Hi,
I got some Edward VII Farthings, and they have this blackening on them, since the half sovereign, worth 490 times more, was the same dimensions and design.
Is there any way to remove the blackening ?
Thanks.
No, unless you want to damage the coin. It is a blackened finish...it is intentional. It is caused by a chemical reaction...I suppose there is a way to lighten it. BUT, I'd say it is quite a pleasant finish.
But IS there a way ??? I have a very poor Edward VII farthing that I don't really mind damaging ( it's so poor I can't even read the date and I don't mind using it as an experiment subject.
Quote: BrittaniaBut IS there a way ??? I have a very poor Edward VII farthing that I don't really mind damaging ( it's so poor I can't even read the date and I don't mind using it as an experiment subject.
I'd recommend you experiment on some more common coins first but you could try vinegar, baking soda, or salt. Or if you're feeling dangerous you could stick it on the stove for a bit and then drop it in a salt and vinegar mixture.
The reaction causes the top layer of metal to turn black so that even with some wear to the surface the coin will still be black. So It is not possible to remove it without stripping the top layer of the coin away and ruining the coin.
The only way that I can see of achieving what you want would be to add something to the coin like say electro plating it with copper. This would produce an ungenuine looking coin espeacily if the coin is worn.
Please remember that a Farthing that was not darkend by the mint like it should have been will have quite a high market value in comparison to its darkened counterpart. If you do manage to pull of a lightened Farthing or something like it you must remember that should you come to sell or swap it you must be clear about what you have done to it to avoid any problems.
I think if you want to get a feel for how an undarkend Farthing would have looked your best option would be to use an editing programe to alter an image of one.
