beat up-looking example seen to the left. Choose one that your spouse is willing to sacrifice! ;-) The container neednt be too large; but it should hold at least two cups of liquidor a bit more.
Okay, now lets wire it up!

Get your transformer and clip off the plug in at the far end of the wiring. Split the two wires apart about four inches, strip off inch of the plastic and twist the wires. Fill your plastic container with water, then place the two wire ends in the water, being careful to not let them touch. Now plug in the transformer. Look close at the two wires; one should be fizzing. Mark the fizzing wire with a piece of tape and unplug!
About half done!

Now, take a short (6 inch) length of solid copper wire, circle it 4 or 5 times around your finger, then attach one end to the transformer wire that you taped (the fizzer), and the other to a small brass alligator clip, as seen in the photo. Next, attach a heavy gage solid copper wire to one end of the other transformer wire.
Again, twist it around a pen or pencil, then strip off of the plastic and bend the exposed end onto a stainless steel washer and secure it firmly with pliers.
Hey, whats the point of all this wire-twisting, anyway?

The benefit of twisting the wires in circles is that you can now easily affix the two wire ends to the sides of the container without having to worry that they will touch.
My machine is now completebut what solution should I use? Salt?

Never, ever, use Salt or Soda! Electrolysis is harsh
enough without adding certain misery to the process. The ONLY solution additive that I recommend is Gringgotts Wizard Mix #1. Developed by my good friend and colleague, chemist Bruce Nessett, it has proved to be the very best.
Excellent! You are now ready to start zapping. Butthere is more you need to know.
In most instances, zapped coins come out looking pretty rough. To solve this problem, and restore your precious coins, you will need to invest in a battery-powered Dremel Mini-Mite. $35.00 at Home Depot, etc. If you cant afford to purchase this tool, you need not go any further.
Now, lets consider the Dremel tools youll Need to Succeed

The Number One tool in your ancient coin cleaning arsenal is the Soft Bristle Brass Brush (SBBB). This inexpensive little tool will make all the difference when it comes to removing all the brown/black residue from zapped coins.
Dremel tools you need to have

These five Diamonddusted Dremel tools are integral when it comes to cleaning/smoothing zapped coins. The two ball-tipped tools seen on the right of the photo are especially important. Yes, I understand your dismaybut read on, it gets worse. I will show you how these tools are used later.
Smoothing tools
These four Dremel tools are used for buffing and polishing. The black arrow-point and black bullet-point seen on the right are used for rough cleaning, and the gray arrow and gray bullet are used for final smoothing.
Common Dental Pick

Although I normally prefer Diamond-dusted dental picks for coin cleaning, in the case of electrolysis, the DDDP not necessary. A common dental pick is all that youll need.
Repatinating Solutions
These four JAX darkening solutions are essential for the final phase of the the project.
And finally, a buffing wax.

I use Renaissance Wax as a final sealer and buffing agent. There are other products/ways to seal and buff coins, but this is the product that I prefer.
But why these tools/products? Cant I clean my coins zapped coins some other way?
Sure, why not? But this is about how I clean my coins, after all. As you all know, for the last 100+ years, the accepted way of cleaning all ancient coins was the tried-and-true method of soaking them in olive oil for weeks, months, and even years, on end. Certain pundits also suggested that only sharpened bamboo skewers, and even dried Rose Thorns, be used to clean between the legends Yikes, well all be dead before some of our coins come clean using this method. And thats where we come to electrolysis. Yes, electrolysis does work, but not always. It nearly every case it should be considered a method of last resort rather than a common technique. In most cases, the final product is an ugly mess that even my methods cannot restore. The real trick is training your eye as to which coin appears to have the visible traits of an issue that stand up to the very invasive and damaging process of electrolysis

TRAINING YOUR EYES TO SEE
To Zap or not to Zapthat is the question.

