1942 Lincoln Wheat Penny Die Cracks?

It looks like a lamination error to me.

Lamination. No premium in that condition. Ewww.

Maybe not a premium but ewww?

I think with a little love and care that is one I would keep for sure!

Nice LAM. It does need some conservation though.
John1

Since it isn't an extremely rare coin, I would start with a warm, soapy water rinse, pat it dry, then soak it in some white vinegar to neutralize the green oxidation. That should clean it up a bit. There are some commercial cleaners available, but I have never used them. Always be careful when choosing to use a cleaner on a coin, practice on a common coin before you ruin a nice one!

Yeah, that's what I was wondering, too, cwb. If I could do a warm, soapy rinse. I do some metal detecting, and, oy, the condition of most of the coins I see!

I have dozens of decades old cardboard coin holders. I'd be willing to bet that some of them have PVC. Would I be better off discarding the older holders and getting newer ones? Also, what about old cellophane? Like from old .. I don't know .. cigarette wrappers? That's what it looks like some of the coins are wrapped in. Is that potentially PVC, too?

First, lets clear some terminology here. The cardboard with Mylar holders are called 2x2s. Simply for the fact they are 2 inches square. Like these:



When you say flips, these are the same size, but are made (now) out of mylar, and in the past out of plastic with PVC in it. They are distinctly different.Like these:



Your old 2x2s should not be an issue. Having said that, it surely would do no harm to replace them with new ones.




Ummm, OK. That coin is NOT in that bad a shape.

d_dob, here is what you do. Soak the coin in distilled water for a good 24 hours. This will loosen any average dirt and gunk. Take it out and rinse it off. Pat it dry.

Follow that with a soak in acetone for a good 24 hours. This will remove any possible PVC and other organics the water did not touch. Swish it around in clean acetone after the soak. Do a search on here for acetone. You will find plenty of threads discussing it. No need to pat it dry after the swishing. Acetone evaporates clean and clear fairly quickly.

Finally, get some verdis care. You should be able to order it from most any coin supply company. Soaking in this for another 24 hours should loosen up any green stuff left and gentle removal with a q tip can be done. Whatever is left at that point is not coming off without ruining the coin.

Those are some very cool lamination errors. Certainly worth the effort of some proper cleaning.

I would stay away from the vinegar all together.
John1