New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

Tried a new area this morning and found a few 1c and 2c pieces but also a 1945 NZ Penny and a 1934 Florin.
I have attached photos front and back of the Florin.
I would like some advice on cleaning please.
It is a bit crusty with a blue/green colour and some redy/orange like rust.
It was found just on the high tide mark of a shelly/ pebbly beach at the edge of a small dirt bank (100mm high).
So possibly been in the dirt for many years and been eroded out in a high tide.
I have a tumbler but not sure if I should use it for this coin.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks. I'll start that process in the morning.
I see some of the guys soak their finds in olive oil.
When would you use that process?

Thanks, Tonznz.
I'll try the ammonia on lemon juice on the Florin, and keep the olive oil in mind for some of my crusty pennies.

I wouldn't put too much effort into it. It's unlikely to have any value above circulated.

I just clean them so they do smell or make my hands dirty by handling them.

Coins actually get that funny smell from being in contact with oils in peoples hands - the metals in the coin react with the oils to produce the smell.

Pure silver and gold coins don't smell up because those pure metals don't react with the oils.

It's a shame they don't because you could train up a dog to track them down with their nose. :)

Edited by user Friday, 7 September 2012 1:29:03 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

hi,just to add my bit,silvers that have been in salty conditions are hard to get right,if nothing else works try electrolosis,just use in 1 min bursts then rub the coin with baking powder [moisten coin] look on u tube on how to use electrolosis .only do this on no value silvers

I have cleaned up my '34 Florin as advised with the ammonia and vinegar soaks.
I soaked it in ammonia for a day and then in white vinegar for a couple of hours with a scrub in soapy water in between.
I then repeated the whole precess for a second time.
Still a couple of marks on it but I am happy with the result and will leave it as is.
I have attached photos taken at the end of each process.

Edited by user Sunday, 9 September 2012 9:37:43 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

hi,you could try giving it some more eye appeal just by giving it some shine as its just worth melt value give it a buff on a wheel there,s some shiny silver under that matt finish thats one to experiment on,cheers roy

That was a seriously good series of shots of the cleaning process. Fantastic. When you look at the first shot of what could well be the worst florin I have ever seen then see the final result. wow! Proof that alternative ammonia and mild acid baths work well for silver. By the way ammonia is seriously bad for the patina of copper and bronze stuff. Maybe if you try it with old pennies etc use it for only a quick bath then wash it well in soapy water.

Edited by user Monday, 10 September 2012 8:40:14 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Yes, that process really works. I started do it after reading the link Tonz posted.

Thanks for the replies guys.
Yeah, that poor old Florin has been through the wars, literally, as it was found in an area where there was a US base during WWII.
The other side with King George's head on it is showing even more battle scars.
I realize it was only worth the value of the silver so it was a good experience to play around with the cleaning process.
I also had a 6d that I had found somewhere else and put it through the process with the Florin.
The 6d still had a lot of black stain on it so I tried the vinegar and baking soda and rubbed with my fingers.
That seemed to work pretty well and made the coin quite shiny.
I realize that you wouldn't do this to a rare coin of value, but like the Florin I didn't have too much to lose.
I am glad I took the photos at each process because it was difficult to see the changes until I put the photos up side by side.
Thank for the advice.