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
 

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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