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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,967 |
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
I have a 57 LWC proof that has definitely seen better days. I think I found it in circ, and that's why it's the way it is. You can tell it was once a shiny proof but has been the victim of several vicious fingerprints; some spots are almost black. I would like to see if I can get some of the nastyness off and wondered if anyone could recommed anything. I figure the value is mostly gone anyway, I might as well have a half-way decent looking coin in the collection. |
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New Member
 United States
38 Posts |
Ok, since I didn't get any hits off the first one I'll try adding pics. Unfortunately I can't get a good pic of what this really looks like. Either the color all washes out or its too dark. (I really need to post over in the camera section) Any takers this time?  |
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
And...  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19931 Posts |
Try the solvent ladder, soak in the following in this order:
1) deionized water
2) acetone
3) xylene
I don't recommend ANYTHING else for a proof. I'd rather have it like it is than completely ruined. Proofs are VERY easy to ruin.
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Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
I would be inclined just leave it alone, but that is just one opinion.  If the compulsion to experiment got the better of me, I would follow BadThad's advice given above.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19931 Posts |
....then again, you can buy a nice one for only $5 or so. |
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Valued Member
United States
462 Posts |
Probably less than what the chemicals would cost you unless you already had access to them
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1934 Posts |
I dont think the cleaning results on that coin will be worth the hassle to clean it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2424 Posts |
how do you know its a proof? do they not say "S"? I'm unfamiliar with proof wheat cents
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Before the 1968S, all proof pennies (and other proofs, too) were also struck in Philadelphia. This one is a proof because of its high relief and strong design. Just look at the rim and you can see it's special in some way.
Now... how to tell a matte proof from a regular strike... I don't know...
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
Alright, curiosity got the better of me. Since I didn't have anything that was suggested, I was working in the garage and noticed the my can of carb cleaner had some form of xylene in it, so I thought oh why not. Basically all it did was take the toning off from it. The prints are still there, it's just a lighter color copper now. Now I just need to go find me one of those $5 ones to put in the collection.
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Valued Member
United States
322 Posts |
Once you have nothing to loose, try Ketchup.
Samuel tan
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9152 Posts |
Try a soft pink eraser, the one that is about a 1/2" wide and 2" long.
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Valued Member
United States
54 Posts |
I was going to suggest using ketchup as well. I've heard that it's an excellent penny cleaner.
Edited by artyboy
05/04/2010 8:53 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1534 Posts |
To those suggesting using erasers and ketchup: Do not do that. The abrasives in any erasers will do the coin irreparable damages leaving it in an even less valuable state it is in now. Ketchup and erasers should only used for fun and experiments, such as cleaning dirty Memorial cents.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,967 |
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Posted 04/28/2010 01:04 am
