1858 Flying Eagle Cent!! To Clean Or Not To Clean (Please Help!)

XF details, obverse has corrosion, but I would try a long soak in acetone followed by a long soak in Classic Coin Conditioner then using a very soft brush such as a camels hair type to clean the surfaces. I am doubtful that most of the gunk will be removable, even with conservation, because the coin appears to have long-standing environmental damage.

Value wise? I don't know, if I had to hazard a guess I'd say it's at most a $30 coin, maybe half that again more if it cleans up nice and doesn't have severe underlying damage. That's my opinion only.

When I find myself with grimy coins - Coin Community comes to me - Speaking words of wisdom - Let it be.

I'd agree with paralyse around $30'ish, definitely under $50 I'd say.

Please, Please PLEASE
Do NOT clean your coin(s)!
Cleaning destroys value!
Honest dirty coins have more value than cleaned ones!
Please fight that inter-desire to have a shinny coin!
(We love coins here and want save as many coins as we can)

Please, we sincerely hope you'll stick around and learn more about care of your coins

There is a difference between conserving a coin (using safe methods to remove dirt, contaminants and other harmful items which will damage its surfaces) and cleaning a coin (using chemical or mechanical methods to alter the surface of the coin or the metal itself.)

Conserving a coin can in many cases not only prevent further damage, it can increase the value and protect the coin against future problems related to surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, fingerprint oils, smoke, and the like.

Cleaning a coin with the intent to "improve" its appearance -- whether that's a dip, scrub, wipe, or whiz -- alters the metal surface of the coin and removes originality.

Please don't conflate the two as they are very different processes with very different intentions. Regardless, conserving coins requires experience and care, and should not be attempted on anything you value greatly until you have learned the proper techniques, methods and substances involved.

Excellent!

cropped and rotated for you--

great date and no doubt part of our us history. dont clean, and to be honest in my opinion cleaning it will not change the value significantly as it is likely a Fine Details grade regardless. This looks more wholesome. Good luck!