Does anyone know if NCS is capable of addressing the conservation (restoration) of extremely dark colored copper cents which may appear to suffer from light corrosion?
I have an 1838 large cent which is essentially black on the obverse and splotchy dark brown and black on the reverse. The surface is generally smooth with a small pitted spot at 10 o'clock. The thing basically looks as if someone has painted the coin's surface.
It's such a neat coin for its age given it's condition specific to wear, I'd love to have it restored to a more original state if it can be done.
I can't answer your question, but I know that people go to great lengths to tone their large cents after they have been cleaned... the opposite of what you seem to be trying to do. I've been told to soak it in olive oil for 6 months. Many of the large cents I've seen have toned very dark naturally, including one I own.
My suggestion would be to keep your coin the way it is and shop around for a new large cent that has more original luster if that is what you are seeking. It is important to also note that some collectors place a lot of value in toned coins.
Corrosion is corrosion and once a coins surface is effected by it, there is nothing that could be done except to make sure it is stabilized. A picture of the coin in question would be great to determine what you have.
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