Two freelance conservators who specialize in metal and coins worked for almost three months in the museum’s conservation area to assess the coins, and now an archaeological metal expert, hired by the museum, will complete additional restoration. “The backs and fronts of each coin may not always match the other coins. “For example, although they are considered silver coins, none is pure silver since each coin contains a percentage of copper, typically 5.5 to 20 percent,” Mr. Karafotias said. Silver is stronger.”The two conservators used chemicals to remove encrustations and thick corrosives, but sometimes alcohol was all that was needed if the coin’s silver content meant it simply was tarnished by time. Solvents, an ultrasonic bath, distilled water or just a basic chemical and cloth were enough for many other coins, which were in excellent condition.

Source: International New York Times April 05, 2021 09:00 UTC