1854 Once Cent

Welcome aboard!

This coin appears to have suffered environmental contamination; perhaps, having been in a mylar flip in a humid area for an extended time. If the surface remains untreated, the corrosive matter will eat its way into the copper. Such a process may have already begun, and these older flips need to be discarded.

I'd recommend using acetone, as found in hardware stores. You can find numerous references to such "cleaning" (actually, more like conservation!) on the CCF. Dip one end of a Q-tip into the acetone and gently massage one side of the coin. Then, gently massage with the dry end of the Q-tip to lift the contaminants. You'll probably be surprised as to how much gunk, PVC, verdigris, is removed. You'll likely need to repeat the process a few times with this "Martian" coin. Don't forget to do the edge, too, as these contaminants can and do migrate over time. You'll want to lastly wipe, not rub, the coin dry with a soft cotton cloth. I prefer to store the acetone in small bottles as it can easily evaporate, and I give the bottles to collector friends. Over many years of doing this, not one problem has been apparent in this process; this, as long as the conserved coin was thoroughly dry when put in a holder. You might want to practice this process on a few wheat cents and see how it works.

As to value, I'd guesstimate your coin to be worth $10-$12 in its present condition. The value could double if the acetone conservation works as I'd venture it will. It looks to grade VF-30 to me. It's well worth conserving!

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Exoguy is right on here!

Acetone is exactly what you need. It is pretty harsh stuff and needs to be used exactly per the instructions in a well ventilated place.

You have a nice large cent! I agree (again) with Exoguy, that this would grade VF30 (maybe more with better pictures and less corrosion).

Something to try prior to the use of Acetone if not familiar with such chemicals would be to use the SEARCH tab at the top for more info. Type in Acetone, coin cleaning, cleaning coins, etc. Get to know all the safety suggestions on the use of Acetone or any chemicals in and around the home.
And here is one more thought. If you don't have a large use for the Acetone, you will then have a can of something that is volitile laying around. If you have numerous coins for such dippings, that is one thing, but to buy something for possibly $5+ for a coin worth possibly $5, makes little CENTS.

I predict that acetone will have little or no effect on the green on this coin.

ALSO be aware that acetone can be VERY DANGEROUS! Use caution when using and storing it!

But it can do good things, too. =)

Let's just say I did a dumb thing, there will be no results on the acetone for that coin :( Well I sold that coin stupidly to a coin shop in my area for a few bucks, was going there just to see what he thought and I got suckered in out of my own stupidity... (I was desperate). I am kicking my self now. But oh well, we all do stupid things. I guess it is too tempting not to try to sell once you receive a new collection. I won't make that mistake again for the new coins. :(

I still have many of coins in my collection that I got to go through and won't let it happen again.

Thanks Again for this great forum and the great members,