As mentioned above, each uncleaned ancient coin must be considered as a oneof-a-kind example. Please, do not begin to heedlessly zap your uncleaned coins without looking at them very carefully. Note the encrusted appearance of the red-circled coin at right. This single coin of them all may be a candidate for electrolysis.
Use your eyes to discern the likely candidates.

The example seen on the left is certainly not a candidate for electrolysis. The coin has a lovely natural green patina. The details are crisp. Covered with soft dirt that can easily be removed with a toothbrush and bit of soap, an example such as this needs only a bit of mechanical cleaning. Note that there are no encrustations; this is important!
Simple dirt verses encrustations and how to see the difference.

The three coins seen on the right are excellent examples of ancient coins covered with soft dirt. The way to discern the difference between dirt and encrustations is to simply probe the coins surface with a dental pick. This works better if the coins surface is dry. Using the point of the pick, gently push downward and twist. Dry dirt will simply pop off to reveal a green patina.
Dirt and encrustations -- Whats the difference.?

As seen on the left, this Antoninianus issue has both dirt and encrustations. I refer to encrustations as those metallic boils that erupt on an ancient coins surface. Sometimes, they can be removed via mechanical cleaning, or simply ignored. Either way, this coin could be zapped or not; but to my eye, Id leave it aloneno electrolysis.
Semi-Encrusted CoinsDirt and Detail

This Late Roman example shows both detail, dirt and encrustations. So what to do? With long olive oil soaks (months to years), it will not come clean, no matter what. This is another tweener example as that seen abovebut in this case, I would have no remorse for putting it in an electrolysis bath.
Coins with complete encrustations

If your coin looks like thisZAP it! The coin is already close to a worthless slugso you have nothing to lose. It will never come clean no matter how many years in olive oil. Now that you have a firm idea of which coins to zap or notlets proceed onward!
Wherein we discover how to clean ancient coins using the electrolysis process.
Example Number One

A typical coin
Note that this example has all the ear-marks for electrolysis consideration 1) Not dirt-covered. 2) No details showing. 3) Heavy encrustations
Example Number One Continued

Beginning the process
Fill your plastic container with two cups of very HOT WATER, then stir in two table spoons of Gringgotts #1 . Make sure that your coin is firmly connected to the alligator clip. Note that I have located the machine next to a sink with running water & that the drain hole is covered! This is IMPORTANT!
Example Number One Cont.

TIME TO START!
Fix the wire connected to the stainless-steel washer to one side of the container and the wire with the coin on the other, being sure that they DO NOT touch. Now, plug in your transformer. Within a few seconds, the washer should begin to fizz, followed a few more seconds later by the coin in the clip. As electrolysis is more an art, rather than a science, the times mentioned above are just a rule-of-thumb. Quit staring at the machine and walk away for five minutes.

After five minutes or so, the water in the container will become dirty as sludge-like foam rises to the surface. This tells you that the electrolysis process has begun

Five minutes up! Time to remove the coinDo you have all your tools in place?
Un-plug the transformer! This is important, unless you have the dough to buy a new one. ;-) Remove the coin from the clipthen scrub it lightly with a soft-bristle toothbrush under running water. You will discover that quite a bit of black residue will be removed. It will make a bit of a mess in the sink, but will not stain. Now, look carefully at the coin. The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Before we go any further
Lets talk about lighting and magnification again, shall we.? If you are serious about about cleaning ancient coins, you absolutely need to have a steady magnifying system. Forget about microscopestrust me, you dont need them. A simple light and magnifier as seen to right, is all youll ever want; $20.00 from Home Depot.
Lighting and Magnification

Inexpensiveand will prove its price for many years to come.

First lookYour coin may now look something like this. Note how the previous green encrustations have become dark and that just a bit of the coins original surface has begun to to show.

The electrolysis process has begun to loosen the encrustations and it is now time to use the battery-powered Dremel and the soft-bristle brass brush, the SBBB!
Proper application of the SBBB!

