Cleaning Debris Off An 1857 Flying Eagle

You have a lot of rim issues going on with that coin, so it's not going to matter much if you clean it. Looks like you can soak it in acetone at least 24 hours. pick the crud out with toothpick and or soft Bristol tooth brush. like I said not much value to this coin anyway. but at least you have one with a nice clear date to boot

Enjoy your coin for what it is.

Don't clean it.

Anyway, it's unique: The first coin you ever bought. Priceless and a keeper!

I'd leave it alone. It was used and used hard - and that's what I love about circulated coins...

Acetone is your best bet. Soak and use a toothpick or rose thorn to pick away the debris. Follow up by applying a treatment such as Verdi-Care or Blue Ribbon. The acetone is a solvent, and the Verdi-Care or Blue Ribbon will stabilize the surface and prevent further damage and corrosion. It's just like the metal on a firearm; you want to use a solvent to dissolve any dirt and then apply something to protect and condition the surface, such as Rem Oil or Ballistol or whatever you use.

I would leave it, but if you really want to get the dirt off, follow the other members' suggestions and use acetone. However, I think the dirt is part of the coin's character. It was picked up through honest circulation a century and a half ago, and would be left there if it were up to me, especially since you seem to be more interested in the history than the numismatic value.

Issue is there could be environmental damaging happening right before your eyes .... I see some green growth in the photos and by restoring (not cleaning) you can stop any more damage from occurring .....

Coin is not of huge value and I believe it is worth any risks that maybe associated with value ....

But whatever you do don't rub it with any type of cloth, even microfiber, and only use a wooden toothpick and let the acetone work!

NHPenny - First things first: to CCF. You've raised a couple of important questions. These kinds of questions (and many others) are what we, collectors, talk about all the time. You're going to want to know (eventually) about conservation vs. cleaning, proper handling of the coin, storage options, grading, etc.

You're not a collector. That's fine (we've heard that before). But one day you're going to see a US Half-Cent, Large-Cent, Two-Cent, Three-Cent Nickel/Silver, a Morgan, Peace, or Ike dollar that you can't resist and suddenly, you ARE a collector.

The greatest favor you could do for yourself would be to continue being involved, and asking questions here, on CCF. Go to the search function (top left corner) and begin to find out why we are so excited about the field of Numismatics. Did you know there are whole books written about your two coins?

You've made a great start with your first find, and a first purchase. Don't stop now. There is a TON of information waiting for you concerning your first two coins and CCF is the place to begin the adventure. Dig in! Jack

Soaking it in distilled water is fine. Soaking in Acetone might work better. CAREFUL picking at any crud that doesn't dissolve with a rose thorn may be OK. SCRUBBING with a plastic bristle brush is NOT a good idea.