What is the best way to remove junk off of a Indian cent without making it "cleaned"

Just curious on how to get the black off of my Indian cent's without making them considered "cleaned"

 

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Acetone soak.

 

I usually use dawn dish soap and rub with my thumb. If dawn can get grease off of a bird then it sure as he'll can get some gunk off a coin.

 

Actually, I think this is the method to decrease the value of your coins by 50%

 

Nope! I cleaned a coin, sent it in and came back MS. Obviously I didn't scrub, I just put a light coat on my thumb and rubbed it ever so gently till it got the gunk off.

 

Black is not always the same black. A photo is very much needed as it could be a smear from a black marker pen which would be easier than if it was copper oxide or other chemical reaction residue that only specific other chemicals could remove , or nothing you could do as it would be noticed by experience collectors or graders. Welcome!

Jim

 

NO NO NO
NEVER NEVER NEVER

Any new collectors reading this post, DO NOT do this to a coin. The chemicals in the detergent can damage the surface of a coin, and rubbing can cause scratches and hairlines.

Acetone will remove adhered organic gunk without affecting the surface (as long as you don't rub). If the coin has heavy toning, stains, or environmental damage, then its unlikely you can remove it without damaging the coin (assuming you can even remove it)

If you want to to do this to your coins, that's your business, but don't pass incorrect info as being OK. It's irresponsible.

 

This is the black stuff I'm talking about around and in the date

 

This coin looks like it's already been cleaned.

 

Its not a rare cent and the black is not in the fields but near edges. First, some members do not like any activity at all, so they may not agree with me. I would use acetone as a solvent ( it won't do anything to the metal IMO ), put some drops ( no fingernail removers, as they are not pure) and use a artists paint brush ( I prefer hog bristles ) and gently swish the acetone over the areas. Occasionally dump it and add clean acetone. ( Do not dump into plastic , such as a sink with PVC plumbing but instead pick it up with a piece of paper towel and let it evaporate. If this doesn't remove it, be Happy as it is a nice coin.

PLEASE do not USE ACETONE if there is an open flame also, such heaters, stoves, cigars, etc. Acetone fumes are very flammable.

Jim

 

My first thought is that the coin has already been cleaned and this gunk was missed.

 

Best to let soak in acetone, the professional kind, not nail polish remover.

Welcome to CT.

 

...or, soak it in water (start off with HOT) for a couple of days and then brush with a soft toothbrush

 

Or use a water pik ( It does work, but the room and you will be soaked) , so do it undressed in the shower for best results . Lock the door also

 

I use Coin Care. Apply with a q-tip and rub gently.

 

As others have said, the coin definitely looks cleaned so a little soap and gentle rubbing with a soft bristled brush should not hurt the coin.
Semper Fi
Phil

 

Just make sure to thoroughly rinse it, soap residue that is practically unnoticeable can lead to massive problems down the road!!!

 

Correct. Should have added that warning.

 

@Newbee03 IMO your coin is not one that has been recently cleaned, rather it is a coin that had been used in commerce for many years (hence the smooth, even wear) and as such has picked up dirt, grit, and metallic particles which mix with fingerprint oils and other oily contaminants (e.g. food residue) and are deposited around and within the protected areas of the Relief, which over time oxidize, harden, and build up into the blackish deposits that you describe.

While it is possible to remove this residue as other members have pointed out, it has been my experience that mechanical action in conjunction with a suitable solvent would be needed, followed by a complete washing with clean water (best to use distilled water for the final rinse). If one is available to you, the use of an ultrasonic apparatus with a suitable solvent would be an efficient method to use.

NOTE: if you are successful in removing the residue, you will find the that color and surface underneath the residue will be different and fresher than the areas that were not covered (usually lighter and shinier), therefore, it would be apparent that your coin would look like it had been cleaned in those areas.