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).