First, I have some coins that are old and hard to read. Is there a safe way to clean them and not ruin the finish or devalue them further? Second, I have some coins that I do not know the value of with some in fair condition, other worse. Can anyone tell me the approximate value of two of them: New England coin 1652 with XII under date. It appears to be stamped as opposed to minted. The words on the front are "New England Andom" around the outside with 1652 in the middle and XII underneath. On the other side is a tree in the center and the words, "MASATHVSETS IN" on the outer ring. It is in amazing shape for a its date. The other coin is very worn and also appears to be stamped (didn't they mint things before 1800?) It is of US currency but has the value of 1000 on it. The date is 1783. One side of the coin says, "Libertas Justimia" on the outer ring and US in the center with 1000 beneath it. Between the outer ring and the US is a circle of leaves. The other side is very worn but says, "Nova Consteclatio" on the other ring with some sort of torch in the center with beams coming out it and 13 stars. Again, it is hard to read and is not a minted coin like the ones I carry in my pocket. Any help would be appreciated.
Based on your description, it sounds like you have either a reproduction (fake) or real Massachusets Oak Tree Shilling and a real or fake Nova Constellatio Pattern. To the best of my knowledge, the Nova Constellatios were never produced in the demonination of 1000 but there were patterns made. I would suggest contacting a local dealer who specializes in early coinage to evaluate the coins. If real, they are valuable and most certainly should not be cleaned. Do not get your hopes up though, the highest likelihood is that they are fake. If you are looking for more information do a search in google for "massachusets oak tree shilling" or "nova constellatio".
The Nova's with the 1000 listed on them were patterns. The original patterns were only made in Silver.
I will be the first to say - not at all!!!! There is an FAQ subject in the Main Coin Talk forum that discusses this.... Take care, Cris
GunLocators, that is a tough question. Personally, I do not believe there is a best way to clean a coin as doing so removes the "age" or patina of the piece. The problem is that when most people ask about "cleaning" they are really using the wrong terminology. Cleaning technically refers to removing debris or other foreign materials from the surface of a coin. If for instance, you dug up a coin when metal detecting it may need to be cleaned to remove the dirt and debri. When most people ask about cleaning what they are really asking is how do I restore the coin to a shiny like new condition - removing any discoloration, patina, etc. Recognizing that the surface of the coin itself has changed due to exposure to the elements (just like copper turns green with exposure to oxygen and just like your silver candlesticks tarnish) it is impossible to restore a coin, or to more the patina, tarnish, etc. without removing some of the surface of the coin itself. If you attempt to "clean" a coin what you will end up with is a coin that lacks any age and looks unnatural. And, as it does again begin to age the colors it may take on will not look as they should on a normally aged coin. That being said, there are times when it may be required or advisable to stop what is occurring to the surface of a coin. To do this is not a process that should be attempted be the average collector and instead should be left to a professional. I suggest checking out http://www.ncscoin.com if you are interested in "conservation".