Rule #1 Never bare down on the coin, I.E., do not apply any pressure. Only gently touch your coins surface with the bristles. Go with the Force, Lukeclose your eyes and feel the gentle vibration of the brush on the coin as you hold it in your fingers Doh! Sorry Rule #2 Always follow Rule # 1! Rule #3 Although not seen in the following pix, for brevities sake, you should always remember to use the brush under cool/warm running water. This is very important
The Soft-bristle Brass Brush the Wrong Way!

As noted above, this is the wrong way! Never place the bristles flat-wise against the your coins surface! Go ahead and try itbut youll be sorry you did! Its just a bit too abrasive. Remember, the coins under-surface is now becoming rather fragile; slow but steady wins the race.

It is the very tips of the brass bristles that do the job correctly. I was serious about feeling the vibration in your finger-tips. This application is about removing the upper, loosened encrustations.

After the first application of the SBBB, your coin should look something like this The surface details are beginning to appear beneath the encrustations. Excellent! Now it is time to return the coin into the electrolysis bath.

After five more minutes, or so, remove your coin and repeat the two steps as noted above; tooth-brushing and the SBBB. With luck, and the coins inner condition, it will begin to look like this. Back to the bath for five more minutes, remove, and repeat the two-step cleaning process as noted above.

Having followed my own advise.the note the photo.
The obverse/reverse details are now clear. This is good! Now, look carefully at the crusty bit on the empresss hair. The electrolysis has now begun to eat into the metal below the coins surface. This is bad, but it happens more often than not. Rather than subject the coin to another full five minutes of zapping, try this: under magnification, use your dental pick to gently probe at the remaining crusty bits. In most cases, the already loosened crusty bits will simply pop off. If this happens, feel free to use a bit more pressure on the pick. Remove as much of the remaining electrolysis crusts as possible with the pick. If you encounter any spots on the coins surface where the zapping has begun to eat beneath the coins surface, leave it alone.

Continue to probe with your pick.
Once you are satisfied that no more can be achieved with the pick, fire up your Dremel and clean off the remaining encrustations with the SBBB as normal. You may want to try this trick: rather than simply brushing the coins surface, gently tap the spinning bristles against the encrustations, revolving the coin in your hand as you do so, attacking the crusty bits from different angles. You will be amazed how well this works, trust me. If all the remaining encrustations are removed, the electrolysis segment of the cleaning process is finished. If not, place the coin back in the bath, but for only a minute or two, then follow the pick, brush and tap procedure until you are satisfied with the result.

Wow! My coin looks like this! Now what should I do?
If your coins surface is this intact, burn some incense to the Gods!
One of the most important issues for cleaning coins via electrolysis is knowing when to stop; this coin is finished, at least for zapping-wise. All encrustations have been removed and the coins original surface is quite bright. It is now time to smooth out the surfaces and details. But first

All coins that have undergone the electrolysis process need to be soaked in de-mineralized water for at least 24 hours. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Do it Now! Do it! Im serious! The coin needs to rest!

Whats smoothing and which Dremel tools should I use?
Smoothing, to be brief, is a term used by ancient coin collectors to describe the process of honing down the surface of a coin to where the all details appear similar. This is a common, and accepted, practice. In this first example, I was quite lucky (at least to my eyes), as this example only needed a minimal amount of smoothing.

Smoothing tools
In this case, I only used the Diamond-dusted Black Rubber Bullet Dremel tool to smooth out the coins surface. When using ANY diamond-dusted Dremel tool, always remember to to use the side of the tool for smoothing, rather than the point. The point is fine for cleaning between legends and details, but it can be over-used, and will soon become blunted.
Example Number One Cont. Time to add a new Patina.

This coin also appears to be struck from orichalcum, so I have chosen to use JAX Brown Darkener as the solution medium to give it the most natural appearance. All you need is a small one ounce ceramic or glass container as seen on the right.
Example Number One Cont. Time to add a new Patina.

