I tried this on two more coins today and was over the moon with the results..
I had to buy it from the US but boy is it worth it. It makes you think twice about getting that cleaned cheap coin now !
All I need to hear is "chemical" and I'm out of here
it sounds bad but if you think about it it's only accelerating toning. I know I have and i imagine most of us have turned down a copper or bronze coin that's been cleaned and didn't look good. It's not really a problem anymore with this stuff. I would say it's a life saver !
The fact that it says it's not recommended for uncirculated of proof coins makes me think that it affects the coin's surface rather than just toning it.
The results speak for themselves. A ruined coin can be turned into something most of us would find acceptable. Why not embrace it and be happy with that?
While the coins are far better than before, nothing can replace a natural patina acquired over decades. It's hard to even explain the difference, it's like good art. I don't know what it it but I know it when I see it.
Some years ago I spent a lot of time and money tracking down a few certified copper coins which were " XXX details - artificial toning" to try to resolve the question to my own satisfaction and to learn a little about the subject. There really is no better way to learn than by holding a few examples in your hand. That's retoned copper by the way, not the silly bake and shake "monster toned" junk. While some of the finds were really pretty well done they all looked flat and dull compared to a real example.
My conclusion was that it is quite easy to spot retoned copper by watching the way it reflects light. A naturally toned coin will sparkle as the light catches the high points and glows red or gold. I still have the slabs somewhere but I'm afraid my modest camera skills wouldn't allow me to capture the level of detail needed to illustrate the point. So you are just going to have to trust me.
My other conclusion was that out of the many reasons for a body bagged coin, artificial toning was the most acceptable if you need to compromise, for a scarce or expensive coin at a more affordable price.. The damage was already done when the coin was cleaned, retoning is an improvement. As long as it's use is purely personal then I don't see a problem at all.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
Does it work with silver? I have a ghastly cleaned and polished coin! take a look https://en.numista.com/forum/topic30158.html
Honestly as a metallurgist, I am with Phil, especially if there is any tract record. If this is a brand new product to the market, I wouldn't use it, but if its ten years old or more, just see how the original coins look and your good.
Taking a break from swapping for a while, but still interested in pre 1799 Spanish coins, I will make time for that!
Quote: "redsmithstudios"Does it work with silver? I have a ghastly cleaned and polished coin! take a look
https://en.numista.com/forum/topic30158.html
Honestly as a metallurgist, I am with Phil, especially if there is any tract record. If this is a brand new product to the market, I wouldn't use it, but if its ten years old or more, just see how the original coins look and your good.
I don't know how long it's been around just seen the good results and gave it ago.
I would not expect a chemical designed to tone copper alloys to work on silver. I don't doubt that some marketer will put two solutions in one bottle and claim it tones both, but probably not as well as one designed specifically for your intended purpose.
A smart man learns from his mistakes. A smarter man learns from someone else's.
