Carry it around as a pocket and conversation piece with other coins,keys or whatever. It might take 6 months or more but I am sure it will brighten up. Mine did. Some old-time dealers used to do this.
It could easily have been, and probably was, dipped long before he ever acquired the coin. But that's neither here nor there. And what did he store it in if I may ask ? A flip, a 2x2, an envelope, an album, something else ? PVC - possible I suppose but I see nothing that indicates that to me. In any event, in my opinion the only thing that might, stress might, help that coin is properly dipping it. But if you don't know how, and based on your comments it seems you don't, your best bet is to have someone who does do it for you. Of course the coin could easily be too far gone already, they often are once they reach this stage. But you'll never know unless ya try. Many a black coin has been turned into a thing of beauty once properly dipped.
Thank you! Good advice. In the process I dug up an old posting on here regarding conservation. Amazing how the topics repeat themselves over the years! You moderators have your work cut out for you for sure! You do a great job of walking the line and keeping the peace, greatly appreciated.
Well, it looks like a few of my experiments gone wrong dipping. At this point, all's fair in the restoration game now.
In all fairness, like one of the mods mentioned, it could have been dipped long ago. It was passed from my grandmother to my father, so if it was dipped it was a while back but I can't rule it out.
None taken! The coin is flat out ugly to me, common date, no great value. Good details on the coin just a very unattractive toning.