40 centavos needs cleaning?

Use a glass container. I have found acetone to be plastic/rubber unfriendly.

 

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The coin is fine the way it is. I would advise you to leave it alone instead of ruining it.

 

He is not planning on ruining it. He is planning on gently removing stuff that is not part of the coin.

 

Seems to be the best in this case. Also the difference you see between the two coins is more a matter of grade than one of unfavorable patina and what may appear under the patina could be worse than what you see now. The coin consists to its greater part of copper, there isn't really a good way removing the corrosion -patina is corrosion- and preserving the coin at the same time.

 

Eduard,

Some pics for you.

 

I've got mine in Germany at 2011. For 2 $ 50 cents only!

 

That is a super bargain. That condition for the 1908 more than 30 dollars now. The 1907 is difficult to find with many fakes out there.

 

I think proper cleaning and preservation is an important part of the hobby. I will development my skills through practise on cheaper coins first.

 

Derick, that is very, very kind of you. I almost did not recognize Coloso (picture #3?). If only one could roll back time........

I wish I could retribute in kind - In the meantime, I just took pictures of my 1907 40 Cts to show you. I bought this on a trip to Buenos Aires back in 1990 (hopefully it is not a fake!)

With regards,
Eduard

 

These coins are made in low grade (400 fine) silver and it's very common for them to darken. I agree with several others that it looks fine as is and nothing needs to be done.

However, if the coin looks like the picture and I owned it I'd try washing it very lightly in a mild soap and then thumbing it. Thumbing is pushing body oil into the coin using you thumb. I'd wipe it lightly with a soft cloth afterward. There is a danger that the coin would start toning again and this time the toning might not be attractive but it should look a little better afterward.

It really is a fairly attractive coin for the type and grade.