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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,590 |
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New Member
Australia
2 Posts |
Hello all, This penny has a beautiful red glow to it but it has the early stages of some kind of metal disease? I am new to collecting but have always understood that to leave antiques alone is the best thing to do. Is there any way to preserve the condition but stop the metal disease? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks. The coin is better than it looks, my close photography needs improvement! Kind regards, Chris   Edited by christek
01/11/2014 05:12 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1234 Posts |
 great to have you here! You came to the right place. I'm glad no one has to tell you never clean coins. The red is beautiful but the green is worrying. Keep it in a dry place out of light and with low moister, but that is just basics on any coin. I've seen conservators using scales and microscopes to clean badly corroded coins but that is not really a do-it-yourself type of thing. There are a number of compounds, soaks and rinses you can buy but most of them would do more harm than good. The Guru's of Gunk will be along shortly to help you out. |
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Valued Member
United States
366 Posts |
I'm not a fan of cleaning coins. I would look and see what the mintage is for that coin. Although it's old, it may not be that uncommon or valuable. Which means you could probably get that one in better condition for not a lot of $$. I would steer clear of all coins with verdigris. But that is just my opinion. And, there are a lot of cleaning techniques that you can try.
Welcome to CCF. It is a wonderful place to get info and post about your own collection as it grows.
~JobIII
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2781 Posts |
Quote:
early stages of some kind of metal disease I'd say LATE stages... anything you do (verdi-care product etc) is probably going to expose badly etched surfaces with uneven toning. not sure if the date is a good one or not but I would suspect in this condition that it would have very little value. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19942 Posts |
Quote:
early stages of some kind of metal disease You have common copper verdigris (corrosion). It happens to all copper if it is improperly stored. It looks to be a full range issue from light to fairly heavy (obverse center). The heavy verdigris cannot be removed without causing damage. The light to moderate verdigris could be conserved with VERDI-CAREâ„¢ but don't expect a miracle on this coin. Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Given the already low value of this particular coin (being a bottom-grade common date), it would make for a nice experiment piece.
Even if you were able to remove the green though, you'd be left with a pitted surface as the corrosion has permanently etched into the metal itself.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1351 Posts |
Hi
Welcome to the forum.
I will tell you straight your coin isn't worth anything in that condition.
It appears to have been underground.
Sorry.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Other than dipping it in Acetone, I'd say leave well enough alone. Put it in a 2x2 flip and seal all edges. If no air or moisture gets to it, should stay as is for a long time.
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New Member
 Australia
2 Posts |
Thank you everyone for your informative replies - What a great first experience of this forum!
I have heard of copper verdigris, it's a shame! Although it's common, I really like the red colour of this penny!
May just leave this one and follow just carl's advice.
Thanks again for your help!
Kind regards,
Chris
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,590 |
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Posted 01/11/2014 12:57 pm
