I just purchased (very inexpensively) a 1877 VG-10 Indian---but the previous collector cleaned it with baking soda. Also I bought a number of semi-key Lincolns--but he cleaned them with MS-70. If I leave these coins exposed to the air will they naturally get darker???
It most likely will but, it may take a long time. I've heard of people using Dellar's Darkener with good results Deller's Darkener but I've never used it myself, so wait for those copper nuts to come along .
The chemicals that the previous owner may have left on the surfaces will probably haunt you & spot the coins as time goes forward. Copper is a very reactive metal. There are methods to darken the surface (like keeping it exposed to air & sunshine or short term exposure Dellers Darkener. I personally dislike the look of cleaned and re-toned copper. Please post a photo of the 1877.
Welcome to the forum! Photos would be a great help. However my first and strongest recommendation. After photographing, put them away for a couple of months and promise yourself that you will not do anything until you are able to evaluate all options. It sometimes only takes 15 seconds to do something to a coin that may take decades or never to come back to what it was. There will be many suggestions, but in 2 months, you will have better insight. Jim
I've been experimenting with just that lately. I started some time ago when I purchased some either Replated 43 Lincolns or they were just polished. I then started a search for polished and/or cleaned coins. The more they were cleaned, the better. Some of the things I did was to first attempt to get rid of that shine that in some instances looked like a proof. I started with things like Acetone, then Laquer thinner, then mineral spirit types of paint thinners. With some I also tried a little Lemon Juices. None of these were intended to make the coin look old, but to get anything used to clean or polish the coins off. My next process was to make sure none of that was left so I soaked all in WARM Distilled water and then blow dryed them. Final steps were to place on a kitchen window sill, facing South if possible, proped up on an angle so all sides were exposed. Remember that this part is pending on how much cooking and the type of cooking. After some time all coins, except the Nickel, became to look almost normal. The Half got so natural looking I placed it in one of my albums. All pennies, cents, did start and are still turning back to normal. If left to long, might even get real dark with a natural look. It's fun and educational.
I agree with Jim. Put it away for a bit and explore all your options before you do anything. You could hurt that 77 more then it already is
