How Do I Clean Verdigris From Wheat Cents?

(Sorry! accidently bumped this old thread while editing, please ignore. )





Sorry for the odd title, I could not fit anymore in.

I was browsing garage sales today when I went up to this one house, They were having an estate sale since, I browsed the house and found around two to four dollars worth of wheat cents. She told me it was a change jar that belonged to the former owner that he had been saving in his spare time. I asked if I could purchase them for 3.00$, She agreed and let me take them. (Though she seemed a bit confused as to why I was buying pennys, Hehe.)

But lot of the cents are dirty and wet, And some have that danged green stuff that forms when water hits copper, Though because the bag is closed they are still sticky, And on some you can even scoop it gently off, But is there an easier way to get the green stuff off before it dries on the coins?

I am only about 1/6th of the way searching and have already found a 1914 cent lying in the collection. (Hoping to get my hands on a V.D.B. )

I'm nervous about searching any further though, Since opening the bag seems to dry the green stuff onto the coins. I have tried wiping them off with a soft towel, But I'm worried this may be damaging them further.

Thanks in advance for your help.