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 Replies: 26 / Views: 3,461 |
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
This is my most recent find while medal detecting. I have only been medal detecting and coin collecting for 3 weeks. I've found some silver dimes and quarters but this is my best find so far. Can anyone recommend a method for getting the dirt off and enhancing the appearance without destroying the coin. Thanks   |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
I soak bronze coins in hydrogen peroxide and then brush them with a nylon brush that has the bristles cut short.
You're off to a great start metal detecting!
Paul Bulgerin
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New Member
 United States
11 Posts |
I've heard of the peroxide method I've never tried it though. will brushing it scratch the coin?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Quote:
soak bronze coins in hydrogen peroxide and then brush them with a nylon brush that has the bristles cut short. No! Do not do that! The nylon brush will further damage the coin for sure. I have not used hydrogen peroxide but would for sure try it on a common pre-82 Lincoln Memorial first. Soak the coin in distilled water for a couple days, then run under tap water to spray of the gunk without disturbing the patina. You can also soak in acetone. (in a well ventilated area). However you end up conserving the coin do not use any method that exposes fresh copper. |
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Valued Member
United States
166 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2077 Posts |
If it's actually corrosion and not dirt, there's really not much that can be done to improve it. If you get the scale off, there will be pitting underneath. As mentioned, start with the mildest method first.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1536 Posts |
If you brush the coin with a brush you will create scratches on it and destroy it's value. Soak it in distilled water to get the dirt off. That is about it. You can purchase some Verdi-care too if you want it should make the coin look better. I also read on here about people using toothpicks. I did this to get gunk off and now I have little scratches on the coin due to this. Ignore anything where people use anything abrasive on a coin. Acetone and distilled water soaking are acceptable by most standards but if you create scratches, you just destroyed the coin. The coin I used a toothpick on was a details coin anyhow so not too bad but it does destroy a coins value if you create scratches.
Edited by buddy16cat
06/16/2014 5:58 pm
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Soak it in distilled water for a long period of time...repeat.
Do not brush it. It's already damaged environmentally but a brush will make it worse.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
Acetone to remove the dirt and other adhering crud.
Then a LONG (several months) soak in virgin oil olive will bring it back to as good as it'll get.
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Thank You everyone for the great tips. I rinsed the coin with warm water and soaked it for approx. 1 hour in Kroil. I removed the coin and wiped the excess from the coin with a lint free sponge type applicator then rinsed it with warm water. I am going to soak it in virgin olive oil as per kanga suggestion and will post pictures with updates as it soaks. If anyone else has good suggestions please post them here. I am always finding dirty old copper coins and looking for the best cleaning procedure. Thank you. Here are the photos of the coin before I stick it in the oil.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Ufortunately the coin already has a bad case of corrosion. It will probably never look much better than it does right now.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1536 Posts |
IMHO I think it looked better as it was since with the dirt you knew it was a dig. Is it me or does this coin looked discolored now? Remember whenever you do something it can't be undone. I listened to this toothpick advise before and now I have little scratches on my VF detail Barber quarter. Better of with the gunk stuck to it than little scratches. As far as coppers the only two things I recommend on them is soaking them in distilled water and Verdi-Care and that is it. Edited by buddy16cat
06/16/2014 10:06 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1531 Posts |
It's corroded, yes, but it's still an AMAZING find with still good details evident! Has some eye appeal, too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1536 Posts |
I agree, hard to believe you found it metal detecting. I found nothing but junk when I tried it. Had permission to detect on old historical sites too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Nice find! Has some good detail for a metal detecting find.
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
I'm sure the pictures are deceiving. The wreath was the only visible part as well as the words United States of America. Now that I've soaked it it has brought out more of the details and makes the coin easier to read. I guess it's all a matter of opinion. I found it buried in the ground and I am surprised it looks this good. I seen some on ebay that were barely legible on either side, looked more like copper discs, selling for $60-$125. To me it's priceless. |
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Replies: 26 / Views: 3,461 |
Posted 06/16/2014 12:00 pm
