INFORMATION
Real or Fake?
Is It Real?
An old aquaintance of mine called the other day. She stated that she had been checking out the website and asked if I would mind taking a look at an old coin that used to belong to her grandfather. I told her I was not a coin expert - far from it, but that I would be glad to look it over and advise her if she needed to get it appraised. We met at the prearranged location and took at seat in a quiet corner. From her purse, wrapped in an old hanky, she pulled out - what at first glance - looked to be a 1776 Fugio.
I studied it closely and made a few observations to her:
1) The weight was way off, hers was much too light.
2) The lettering and designs weren't crisp and had rounded edges.
3) The sun and rays weren't quite right.
4) The sundial was missing detail.
5) The words, "Mind Your Business" were missing.
I explained to her that all these indicators told me that this coin had some issues, but the biggest problem was on the back of the coin. Flipping it over, I showed her two tiny words written on the back...HONG KONG. She nearly died of embarrassment. We had a good laugh over it. There was a lesson to be learned here. STUDY THE DETAILS, BUT LOOK FOR THE OBVIOUS. (PS: She gave me the "coin" as a rememberance)
Electrolysis
1980 Washington Quarter
There are many different ways to clean your finds. One method that I am experimenting with is electrolysis. It is NOT to be used on old/valuable coins. This method is very effective, yet can damage the coin. It is probably best reserved for restoring iron and metal objects. I have done a few small iron projects and will post them here as time allows. You can use a tabletop version to clean small objects and a larger version for your bigger projects. To learn more about the process and the needed materials, do a Google search for electrolysis .
Tumbling Coins
BEFORE AND AFTER THE TUMBLING PROCESS
Here is an example of tumbling to clean clad coins. By using a rock tumbler, you can achieve amazing results and depending on the amount of tarnish, it can be done in just a few hours.
To learn more about do's and dont's of cleaning coins- click here.
To learn more about do's and dont's of cleaning coins- click here.
Be Eco-Friendly!!
This is a collection of trash taken from a city park in a four hour period.
Many of these items are an inch or so deep, while the others are laying on the surface - ready to become a projectile when hit by a mower or to be stepped on by barefooted park-goers.
A good MD-er will always fill the holes and collect & dispose of the trash. It is your responsibility to leave the property better than you found it.
Many of these items are an inch or so deep, while the others are laying on the surface - ready to become a projectile when hit by a mower or to be stepped on by barefooted park-goers.
A good MD-er will always fill the holes and collect & dispose of the trash. It is your responsibility to leave the property better than you found it.
L-R: pull tabs, bone shards, twistcaps, metal debris, bolt, metal file
glass, pencil, aluminum can "slaw", metal cap, brass fittings
glass, pencil, aluminum can "slaw", metal cap, brass fittings