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 Replies: 20 / Views: 9,411 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
623 Posts |
Purchased this 1829 large cent off ebay and am a bit disappointed b/c I didn't realize how dark it was and it has some "gunk" on it. Not sure if the flash on my camera has lightened the coin but it's definitely dark. You can see a spot of gunk to the left of the lady liberty's chin. I soaked it in hot hydrogen peroxide and it didn't do anything. Any suggestions on how to clean this coin up? I don't want to ruin it, just make it more presentable.   Edited by Russ789
11/19/2010 10:16 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
Just leave it. Everyone like original coins.
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Return policy?
Distilled water soak is all I would do.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
623 Posts |
Well, I didn't pay a whole lot for the coin, $17 to the door. I would like to display it which is why I am concerned about cleaning it up a bit. How long would you do the distilled water soak?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
667 Posts |
I'm in the corner of other than a slight washing I would leave it as is.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
N-8 R-1 MDS Nothing really special but this variety does tend to come with the reverse rotated. Sometimes as much as 170 degrees.
And I would leave it alone.
Edited by Conder101
11/20/2010 08:53 am
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Valued Member
United States
285 Posts |
I would also suggest leaving the "gunk" as is. I don't think it is that distracting and I would rather have it original with "gunk" then possibly having an untoned spot or something.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
623 Posts |
Ok so let me ask this...is there a way to lighten the coin up a bit? Like I said in my original post, it's hard to tell how dark the coin is possibly due to the flash.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
623 Posts |
Quote:
N-8 R-1 MDS What does that mean? Thanks for posting that as it's really cool to learn more about the coin! |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Newcomb 8 variety, R-1 (common)
There are many die pairings associated with Large Cents. Newcomb and Sheldon attributed many of them.
Check this out:
www.coinfacts.com
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
Ok so let me ask this...is there a way to lighten the coin up a bit? Like I said in my original post, it's hard to tell how dark the coin is possibly due to the flash. Yes, there is. With all due respect, you need to change your perceptions and not the coin. Anything you could do will lower the coin's value, both in terms of visual appearance and monetary value, in the eyes of any knowledgeable collector. Your coin is "what it's supposed to look like." If you want a brighter appearance, spend a bunch more money on a better coin. Or, understand the overwhelming importance that "originality" has in numismatics. To be right, your coin needs to be an honest unaltered representation of exactly what it is at this point in its' life. Circulated coins acquire stuff during their life. This is to be celebrated, not undone. *That* is what cements its' desirability to a collector. You did great for $17. You got an honest, unaltered coin. Keep it that way because nobody following you in this coin's ownership can undo whatever you may do to it. You are merely the current custodian of this piece of history, and if you ruin it for future owners by altering it, you have failed your custodianship. |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
I agree, without seeing the reverse, you did good for 17 bucks ;-)
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
623 Posts |
The reason I am concerned about how dark it is and only the obverse is b/c I am trying to use this coin in a collage I am making. I have about 20 different coins ranging from an 1807 draped bust Half Cent to a 1951 Franklin half. They are in airtite holders and sandwiched between 2 pieces of plexi where you can only see the obverses. So, my intent was to use lower-grade coins to display. Here is the obverse:  |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
My opinion hasn't changed; you've bought a wonderful original coin for your money. If it doesn't suit your goal, your project, then find another coin which does. In the meantime, keep this one because it's worthy of being in a collection.
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
I understand what you want but, the only way to remove the gunk, would be to clean the surface of the coin which, on this particular LC, would result in that cleaned coppery red color to show through thus, resulting in an extreme loss of value. I've seen it done before. If you are concerned about it, throw this one in your collection, and buy another. That's what Id do if $ is not too tight :-)
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
382 Posts |
The only coin I have ever tried to improve was a Large Cent by using the olive oil treatment to remove greeny/meany which I didnt want to spread to my others. Soaked it for over a month then with a Q tip removed the green horror. I have read and heard from old copper collectors that it's the best way to remove dirt from copper. My coins is in VG and well used so to soak it in the oil I dont believe did it any damage. Was it cleaned yes, am I happy about it yes, but we could debate the true definition of cleaning forever.
JMO, Tony
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Replies: 20 / Views: 9,411 |
Posted 11/19/2010 10:42 pm
