Cleaning Up 1829 Large Cent

I would also suggest leaving the "gunk" as is. I don't think it is that distracting and I would rather have it original with "gunk" then possibly having an untoned spot or something.

What does that mean? Thanks for posting that as it's really cool to learn more about the coin!

Yes, there is.

With all due respect, you need to change your perceptions and not the coin. Anything you could do will lower the coin's value, both in terms of visual appearance and monetary value, in the eyes of any knowledgeable collector. Your coin is "what it's supposed to look like." If you want a brighter appearance, spend a bunch more money on a better coin.

Or, understand the overwhelming importance that "originality" has in numismatics. To be right, your coin needs to be an honest unaltered representation of exactly what it is at this point in its' life. Circulated coins acquire stuff during their life. This is to be celebrated, not undone. *That* is what cements its' desirability to a collector.

You did great for $17. You got an honest, unaltered coin. Keep it that way because nobody following you in this coin's ownership can undo whatever you may do to it. You are merely the current custodian of this piece of history, and if you ruin it for future owners by altering it, you have failed your custodianship.

The reason I am concerned about how dark it is and only the obverse is b/c I am trying to use this coin in a collage I am making. I have about 20 different coins ranging from an 1807 draped bust Half Cent to a 1951 Franklin half. They are in airtite holders and sandwiched between 2 pieces of plexi where you can only see the obverses. So, my intent was to use lower-grade coins to display. Here is the obverse:

I understand what you want but, the only way to remove the gunk, would be to clean the surface of the coin which, on this particular LC, would result in that cleaned coppery red color to show through thus, resulting in an extreme loss of value. I've seen it done before. If you are concerned about it, throw this one in your collection, and buy another. That's what Id do if $ is not too tight :-)

Tony,

I have read quite a bit about soaking a coin in olive oil. Seems people get mixed results from it. One thing is olive is a tad bit acidic and can your copper pink. Did yours turn pink at all?

No I see it as preservation.

Tony

I wouldn't do anything to it, but leave it like it is. Cleaning can be detrimental and render the coin virtually worthless. It should show up pretty well in your collage, or perhaps you should choose a brighter coin for it.