1897 Penny Date Question

Yep, Cleaning...Another way to tell it was cleaned is that the previous "gunk" is still inside the openings of the 8 and 9 in the date.

Thanks,
Bill

I don't think I would go as far as saying it was cleaned with a steel wool pad:-) It may have been cleaned the way some of the early copper folks do it with a soft bristle brush. I've seen some of those guys , either with oil or without oil, brush a coin on each side for as much as half an hour.

It is a fairly acceptable practice in the trade on early large cents and Half Cents. I am not suggesting it be done only that it has been a part of the early copper hobby for many , many decades. It is not always readily acceptable on Indian cents as it depends on who you ask. :-)

Have Fun,
Bill