There are several tricks to using JAX Darkeners
1) 2) Time is your enemy! JAX works fast: only five to ten seconds in the solution! Remove the coin from the solution (you can use your fingers, they wont rot!) and immediately lightly brush the coins surface with a toothbrush under running water until the darkener is removed. Pat the coin dry with an old cotton towel and set it aside for 15 or so minutes. After that, look it over and, if youre happy with the result, your coin is now ready for the final restoration process. If youre not happy, simply remove the patina with the SBBB under running waterthen repeat the above until you are. Return the darkener solution to the bottle.
3)
Example Number One Cont. Conservation.

Your coin is now ready for the final applications. I use Ren Wax for a number of reasons: It beautifies the coin, adding luster and high-lights. It protects the coin. Andit really easy to use.
1)
2) 3)
Example Number One Cont. Application of Renaissance Wax.

Like the label says
A small amount goes a very long way. Simply rub the Ren Wax onto the coins surface, no need to press too hard. Let the wax dry for ten minutes or so in warm place; I just put it under the lamp of my magnifying glass. When the wax has dried, buff each side of the coin face down on a soft terry-cloth towel that is resting on a solid flat surface. You can use a bit of pressure. NO NOT buff the coin back-and-forth! Rather, use swirling circular motions.
Example Number One Cont. The Final Result.

Well, actually, my final result. Yours could look quit different, dependent upon your choice of darkener and the length of time in the solution.
As seen, the coins Obv. surface suffered some inevitable pitting in the empresss hair, on her cheek and in the inscriptions. The Rev. has some crumbling in Nikes wing and a few other minor problems. Certainly not a perfect example of electrolysis, but much better than the impossibly encrusted coin with which we started. Not the prettiest example of electrolysis, but better than most. Now, NOTE the following example!
Example Number Two
A typical zapped crusty coin

At this point, if
youre still serious about electrolysis, you must realize that 9 out of 10 zapped crusty coins will end up looking just like this one a hopeless mass of encrusted metal. In
the first example I got lucky, trust me. No one was more surprised than me to discover a Stobi issue.
Example Number Three

Lets explore the possibilities of this 3rd example
Under magnification it is easy to see that this is a Roman Imperial Antoninianus of Gallienus.
Time to use your eyes again The first thing you need to discern is whether or not your coin has been silvered. My experience with encrusted coins in similar condition tells me that if it was originally silvered, the silvering is long gone. If you ever see any silvering on an ancient coin be advised that, in nearly every case, electrolysis will remove the silvering. Next, as you can see some detail showing on the legends on left obverse, you need to delve just a bit deeper before considering electrolysis. Use the SBBB and Dremel to clean just a bit on the obverseunder running water, of course.
Example # 3
After lightly brushing the coins surface with the SBBB, we now discover three things: The coins surface IS NOT silvered. By and large, the obverse metal appears to be sound. The encrustations are rock hard, especially on the portrait. Are you ready to go for it? Lets see how this one turns out!
1) 2) 3)
Example # 3 Continued
Yikes! After five minutes in a hot water electrolysis bathheres the obverse.
The metal appears quite sound with little or no pitting. That is very good news! So, back in the bath? No, not this time. Due to the intact surface and lack of pitting, its now the time to turn to the Dremel tools. But why not simply return the coin to the bath? All looks swell so far Read on for the answer!
Example # 3 Continued
At this point, you need to understand that further electrolysis may damage the coins surface and details. As stated earlier, you need to know when to stop. More than likely, well return the coin to the bathbut not at this time. Instead, well begin to mechanically remove as many encrustations as possible.
Example # 3 Continued: Dremel Tools and Encrustations

Dremel Tools and Encrustations
Experience tells me that these small blobs of green encrustation may hide some pitting. Its always better to attempt to remove them mechanically, before resorting to further zapping
Example # 3 Continued: Dremel Tools and Encrustations

As seen on the reverse, the encrustations are even more problematic.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Tools

The 1st Dremel tool to start with is the diamonddusted Ball-tip B 15. As seen in the photo, compared to a common paperclip, its quite small. Be not deceived; this tool is a true workhorse!
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsthe Wrong Way!

