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Cleaning. Do I? Or don't I?

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  • Cleaning. Do I? Or don't I?

    Well beyond the obvious answer of yes I clean my finds, that question is for all of you.
    I wonder how many here fall into several different groups?
    #1 I never clean anything because it destroys value.
    #2 I have tried before and it didn't work.
    #3 I am afraid to but have never tried.
    #4 clean everything and sometimes it works well and sometimes it doesn't.
    This post is about one particular find that came as part of the best day so far this year.
    This was a pretty good day for me. Click image for larger version

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ID:	287222 And this is what the target looked like coming out of the ground. Click image for larger version

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ID:	287223 Once I got home a slight tap with a brass hammer to knock the outer rust of showed some of the items inside of the clump. Click image for larger version

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ID:	287224 Click image for larger version

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ID:	287225 A bit more tapping with the hammer and cleaning was about to begin.
    The 2 rusted steel nickels, yes 2
    If you look closely you can see 2 of them here. Click image for larger version

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ID:	287226 And the 1940 wheat penny were of no consequence so I concentrated on the 2 silvers. Click image for larger version

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    The 1943 war nickel simply sat in vinegar while I concentrated on the half.
    It took about a week to get the 1949 half to where I liked it.
    It was put through repeated steps of first reverse electrolysis and then a vinegar soak.
    Once the rust was completely removed and short 15 minute tumble in vinegar and water did the trick.
    As you can see it is now nice and clean. Click image for larger version

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ID:	287228 And there is no damage to either coin. Click image for larger version

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    Bruce
    In life there are losers and finders. Which one are you?

  • #2
    They sure cleaned up nice.
    South Dakota

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    • 2ndoldman
      2ndoldman commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you.

  • #3
    I always say cleaner is better...😃
    Wandering wherever I can, mostly in Eastern Arkansas, always looking down.

    Comment


    • 2ndoldman
      2ndoldman commented
      Editing a comment
      Amen my friend

  • #4
    If you know what you're doing, you have to clean that much gunk! Good haul!
    Rhode Island

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    • 2ndoldman
      2ndoldman commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks Charlie.

  • #5
    Awesome Bruce! Going to watch reverse electrolysis cleaning videos tonight.
    N.C. from the mountains to the sea

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  • #6
    Hey Bruce...my buddy found an 1863 3cent nickel last weekend while we were arrowhead hunting....I’m going to see if he will send me a pic of it. It looks pretty rough...
    Wandering wherever I can, mostly in Eastern Arkansas, always looking down.

    Comment


    • 2ndoldman
      2ndoldman commented
      Editing a comment
      I would enjoy seeing it.

  • #7
    Hey Bruce, You know how to clean these items and they look much better when you are done. I would never remove the patina of an ancient Native American artifact. Even though I know that patina is hiding a beautiful lithic.
    Michigan Yooper
    If You Don’t Stand for Something, You’ll Fall for Anything

    Comment


    • 2ndoldman
      2ndoldman commented
      Editing a comment
      Lithics are an entirely different matter Ron. Simply removing the dirt is all I would do with any lithic I found.

  • #8
    I am glad our soil is more forgiving than your soil. I have never found a silver coin encrusted in anything and most of them have the same luster that they had when lost. Iron objects different story most are really bad shape. I have crawled under really old buildings and found nice coins that were there just before the building was built.
    South East Ga. Twin City

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    • #9
      Wow what a cleaning !!!! And yes of course cleaner is better
      As for me and my house , we will serve the lord

      Everett Williams ,
      NW Arkansas

      Comment


      • 2ndoldman
        2ndoldman commented
        Editing a comment
        Thank you Everett.

    • #10
      Bruce , let’s face it ... you got this down my friend . You know all your coins, metals, eras and it’s always fascinating to see what you find . Which you were my neighbor for a go
      along .

      Comment


      • 2ndoldman
        2ndoldman commented
        Editing a comment
        I wish I was too Tamara.

    • #11
      Clean away! The only time you wouldn't clean a coin would be a gold coin that is considered a collectible. Cleaned coins lose their grading value once they've been cleaned. Collectors & legit dealers want that patina.
      Child of the tides

      Comment


      • 2ndoldman
        2ndoldman commented
        Editing a comment
        If I were only in this hobby for the money Deb I might not clean a valuable coin. With that being said though this hobby would hold zero fascination for me if my intent was to sell everything.

    • #12
      Your clean ups are always enjoyable Bruce! I see why you clean your finds, if I metal detected I would probably do the same (well as best as I could manage, your a pro!)... However when it comes to lithic artifacts, I never really do clean any more than a quick rinse in the closest puddle of water to see the lithic, I don't mind a little crud on my artifacts...
      Josh (Ky/Tn collector)

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      • 2ndoldman
        2ndoldman commented
        Editing a comment
        Josh, that is totally understandable. I would also only wash of the mud and dirt on any lithic that I was able to find.

    • #13
      Nice finds Bruce, I've been wondering when you be back at it, did it finally melt, looked like you really got dumped on out there this year.

      Comment


      • 2ndoldman
        2ndoldman commented
        Editing a comment
        Our winter this year has been unpredictable to say the least. With that being said I have managed to get short hunts in on most days. I am behind on my postings, sorry, but I will be caught up soon.
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