I’ve inherited a few Krugers that have what appears to be water damage ie brown discolouration marks. That in its-self I find surprising as I thought gold was impervious to water & just about everything else… unless they are fakes. I tried to remove the marks with a soft cloth + soap & water, then white vinegar but no apparent improvement. Any suggestions as to correct cleaning procedures would be much appreciated. Thanks!
To be on the safe side I would get them tested before trying to use home remedies on removing the marks just in case you further damage them. You can readily get them tested at a local bullion dealer, pawn shop, or one of the lovely local stackers on here if you ask nicely. A picture of the item would be good, as gold does get some browny red/orange spots from time to time but as far as I'm aware not like water marks.
They're about 8% copper so that could causing the discoloration marks. Either way, definitely get them checked as they're a highly faked coin. Though imperfections like what you've described are generally a good indicator of genuineness
Maybe someone tried to clean them with 'CLOUDY AMONIA" I made that mistake on some silver coins. (don't use that stuff). There is a product called 'Connoisseurs Gold Cleaner' enquire at a Chemists or Jewellers.
Appreciate the tips! Actually, yep the marks were more orange than brown - and I didn't know they had copper - there you go... didn't think to take photos. They're in a different State and even though only half a dozen, I didn't want to be pulled aside going through airport security so I left them in safe hands. Towards the middle of next year I'm going to be up for some fairly large bills, so will probably cash them in then. Thanks again!
"who in their right mind would EVER use ammonia to clean coins??" But, but, but, it was suggested on the Internet - so it must be true right? _JLG.
i detected/found a threepence on an old race track-it was the Denver minted 92.5% silver one-cleaned up nice with bicarb rub. A lot of the dectorists rub them with dirt all over them and the coin collectors cry...
would never in a million years ever thought to use ammonia. That being said, cloudy ammonia is relatively weak. I'm more used to dealing with the 25% stuff
"That being said, cloudy ammonia is relatively weak." Never user cloudy Ammonia on copper coins & then use the same Silver Dip for Silver. Never ever, ever. _JLG.
Cloudy Ammonia without Sodium Bicarbonate by Jislizard posted Apr 24, 2017 at 8:52 AM Works ok for me
"Cloudy Ammonia without Sodium Bicarbonate by Jislizard posted Apr 24, 2017 at 8:52 AM" As I said, I used Cloudy Ammonia on copper & then used it on Silver, STUPID - JOHNLGALT The leaching from the copper coins (penny, half-penny) residue was probably the problem. after all it was a Silver Dip. Thanks for that,
Oh the residue was most definitely the issue. Cloudy Ammonia is an aqueous solution of ammonia and water. When you added the copper you would have precipitated suspension of copper hydroxide
And with how cheap cloudy ammonia is, I can't even comprehend attempting to reuse a tainted solution.
"And with how cheap cloudy ammonia is, I can't even comprehend attempting to reuse a tainted solution." STUPID - guilty your honour. _JLG.
