ZAPPING SUCCESS
I realize that zapping coins (electrolysis) is one of the most controversial methods of cleaning coins. I'd like to share a success story with you; and show that it can be done safely to a coin.
If you would like to learn the basics of zapping, how to make your own zapper with spare parts around the house, meet a nice group of people who value others' opinions and are open-minded, I suggest you join the Yahoo group CoinZappers.
I still lose 90% of my patinas, but that's an improvement over 100% up to last month. I'm getting the feel for it now, and maybe in another year or so, will be zapping like the pros.
Anyways- here's my little success story:
This coin has gone through 3 or 4 experiments believe it or not, before I zapped it. The most recent one was the 35% HP experiment. While the HP did remove some of the encrustation and subtly softened it, it just wasn't enough to break through the coral encasing the coin. Before zapping, it looked like this:
Now, after zapping, and a little work with my pin; I have this:
There was still a band of green rock stretching from the patera? (the cup) to the rim above the cornucopia. I was able to remove that with the pin, otherwise all I've done so far is (after rinsing the gunk off) use the micro fiber cloth on it.
I still need to do a bit more touch up on this coin... and this is one of those cases where the picture doesn't really do the coin justice. It's a beauty as it is... and from an obscure ruler as well. This is my first Severus II, and honestly, didn't know that he even existed.
So- zapping isn't always the cruel torture that most people claim it is. Here is proof positive that zapping can be done safely. It takes a lot of patience, experience, practice and even some luck, but it can be done. I look forward to the time that I can yield results such as this frequently; but this coin has definitely made me more interested in zapping.
Remember- check out the yahoo group CoinZappers if you'd like more information.