Why not ultrasonic cleaning?

[Doug Schaefer]

I was told not to use an ultrasonic cleaner (used for cleaning rings and
jewelry) for cleaning up ancient roman and greek coins.

Does anyone no the reason why? Seems to me a pretty safe way to get the
dirt removed.

Any advice or information appreciated.

Doug Schaefer
University of Guelph
do...@uoguelph.ca

[HIM]

the cleaning medium ( ultrasound needs a liquid medium in which to work)
contains fine abrasives like any silver or jewelry cleaner
Doug Schaefer <do...@uoguelph.ca> wrote in message
news:809a6g$ssa$1...@testinfo.cs.uoguelph.ca...

[Bob Peterson]

In article <809a6g$ssa$1...@testinfo.cs.uoguelph.ca>, do...@uoguelph.ca (Doug
Schaefer) writes:

>Subject: Why not ultrasonic cleaning?
>From: do...@uoguelph.ca (Doug Schaefer)
>Date: 9 Nov 1999 14:13:36 GMT

>
>I was told not to use an ultrasonic cleaner (used for cleaning rings and
>jewelry) for cleaning up ancient roman and greek coins.
>
>Does anyone no the reason why? Seems to me a pretty safe way to get the
>dirt removed.
>
>Any advice or information appreciated.
>
>Doug Schaefer
>University of Guelph
>do...@uoguelph.ca
>
>

I have heard the same advice. The reasoning given was that the crystalline
structure of ancient coins may fall apart when subjected to ultrasonics.

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[Fred A. Murphy]

> I was told not to use an ultrasonic cleaner (used for cleaning rings and
> jewelry) for cleaning up ancient roman and greek coins.
>
> Does anyone no the reason why? Seems to me a pretty safe way to get the
> dirt removed.
>
> Any advice or information appreciated.

My guesses would be that the intense vibrations might make some weaker coins
crumble, and that most ultrasonics use some sort of cleaning solution, which
could be just as bad as a dip being used on an ancient.

[PFDJR]

"Fred A. Murphy" wrote:

>>>My guesses would be that the intense vibrations might make some weaker coins
crumble, and that most ultrasonics use some sort of cleaning solution, which
could be just as bad as a dip being used on an ancient.<<<

It's most likely the vibrations and not the cleaning solution unless you're an
idiot (not you specifically...speaking in general terms here) and use something
totally inappropriate.

These things should be used with warm water or warm water with a mild soap
soultion such as Ivory liquid. These are safe. For coins, the cleaner should be
the type with a plastic basket in lieu of a metal one.

***************************
Phil DeMayo
eBay: flip48
Coinmasters 1188
ANA R-182606
***************************

[JAKPRZ]

I found that placing the coin halfway down into the hole in an insert (that was
removed from a slabbed case) keeps the coin from touching the bottom of the
basket and more or less keeps it free floating while it is being cleaned.
Jack