1970 White-Brown Lincoln Cent

A soak in acetone may help dislodge or dissolve if needed. If so rinse and re-soak if needed with fresh acetone.

Reminds me of a learning experience with using fresh acetone as opposed to being to cheap and reusing used acetone.

Once soaked a copper cent with white paint on it and dissolved it in seconds with no problem. Looked as clean as clean could get. No residue to the eye.

The process took a whole 30 seconds and left the acetone looking clear.

Myself being thrifty and smart thought to reuse said acetone on two other copper cents for only a quick dip.

Found the two coins that followed in the used acetone redeposit a white haze that never came off either coin, even after repeated soaks and rinses with fresh acetone. Points to ponder. Thanks, Doug.


PS: If its oxidation then others may have suggestions. Don't think the coin is worth the extra effort unless you just need it clean for some reason.

That is not the same kind of white, on the coins you found on the internet, there is not a hint of brown showing through. On yours it is mostly copper, as Halo said, it looks to be some paint on the coin,

Also the first coin from the internet was struck on a different planchet which yours is not, it looks like a normal coin to me

Thank for all those lessons. Tomorrow I'll find some acetone to see what happen. That's better than keep using file o sand paper. Thank again.
The pictures do not show the pretty it's look now. Instead with some circulation marks (scratched), seem like shiny-new.

Be cautious Carlos. Acetone is a very good solvent for many types of gunk and plastics, which why it is used for degreasing and cleaning purposes in many industries. It is also hazardous because it's volatile and very flammable. Use a glass container in a well-ventilated area away from open flames! It will leave a white residue on a coin upon evaporation, although the amount will vary with purity and contamination. The residue is invisible if the acetone is of good quality.

As long as they don't turn pink it should be OK in your collection. (a dead give away for dipping a coin) But if you submit it to be graded, they may body bag it or list it as genuine with no grade. So if there is grit around the devices, I would leave the coin alone. Who know what down the road they may see an issue with the alteration of the coins color.

The copper rims show it was altered on the surface. The wear takes what ever off the raised devices first. Not an error coin. It would be worth copper melt. (if they let us melt them)

Carlos. Some after pics may show better what you see now.

Having hard time following your process here, as you mention trying acetone for 18hrs, which sounds like maybe in a plastic container, then going try brake fluid or motor oil maybe. Also mentioning file or sandpaper maybe, all of which is not good.

At first you noted it looking better, then rust, then white is returning, but now resulting in straight and circular lines.

Not going into all the do's and don't of acetone usage as it has been covered here in the past many times.

That said, follow the directions and adhere to the warnings on the label. I prefer to only use clean glass or stainless steel vessels for the process. Note: I do not trust vessels that have been washed with house hold detergents alone.

I'll clean the container with acetone or similar prior to coin dipping. I also prefer a short container with wide opening for easy reach within. I use a lid or cover as the acetone will evaporate quickly if not covered.

Lastly and more importantly, (should also be on the label) Keep Out of Reach of curious kids and animals. Thanks, Doug.