I got some great advice here about NOT using e-Z-est cleaner and now have another question. No it's not for a coin I dipped.
Actually I bought 2 raw 1909-S Lincolns recently and one was really grimy - that was the e-Z-est question. Now the other is spotless with AU details but appears to have been cleaned at some point. It has a dull, brassy appearance and really needs to be darkened a touch.
I tried Deller's and it really didn't darken it much at all. I've got several raw Lincolns that have a rich, chocalate, brown color that looks like a light coating of something?
Time! Set them in a window sill with the window cracked for a few months. Periodically rub them between your fingers and flip. It's a slow, but safe process. Stay away from chemicals!
Ya you can tell when people use those darkeners, it leaves an unnatural look to the coin. I put mine in the window sill also, after a few weeks it will darken up some.
I agree with has been said, sunlight + time with help oxidize the surface - if the coin is unc it is going to take a long time; if the coin is cir, rub some oil from your nose and leave it in the bright sun for a few weeks.
* Of course the best solution is not clean or buy cleaned coins.
Time and natural sunlight with an occasional rubbing lightly between your fingers will do wonders. I used to put coins on the deck railing South side for all day sunbath, but now I have to drill a hole in them first to screw them down. Damm squirells!
Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited. Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use