Cleaning silver(ed) coins

[Victor]

I have used a 10% solution of ammonia to clean silver coins with good results; but it also works on silvered coins, but you have to be a bit more careful. For silvered coins, I usually use a something like a Q-tip to dab on a bit of ammonia where it is needed and then rinse with water...don't scrub the coin as the silvering may be delicate. If the coin is completely silvered it is easier, but if there is bronze showing in spots be careful, as the ammonia could make the bronze shiny.

[Victor]

I just cleaned this one

[seth]

Do you think this one could benefit from the ammonia cotton bud treatment too?

[Victor]

Do you think this one could benefit from the ammonia cotton bud treatment too?

That coin might not turn out so well. It looks more like rust, which is hard to remove. Ammonia works best on green deposits. You might try small applications, but remember, there is always a chance that the coin will look worse.

[seth]

This is the final result. You were of course right, there was little to do about the rust spots other than lemon juice cotton buds. Sorry for the pics, I will try doing better ones in natural light tomorrow.

[Victor]

I think it looks a lot better now.

[Victor]

here's another one I cleaned. It was fine before cleaning, except there were some deposits on the reverse. It is almost fully silvered, but might be a little to shiny now, but should tone quickly.


Maximianus
Silvered Antoninianus
A.D. 289
21x23mm    3.0gm
IMP C MAXIMIANVS P AVG; radiate, helmeted, & cuirassed bust right.
VIRTVTI AVGG; Victory flying right, crowning Hercules, strangling lion, club thrown behind him.
RIC Vii Lyons 462

[tjaart]

Nice job Victor. Was is just using ammonia?

[Victor]

Yes, just ammonia and a nylon brush. I have to advise caution though, there is always a chance that a coin might be ruined.