Safe cleaning????

[Brian in MA]

Will/can soaking a silver coin in distilled water and mild dish soap damage the coin or reduce it's value?

I am just trying to remove some surface dirt that is caked to the coin. I tried holding the coin under running water but it did not remove the dirt. I'm sure it would just take tiny bit of rubbing between two fingers to remove the dirt. But, obviously, I don't want to do that to a potentially valuable coin.

I thought soaking in the distilled water and soap for several days or even weeks may loosen the dirt and allow me to use a camel hair brush to gently remove the dirt.

The coin was found in soil that contained a clay/sand mixture and it just won't come off the coin with just running water.

What is the general consensus on soaking in water/soap being a 'safe' method?

Does anyone have any other suggestions on removing this dirt.

Thanks,

Brian

 

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[sirlostalot]

Not sure if this is safe and I wouldnt use it on a valuable coin. But if you soak it in amonia it should take off the dirt. Thats what I do with my silver coins.

 

[MEinWV]

I am glad you didn't rub the coin, even just a little. As long as that clay is on it, it will leave micro scratches.

Try a waterpic if you have one. The distilled water should probably be allowed to work by itself, since the dish soap may have acted more as a binder and a barrier to the water. Just an observation is all.



Good luck!