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"

             <SClock@MINNETRIS

             TA.NET>
To 
             Sent by: Museum           [log in to unmask]

             discussion list
cc 
             <[log in to unmask]

             SE.LSOFT.COM>
Subject 
                                       Cleaning early coinage

 

             04/16/2007 08:25

             AM

 

 

             Please respond to

             Museum discussion

                   list

             <[log in to unmask]

               SE.LSOFT.COM>

 

 





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]


========================================================= Important
Subscriber Information:


The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
read "help" (without the quotes).


If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
"Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).