Hi guys, I was closely looking at this coin and noticed that there are a few cracks on the reverse near the 'ICA' in America and was wondering if this is considered a lamination error? Also was wondering what the spot of metal is on the reverse at the bottom below the wreath very close to the rim? Lastly, I wanted to know which is more common on 1840 Braided Hair Liberty Cents, large or small dates?
I'd like to tell you but it's best not to clean coins. Most people (including myself) ruin a few coins while learning. Heck, we may even harm a coin now and then when we THINK we know what we are doing.
Yes I have read all about it that cleaning a coin is not good. But you mentioned that I should clean to green stuff off the coin. So how should I do this?
You don't have the right equipment or chemicals. For example, I use a microscope. Conservation is a business, so we aren't allowed to reveal "trade secrets." Everything I can tell you is already on this forum. Look up cleaning coins.
In clea... conserving a coin, one of the main things is to avoid wiping or rubbing it since this can move surface debris across the coin and cause scratches. Using pure solvents will do no harm to a coin. Acetone is thought by some to cause copper to discolor, but, given the age and color of this one, I don't think having a PURE acetone bath would hurt. Even better, PURE xylene would be good for a soak. At the least you could give it a soak in distilled water, pat or blot it dry and put it in an oven on low for a couple of hours to dry thoroughly.
