Most everyone knows that most of the coins in my sets were found in circulation many years ago. Here is a 1944 D Jefferson that has some gunk on it. What would be the safest way to attack this?
I don't know of anything that can save a coin from corrosion. Maybe mitigate it with something but it's still going to be there forever.
If that isn't corrosion, take a cup of water and place it in the microwave and nuke it till it boils. Put the coin in and wait till it cools down and try probing at it with a toothpick. Repeat if needed.
Peroxide is an oxidizing agent, and I think you should avoid it, since oxidation is what causes coins to discolor. Silver jewelry dip (eZest) specifically made for coins is good in skilled hands and murder in unskilled hands.
If it’s tape acetone will loosen it some. The etched surface area under there is there to stay, though, unfortunately.
I did the best I could, I think. There were pits under the crud that will never be corrected. It does look better, but that is it. Attached are photos of Heads before and after, Tails before and after and close up of the damage before and after.
