Old Copper Originality

Will type this first:

".....because money is involved in our hobby/passion"


Several directions are included.

STOP any issues that can be detrimental to the coin surviving (preservation).

STOP any issues that might not be noticed currently (conservation).

Enhance the coin in any way - call it what you wish.

Putting anything on a coin could do more damage that you would think. Remember coins are just metal and that metal could react chemically with oils, liquids, etc. Unless you know what the oil has in it aside from just the oil, you could damage a coin by using it to make it shine.

Thanks for the link meadowcollector. That is a good book to have in any early copper collectors library.

Early copper is unique and there are lots of approaches. The old school uses Blue Ribbon conditioner with a very, very soft brush, e.g. "camel" hair, ox, or sable. This keeps the copper preserved and removes any dust or other disturbances that may have gathered on the surfaces. Other collectors will often use Verdi-Care with similar brushes. Acetone is generally avoided, as are mineral spirits and oils since oils will attract dirt and other things that may scratch or damage the coin.

Old-timers had ways and means of darkening coins using heat and sulfur and smoke, and the secrets thereunto are closely kept. A product was available (Deller's Darkener) that was a sulfur-based cream. Coins treated as such tend to have a trademark uniform dark brown to almost black appearance as well as a smell that is easily detected.

Polishes, abrasive cleaners, dips, retoning agents, and such are definitely a big no-no, as is wiping or applying mechanical friction against the surfaces with anything but the softest cloth.

Old copper toned different depending on the particular mix of whatever planchets were being used, so there is a wide spectrum of color from mint-red to dark brown, but "shiny" surfaces or mint-red color on a coin with even slight wear is almost certainly a result of improper cleaning.

When in doubt, leave it natural. You can even use a can of compressed air to blow dust off the surface (just make sure no liquid comes out!)

Smell it. Does it smell like chemicals or sulfur?
Touch it (gently.) Does it feel oily, very slick, or exceptionally smooth?
Look at it in natural light. If there is luster present, is it appropriate given the visible wear?
Is the color almost black or almost pink? Those are both cleaned.

Those are all good ways to start checking.

This 1801 has been harshly cleaned; note the color.