How to clean a roman coin ...

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jtalbot0001:
Hi All,

Does anyone know how to clean a Roman coin? Sorry my pics don't look great but I think you can see the orange encrustation on both sides. If it wasn't for that the coin I think is in very goo nick.

I have read about using olive oil (with maybe a little lemon juice?). Does this work? Also would you do that from cold, or warm the olive oil up a little?

Thanks, Jon

N8:
Hi,

have a look at this link for Colchester Metal Detecting group, they give some tips on cleaning

http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/C/cleaning.htm

cheers

jtalbot0001:
Thanks N8,

I did take a look at that, haven't read it really as it seems that the examples they show are silver coins only.

My coin I am sure is a copper-alloy coin.

Jon

probono:
If I was looking at this coin, there would be a number of considerations as to whether I would clean it or not.

Generally - as you have mentioned - for British found coppers, olive oil is about all I would use - and after any corrosion is loosened I would use something like a wooden tooth pick (basically something softer than the patina) to remove any loosened crud - and repeat this.

I know that Chef Geoff on here didn't like olive oil; some suggest mineral oil, but I've never had any luck with that.

For copper coins (if that is what it is) - then I'd pretty much leave it at that - any acid - even as mild as lemon juice might take off what looks like the iron staining, but would also take off the patina and could leave you with just a lump of copper with no details - or it might not - or it might leave you with some clean areas and lots of pits.

I could (and probably should) post some images on here of coins that have been cleaned successfully and those where they haven't.

jtalbot0001:
Thanks for the reply.

Having a think about it, as it is covered up so much, I will go ahead with a soak in olive oil only.

What I will do first is, soak for a week in distilled water, then see what else comes off. Then I will soak for a week in olive oil, and see what comes off, and may repeat the process and see how much comes off. I will take good pictures, before and during, and see how I get on.

Although not very clear in the pics, there is enough legend for me to say this is an Allectus coin.

Wish me luck.

Jon

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