Hello Sue-

 

Don't clean your coins, period. You run the risk of damaging them even
if the most "gentle" methods are used. With that said, there are methods
employed by professionals that can conserve coins if they truly need
conserving (and most often the coins do not or they are beyond
conservation). Tarnished and dark is perfectly okay as oxidation is
normal for copper and silver coins (gold will rarely "tarnish").
Removing the toning (as it is referred to by numismatists) to make a
coin "shiny" is not a good idea as it will likely damage the surface of
the coin and multiple cleanings will cause significant damage.

 

If you have images of the coins, you can forward them to us and we can
give you our opinion about whether or not you should seek professional
conservation. Although images are not the best, it sure beats having to
send them to us.

 

Lane

 

---------------- 
Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D. 
Deputy Executive Director 
Museum, Library and Research Services 
American Numismatic Association 
818 North Cascade Avenue 
Colorado Springs, CO  80903 
Tel: (719) 482-9872 
Fax: (719) 634-4085 
  
Discover the world of money at www.MONEY.org
<BLOCKED::http://www.MONEY.org>  
  

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Sue E. Clock
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 7:25 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Cleaning early coinage

 

Our mid-sized museum is preparing an exhibit of medium exchange
featuring currency and coinage.  Some of the early colonial coins are
extremely tarnished and dark.  I am unsure of how to safely "clean" or
prepare these early coins for display, knowing that some cleaners are
quite harsh and damaging.  We do not have a conservator on staff and
would not be able to consult with one at this late date.  I would
appreciate any comments or suggestions on cleaning methods for copper,
silver and gold coins.  Thank you in advance.

 

 

 

Sue Clock

Collections Manager

Minnetrista

Muncie, IN  47303

765-213-3540 Ext. 136

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