As seen on the right, using the tip on any diamond-dusted Dremel tool is a bad idea. In the case of the Ball Tip B15, the real problem is control. Face down, the tool is difficult to control and it may slide about, causing more harm than actual cleaning. Try this, instead
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsthe Correct Way!

As seen, using the side of the B15 will give you much more control. I am serious about feeling the vibration in your finger-tips. Remember, and this is very important, always use circular motions when removing any encrustations, never back-and-forth! So far, this coin coming out pretty good. Now its time to move onto another Dremel tool, the B10, a smaller version of the tool seen left.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel ToolsCleaning the details!

Now that the ugly green encrustations have been successfully removed with the B15, we need to turn to a more exacting tool, the B10. Note the remaining bits of residue that still remain. These can easily be removed and smoothed by the following tool.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsthe B10!

The B10 is my tool of choice when it comes cleaning and smoothing between legends and bringing out details.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsthe B10. Use this tool to smooth out the details, as well as the coins fields.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel ToolsDetail work.

The very best tool for detail work is the Dremel Sharp Point P80. This super sharppointed tool is perfect for cleaning between legends and cleaning up all the tiny details.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel ToolsDetail workthe P80.

Use this super-sharp tool to clean and smooth in and out of the legends and details. Always remember to use the side of the tool rather than the point. The tools point should only be used in the case of cleaning very small problem areastrust me.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsfurther smoothing.

Now we turn to another diamond-dusted Dremel tool, the Flame Tip 45. This is another must have tool when it comes to smoothing out any zapped coins surface. As seen in the photo left, use the side of the tool to smooth out the coins surface. Go slow, using the side of the tool to smooth and clean between the legends, portrait and other details.
Example # 3 Continued: Using Dremel Toolsfurther smoothing.

Now, completely stripped of all encrustations by the use of electrolysis and Dremel tools, and further smoothed by rubber diamond-dusted tools, and by a final brush with the SBBB, here is my final result. This coin could look just a bit better with more detailed cleaning
Example # 3 Continued: After Darkening

The final, final result. A very crisp and clean Gallienus Antoninianus issue. No buffing and no Ren Wax applied. Nice, huh?
Rememberthat we started out with the following coin.
Example # 3 Continued: Before the process

A crumbly, encrusted mass of unrecognizable metalthat turned into this
Example # 3 Continued: After Darkeningand the Final Product

Not bad for a crappy encrusted coin, eh?
Chapter Six
Restoring Ancient Coins via Electrolysis
As seen above, these tools work magnificently for cleaning ancient zapped coinage. Remember that to succeed, youll need all these tools as well as the battery-powered Dremel tool.
If you do not have these two tools, go to www.nobleromancoins.com.
Electrolysis is an Artnot a Science.

Use your eyes to detect which coin to zap. Look for sound under-lying metal. Go slowSlow but steady wins the race. Give up on coins that appear too crusty. Always use VERY HOT water in your Electrolysis bath. The SBBB is your very best friend.
Dremel Diamond-dusted tools

Always use the electrolysis methods and Dremel tools as described above. The Jax Darkener can be removed!
Chapter Seven Bronze Disease

Bronze disease is the bane of ancient coin collectors. An insidious and highly infectious disease, it occurs whenThe matrix of copper and tin that forms bronze is attacked by hydrochloric acid {HCl} to form tin-chloride and copper. The hydrochloric acid in turn attacks the un-corroded metal to form more cuprous chloride: The reactions continue until no metal remains. This chemical corrosion process is commonly referred to as 'bronze disease.' Any conservation of chloride-contaminated cupreous objects requires that the chemical action of the chlorides be inhibited either by removing the cuprous chlorides or converting them to harmless cuprous oxide. If the chemical action of the chlorides is not inhibited, cupreous objects will self-destruct over time. * * My thanks to Bruce (of the too many numbers) Nesset, for this clear and concise description! Thank you, my friend!

