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).