Re: First large cent & cleaning suggestions?
August 23, 1999 at 08:28:06
In Reply to: First large cent & cleaning suggestions?
posted by billstaff on August 21, 1999 at 23:09:30
The "chipping" you're seeing is flaking off of copper oxide. Basically, the oxidation process leaves a ceramic layer on top of the copper. The ceramic (copper oxide) is very brittle. Take a look at a good green IH cent sometime under a microscope and you'll see the surface actually looks like a green glass (which, in effect, is what it is).
Soaking in olive oil will slowly loosen the dirt and when you rub it, the oil is a lubricant so you don't put so much force on the surface and drive off the oxide. Still, you need to be careful, especially near edges of the coin and letters as these flake easily.
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