Hi everyone Any bright ideas about how I could clean this 1850 cent? The reverse has a fair bit of oxidation which is a shame because the obverse is in fairly good condition Thanks Valezina, England
The green stuff is verdigris - it is the result of copper oxidation. If not removed - the process will continue. Look at the obverse of the coin - the area in front of the throat. Those pits appear to be from corrosion caused by verdigris that was previously removed. I suspect this coin was at some point nearly covered with substance and that it has been cleaned before. The do make commercial cleaners that will remove it - but the coin will show the signs of corrosion as the obverse does now.
what are the names of the cleaners? I have some indian head pennys that have some of the same green stuff...
The best one I know of is Biox Conservation Liquid. Among other places, it can be found for sale HERE