Bronze Disease looks like this Nasty, huh?
* More thanks to Bruce N for these excellent photos!

Not to digress too far from the subject, but just a few years ago I received an uncleaned Nero Sestertius that had a very bad case of BD. I cleaned and cured it, and finally sold it on eBay for $150. Had it not been for the BD cancer, it would have easily sold for $2,000+. Sad, but true

Consider this 1st Century A.D. copper Judaea Prutah as a very sad example of BD.

As seen, the obverse is sharp and clear; in this state, the coin would be a gem in any collectors book, yes or no? But

But.as you can see, something really bad is happening to the reverse and that is bronze disease!

As seen circled in red, this coin has a very bad case of BD. Note how the cancer has eaten away into the coins copper surface. If not treated soon, the entire reverse will soon disappear for ever.

Bronze disease can be easily discerned. If you see massive problems similar to the above, its easy. But, if you see just a spot or two on your coins surface that has green fuzzy appearance, it may be BD. The best way to find out is to probe the green fuzzy bits with a dental probe. If they are hard, youre OK, but if the fuzzy bits scrape off easily, its BD! Not to worry they can be cured! Below is Bruce Nessets way to cure such coins! Trust me! It works!

1. With running water and a stiff nylon brush, scrub the entire surface free of "green fuzz". 2. Use a magnifying light and a dental pick to remove and open any obvious green spots still visible. With care these will not be obvious later. 3. Prepare a bath of Gringgotts Bronze Disease Killer, 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water. 4. Use de-mineralized or distilled water for better results. 5. Place water; coins into a stainless steel pan [Do Not Use Aluminum] and heat the mix to boiling, reduce heat for a minimum of 3 minutes. Set aside to soak for an extended period of time. Re-heat every 12 to 24 hours, for three days. For thick coins like Sestertius allow at least 5 days. After the initial soak, rinse with clean water and give the coin/s a light scrubbing, and return to solution.

6. Repeat step 5, three times, replacing the solution. 7. After the last soak and scrub, dry the coins, and soak in 100% isopropyl alcohol, for about 20 minutes. This will help draw out more water from the coin fabric. Allow the coin to sit in the air , watch for signs of returning Bronze Disease. Use magnification, if any signs are seen, immediately re-start the process. If no signs are seen after 5 to 10 days, continue to Step 8. 8. Dry thoroughly, and seal with a paste wax (Ren Wax), well rubbed into the coin. It is recommended that all bronze coins be checked periodically, as I have found "clean" coins suddenly break out 2 years after purchase.* *Bruce Nesset2006 all rights reserved
Dremel tools
All of the specialty diamond-dusted Dremel tools are available from Noble Roman Coins at www.nobleromancoins.com\ You may search about on the internet to find similar products, but you will pay more for themtrust me.
Premium Uncleaned Coins

For premium uncleaned coins similar to those found in the lessons above, I suggest you purchase them from either: http://www.nobleromancoins.com/ Or Jerome Holderman at http://www.rustyromans.com/
Post Mortem
The author has attempted to make all the lessons above as easy to follow as possible. If you have any queries as to the use of any of the products listed above, please feel free to email me at mayadigger@sbcglobal.net. Thank you for your time and I hope that this seminar has helped you in all your ancient coincleaning endeavors. I give you joy of cleaning! Kevin Sandes

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What are some tips for purchasing uncleaned ancient coins?

What are some tips for purchasing uncleaned ancient coins?

What are the main sources of uncleaned ancient coins?

What are the main sources of uncleaned ancient coins?

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Written, Produced & Directed

Kevin R Sandes CCCE*

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

Chapter One The Basics

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter One The Basics

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning

The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins

Chapter Two Mechanical Cleaning