Ok, before I get yelled at for even suggesting cleaning a coin, Id like to say I dont believe in cleaning coins. Ive never cleaned a coin and Ive never thought that I would ever be tempted to. But, Ive seen some cleaned coins that are very hard to tell if they had been cleaned or not. And the coin in question, well lets just say that I couldnt do anything to it to make it any uglier. So, Id like to ask opinions on this. Id like to ask if theres a safe way to clean it without hurting the grade??? And, should I try, or should I just leave it be??? Because right now, I think its an awfully ugly coin, that I would like to see without the corrosion. And well, if it didnt clean very well, or even if the coin were to get ruined, it wouldnt bother me. Ok, I took a few pictures and this pic is the best I got. The coin is an 1874 Indian cent with uncirculated details. Full liberty and all 4 diamonds. And I can see alot of red showing through. Whatever is on the coin looks like its just on the surface, but will not rub off. I dont think there is any pitting, but I cant tell unless it was gone. Anyhow, take a look at the pic and let me know if you think it could be removed or not. Thanks http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/DJP7x0s/1874Indianobv.jpg
The one time that coin should be cleaned is to prevent further damage from occurring to the coin. This coin seems a likely candidate. Not sure if that is verdigris on the coin or PVC damage. PVC can be removed simply by soaking the coin pure acetone. Verdigris can be removed by using Biox which can be found - HERE
Thank you GDJMSP. I placed my order for the Biox. I will let you know how I make out and hopefully I will post pictures of the beautiful Indian Cent that I know is hiding under that nasty green. But I have one more question, have you ever used that Renaissance Wax??? That stuff sounds like good stuff. Im intrigued, and I think it would work rather well. Well, I also have alot of guns. And for a while I was having a really hard time with my muzzleloaders. They kept rusting up and the inside of the barrel was corroding. No matter how often I cleaned them. It seemed like a never ending battle of constantly cleaning my guns and never staying ahead of the corrosion. I even lost one gun to corrosion. Anyhow, I got this stuff called Bore Butter. It actually soaks in and seasons the metal. Kinda like using butter or cooking oil to season the pan before you cook so food dont stick. Anyhow, that worked wonders on my guns and I only have to clean them after I shoot them and not constantly. So, the renaissance wax sound as though it does the same thing to coins. Has anyone ever used that product???
Anything you use that will actually remove corrosion from a coin will also remove the patina - that is a given. There is no other way to remove it.
Usualy misunderstanding. More than likely not Verdigris, PVC or corrosion. Appears to be Copper Carbonate from exposure to Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and moisture. Almost everywhere you'll see Copper, Brass and Bronze turning green from that exposure. Anything more than soaking in Acetone would be removing part of the coin's metal leaving pot marks. If in a state of disperatioin try a very mild solution of Baking soda and distilled water and very, very lightly rub with that. This will neutralize additional reactions for a while at least. Then make sure you put in a 2x2 or something like that. For guns! After you use them clean well with almost anything. I use Carburator Cleaner and a soft wire brush. Also, WD-40. When the black color stops, I spray the inside with spray grease. Naturally you really must clean out this stuff prior to another round of shooting. You can purchase a decent Carburator Cleaner in a can at Walmart. Not sure but I think it's called Teck or Tech or something like that and in a black colored can. Also, in the same auto section you can find the spray grease by the same manufacturer. The spray grease is in a can and you can attach the little red plastic tube to the head and use in small areas. This stuff is great for long term storage of guns also. I use it on my Mauser Broomhandles since I never shoot them. Same with my Lugers. I use the same thing on door hindges, fence gates, door locks and many other places. It will stay so don't put it in places where you will be touching with nice clothing on.
