![]() You can buy your electrolysis kit or you can make your own. It’s important to use extremely low voltages in short increments. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? Well, it can be if you leave your coin in too long or if you’re using too much electricity. Electrolysis strips microscopic layers of metal off of your coin while removing the corrosion and tarnish with it. Instead of getting to the specifics, allow me to just give you the rundown. Electrolysis is the process of using a direct electrical current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. When used correctly, it’s a great choice for coins of potential value. The Zapper, as I call it, is what I use to clean coins that contain the most stubborn dirt and/or corrosion. If your silver coin is corroded to the extent that none of the above has worked, it’s time to get out the ‘Zapper’! Make sure that all of the abrasive material has been removed before attempting this method. To remove blackish tarnish build-up on silver coins, I usually give them a gentle rub in between my thumb and index finger. Repeat this until the coin is free of abrasive materials. If the quick rinse doesn’t remove all of the potentially abrasive material, wet the coin again and lightly dab the coin with your non-gloved finger while pouring water over it. I have friends that carry a small spray bottle to get the job done. I use my CamelBak Hydration Pack to rinse my coins. Instead, carry some water with you to rinse the surface clean of any abrasive material. Do not rub the coin to remove the abrasive soil! This will result in scratches all over your coin. Once a silver coin is recovered from the earth, it will no doubt have soil stuck to it. Whatever type of corrosion/tarnish your silver coin displays, it’s important to acknowledge just how easily silver coins scratch. This is from the copper leaching out of the coin. Because silver coins have 10 percent copper in them, they can also develop a greenish, hard corrosion. The blackish tarnish is the result of hydrogen sulfide. Silver coins that have been in or on the ground for a long time have a tendency to acquire a blackish tarnish. These tips and techniques are designed for use on common, everyday items of little to no historic significance or monetary value. WARNING!: If you have recovered a coin or artifact of true rarity, please consult a professional before attempting to clean the item yourself. In this month’s blog I’ll let you in on some trade secrets used to clean coins and other artifacts that you’ve dug. Knowing when to tamper with your finds or leave them be is a fine line to walk. Other times, cleaning a find will enhance the visual appeal and increase the value tenfold. Sometimes, cleaning a find can absolutely destroy the item and any potential value associated with it. ![]() Whether you’re a collector or a seller, it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to clean your finds, how to clean them, and how to preserve them. Hopefully, by now, your odds are better than that of our sightless, furry friend. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.
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