The Best Method for Cleaning Ancient Roman Coins
Discovering an ancient Roman coin can be an exhilarating experience for any metal detectorist. However, once you've unearthed this historical treasure, it's crucial to clean it properly to preserve its value and historical significance. This guide will walk you through the best practices for cleaning ancient Roman coins.
Why Clean Ancient Roman Coins?
Ancient Roman coins, buried for centuries, often come coated in dirt, grime, and oxidation. Cleaning them not only reveals the coin's true beauty but can also aid in identifying and valuing the piece. However, improper cleaning can damage the coin, reducing its historical and monetary value. Hence, it's important to proceed with caution.
Pre-Cleaning Assessment
Before you start, examine your coin carefully. Note its condition, any visible features, and the type of dirt or oxidation present. If the coin is extremely fragile or valuable, consider consulting a professional before proceeding.
Materials Needed
- Distilled Water: To avoid introducing new chemicals or minerals that tap water may contain.
- Soft Brushes: A selection of natural or soft synthetic brushes to gently remove dirt.
- Wooden Picks: To carefully remove tougher debris without scratching the coin.
- Magnifying Glass: To inspect the coin's details without straining your eyes.
- Pure Olive Oil or Mineral Oil: As a safe, non-reactive soaking agent.
- Microfiber or Cotton Cloths: For gentle drying and handling.
Cleaning Process
Step 1: Initial Rinse Begin by gently rinsing the coin under lukewarm distilled water. This initial rinse can help remove any loose dirt without any scrubbing.
Step 2: Soaking Place the coin in a container filled with distilled water, pure olive oil, or mineral oil. The choice depends on the coin’s condition and the type of residue. Leave it to soak for a period ranging from several days to weeks, changing the liquid if it becomes too dirty.
Step 3: Gentle Scrubbing After soaking, take the coin out and use a soft brush to gently remove any loosened dirt. Do this under running distilled water to avoid scratching the coin with removed particles.
Step 4: Wooden Picks for Stubborn Areas For areas where dirt remains, carefully use a wooden pick to remove debris. Always work under magnification and proceed with utmost care to avoid damaging the coin’s surface.
Step 5: Rinsing and Drying Rinse the coin one final time with distilled water and pat dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth. Avoid rubbing the coin; just dab gently to absorb water.
Post-Cleaning Care
Once cleaned, store your ancient Roman coin in a suitable environment—preferably in a coin holder or album to avoid direct handling and environmental damage.
Conclusion
Cleaning ancient Roman coins is a delicate process that requires patience and care. By following these steps, you can unveil the true beauty of your finds while preserving their historical integrity. Remember, when in doubt, consult a professional to avoid inadvertently damaging your precious historical artefacts.
P.S. Please leave a comment below, if you have any other tips, which may help other detectorists, thanks