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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,051 |
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Valued Member
United States
274 Posts |
Hey guys. I just found my first half dollar while out detecting yesterday.  It was awesome to hear that high pitched ring and see the high number on my detector, then dig it and see that it really is what I was hoping! It's a 1954 Franklin and not in great shape, so there's no real numismatic value, especially after I scratched it when digging it up. It is pretty cool to find a big silver like this anyway. Since it isn't worth more than melt, I want to clean off some of the tarnish. Any good ideas for a quick way to shine it up?  |
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Valued Member
United States
115 Posts |
you can buy some silver polish.
That should make an effect of it
still looking brand new
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Valued Member
South Africa
453 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2368 Posts |
Wait! Don't do anything yet OP! You will regret cleaning this. When I was a newb I cleaned a few coins with heavy toning/environmental damage. Instant. Regret. The result is always the same: Ugly, washed out, lifeless. Remember: You can't unclean a coin.
Think of the history here! That black toning, no matter how ugly it is, is the result of this coin being buried for decades. Who knows what it's story is or how it ended up underground? Patina is important!
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. But at least consider my advice please. ğŸ˜'
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Valued Member
United States
88 Posts |
I agree with Wheatchaser, PLEASE DON'T CLEAN IT, OR ANY COIN! I too have experienced the same result. Sometimes cleaning a coin will remove contrast which makes identifying them, or appreciating them more difficult.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
I have cleaned some coins with great results, and have even increased their value.
I've also made decent coins worse by cleaning.
For that example, I might use baking soda and light rubbing.
Some might say toothpaste and toothbrush with light rubbing.
I have learned alot through the years, and I agree that with that silver half, I would probably leave as is.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Valued Member
 United States
274 Posts |
I loved digging up the half dollar, but I already don't like the Franklin design and the tarnish makes it about as attractive as an old rusty washer.
I'll wait to clean it, though. It will still be cleanable down the road if I want to, but can't be "uncleaned" if I did it now, right? I really like metal detecting and don't usually clean the coins I find, but there's this neurotic part of me that sometimes wants to try to make the really ugly ones look better.
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Valued Member
United States
330 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
15437 Posts |
Congratulations on the first silver half find!
Concur with the 'no cleaning' folks ... leave it as is.
David
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
Ha I left out a congrats! Good find Lunch Money, Franklins halves seem difficult to find, they are large silver, and usually shallow, so they were scooped up early by detectors back when. I've only found two, both in old fairgrounds. Halves, period aren't easy to find...I've found several Barbers, several Walkers, but strangely enough, no silver Kennedys.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
Puerto Rico
778 Posts |
Congrats. Nice find.  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,051 |
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Posted 09/07/2014 12:49 pm
