Bronze Disease - what is the current recommended therapy?

[GregH]

I have a couple of patients with suspected BD possibly requiring treatment. What's the recommended regimen these days?

Does anyone have any good experiences?

I know we're supposed to keep these patients in isolation so they don't infect other coins.

[DLTcoins]

Excellent information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_disease

[CPK]

Sodium sesquicarbonate works very well, but it can be harsh on a coin. Here's a thread I made about my own experiences dealing with BD: 

 

[Ryro]

First off, get them soaking in distilled water while you research. 

[expat]

Certain types of soils, where the coin was submerged, have chloride salts present. The reaction between chlorides and the bronze, copper of the coin causes bronze disease. Like a triangle of requirements for fire, bronze disease needs chloride, water and oxygen. Take away one of these and the process will be delayed/halted but any damage done will remain. So, as @Ryro says above, a bath in distilled water is best while you try to ascertain what are the next best steps.

Edited December 2, 2023 by expat

[John Conduitt]

1 hour ago, CPK said:

Sodium sesquicarbonate works very well, but it can be harsh on a coin.

It really can be harsh - like eroding the coin further even where there isn't bronze disease. Best used as a last resort. I think distilled water can actually do quite a lot to stop it, maybe even permanently, although the bronze disease will continue eating the coin a little more during treatment. Then you just need to keep it dry and away from chlorides.

[ewomack]

I have heard this works very well. I picked some up a while ago "just in case," but I haven't had a chance to use it. I'm pretty sure I bought mine at Wizard Coin Supply.

https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/verdigone/

Edited December 2, 2023 by ewomack

[Xeno]

Distilled water supposedly leeches out the chlorides that cause bronze disease. Soak coins for 1-2 months +, changing the distilled water every so often, then dry thoroughly. I also store all of my ancient coins with color-changing silica packs, (Use orange colored not blue! blue contains cobalt chloride). Keeping your coins in a dry environment is one of the best ways to preserve them.