coin cleaning

[fiddle-fart]

Has anyone tried this.
I found some coins metal detecting and wanting to clean them.
[url]http://www.mycoincollecting.com/collecting/cleaning-coins-electrolysis.html


Thanks
Mike

[Bob P]

I have used this technique on old Roman/Greek coins with some success. I wouldn't recommend it for cleaning anything but junk coins though.

[carlb]

At one time being a chemist I've tried just about everything known to clean coins. Naturally just junk stuff. I've also tried to undo cleaning. Electrolysis, pending on how you do it, what you use, amount of current, type of coin can vary massively. You'll aways hear of some that say it workes great and someone that tries the same will say it completely ruined the coin. Way to many variables to ever attempt with a coin of any value. Then naturally there are those that think the higher the voltage, the better and end up with an electric shock or worse.

[carlb]

Not sure how to edit a post so I'll just add this:
Note on that web site the Disclaimer and read it carefully.
Next think about all the variables in the type and amount of Salt
Next note it does not explain the type of water. Water varies massively everywhere and distilled water does not carry a current.
So you add Lemon Juice. Remember that even Lemons are never the same.
Summation, don't try this.