Gary's Metal Detecting Forum

Gary's Detecting forum => General detecting talk => Topic started by: impos1 on September 29, 2016, 09:38 pm

Title: Spit and foil method
Post by: impos1 on September 29, 2016, 09:38 pm
I thought I have found a silver type coin. I used the spit and foil method. The foil got very hot and smelled very strongly if rotten eggs. Does that mean it's silver.
Title: Re: Spit and foil method
Post by: MarkSussex on September 29, 2016, 09:40 pm
I'd say so
Title: Re: Spit and foil method
Post by: Keith67 on September 29, 2016, 09:42 pm
Well that's the sulphur coming off so that's classic silver situation, did the coin start cleaning up?
Title: Re: Spit and foil method
Post by: impos1 on September 29, 2016, 09:46 pm
Not really did not do it for long. But wary of going further just in case it's unusual.
Title: Re: Spit and foil method
Post by: Keith67 on September 29, 2016, 10:22 pm
Not really did not do it for long. But wary of going further just in case it's unusual.

I think that's a wise move impos.  All the silvers I have cleaned with spit and foil I have known what they are and only do a gentle 60 seconds.  If you don't know what's underneath I guess it could be detrimental.  I did have a second go at my Lizzy sixpence and it has got better and better but that was a careful clean a bit by bit, and I knew what I was cleaning.