Why not display the coins as they are, but add images of how they 
originally looked for reference? The actual coins in their tarnished 
condition will look "authentic" and the images of their original 
appearance will add to that instead of making it less evident as a 
cleaning would.

April McCauley

Tenuth, Jeff wrote:
> Mark Janzen is entirely correct about cleaning coinage.  Their value
> does lie with condition and rarity.  Even a rare coin, once cleaned,
> will lose much of its value.  Coins should never be cleaned because they
> will look like they've been cleaned. Even though you're not dealing with
> their value in an exhibit context, a cleaned coin will look like
> something is wrong with its appearance.  The luster will be gone and
> minor scratching of the surface can appear because of the abrasives
> used. Certain actions can be taken, but you should consult with the
> American Numismatic Association in Colorado Springs or another of the
> major coin groups before you undertake any action.  The best thing for
> you to do at this point is nothing and consult with experts first.
> 
> Jeff Tenuth
> Indiana State Museum
> Indianapolis, Indiana   
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Mark Janzen
> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 10:01 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Cleaning early coinage
> 
> Sue,
> 
> Unfortunately, the one thing I am sure of in caring for historic and
> valuable coins is that you never, NEVER, ever clean them. Use no
> chemicals, abrasives, or harsh language, no matter how non-invasive it
> might sound.
> The value and importance of coins is in their condition as well as their
> rarity, and even light "cleaning" can seriously damage their appearance
> and value.
> 
> I would advise you leave them for a conservator to deal with, depite the
> late date. Perhaps a small label explaining that to visitors.
> 
> Mark Janzen
> Registrar/Collections Manager
> Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
> Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection Wichita State University
> (316)978-5850
> 
> 
>  
> 
>              "Sue E. Clock"
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>                                        Cleaning early coinage
> 
>  
> 
>              04/16/2007 08:25
> 
>              AM
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>              Please respond to
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>              Museum discussion
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> 
> 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
> 
> 
> [log in to unmask]
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