![](http://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-before-scaled.jpg)
As
Not all cleans are cheap 4th century slugs. Below is a risky, but high reward clean (if you are experienced enough to pull it off).
Until you have had years of practice, taking a scalpel to an extremely fine Nero As is not recommended.
Before
From the before photo, you can see it’s encrusted with a thin layer of dirt that will require a steady hand to remove.
The patina below is stunning and has strong potential. The patina is thick, which also means forgiving during a clean. That being said, the slightest wrong move means permanent damage, which on such a high end piece is catastrophic.
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-as-before.png)
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-before-1024x1024.jpg)
Half way
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-half-way-through-1024x1024.jpg)
After
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-done.jpg)
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-as-after.png)
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-as-before-and-after.png)
Before and after Videos
Some videos to show the coin before and after
Comparison
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-as-before-1.png)
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nero-as-after-1.png)
Tools Used
- #1 Stereo Microscope
- #2 Scalpel
- #3 semi-blunt pin
- #4 customized andre shovel
- #5 acetone
![](https://cleaningancientcoins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240316_191345-1024x1024.jpg)
Disclaimer: while this post might make this look easy given how nice the outcome is, it takes a steady hand with years of practice to safely remove those deposits using these harsh and sharp tools.
If you have any comments or questions, leave them below!