1836 Large Cent

How does everyone feel about using a tumbler. I see people on YouTube getting amazing results but still concerned about scratches. So far I haven't scratched this coin and would like not too.

No tumbler! Please... no tumbler!!

Your coin is fine as it is. It has history and you read part of that by studying the coins surface. Attempts to change the coins surface will remove that coin's history and make it look ugly.

Now would I like to find a Mint State large cent buried somewhere? YES, I would. But, that's very unlikely to happen because early copper is easily corroded when in the ground. Awesome detector find! I must be priceless to pull a chunk of American history from the ground that is conveniently dated and labeled. Truly a great find!

To everyone saying "dont use a brush", have you ever cleaned a coin dug from soil before?

What is your alternative? Leave it covered in the years of crust that is built up on the surface?

I find it amusing that you all seem so concerned about damaging a coin that is already suffering from environmental damage and/or corrosion.

Cleaning a coin such as this will only enhance its eye appeal and possibly even increase its value.

This is from a guy who has been metal detecting and digging up colonial coins for nearly 20 years. Also, a C4 member.

When I dig a coin, first I determine how rare/valuable it is before doing anything. If it is of moderate to low value, I do the following:

Remove as much loose soil you can and analyze the extent of the dirt.

In a glass container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to fully immerse a coin. Place coin in peroxide and swirl to remove loose soil. Remove coin and place on paper towel or soft cloth. Dip Q-tip in peroxide and lightly brush surfaces to remove as much loose soil as possible.

Often this is enough to clean the coin to satisfaction. Note, many people prefer the "boiling peroxide" method. I find that it severely dries out your coin and I have had more success using these other methods described.

If not, I then assess the condition to determine what course of action to take: For stuck on crust, I use a rose thorn to remove it. Be sure to have a peroxide solution and Q-tip handy to dab the spot you are picking at with the thorn.

If the coin is really bad and dried out to the point where details are hard to see, I then place the coin in a container with enough olive oil to immerse the coin. I let it soak in the oil for a few days and then take it out to assess the condition change. Sometimes it improves the appearance quickly, sometimes it takes weeks!

I only "ruined" a dug coin one time and that is because I used lemon juice in an attempt to remove excessive green that was hiding the details. I went too far and removed too much green and "cooked" the coin. If I had just used olive oil, I am sure the coin would have turned out far nicer than it looks now. It was a valuable coin too...

As requested, I just posted a bunch of coins I dug and cleaned myself:

https://goccf.com/t/180222