Cleaning Fatties

[terpfan]

Anyone have any advice on cleaning copper-nickel Indian Head pennies? Found my first one recently, an 1861, and was dissapointed to see how the nickel affected the surface condition and color. Worst condition of any IH I have found. Kind of reminds you of finding an old nickel. Any suggestions, or should I just appreciate what the coin for what it is--red. Steve

[Th3Offspring]

Post pictures? i've cleaned one recently that didn't turn out too bad. What i did was boil hydrogen peroxide in the microwave for a minute and let the coin soak in that for 5 mins or so (repeat 2/3 times until all dirt (if any) is off of the coin). Once all dirt has been carefully wiped/tooth-picked from coin, put olive oil on a paper towel and rub the coin in it then rub it off of the coin. The result should be an indian cent that looks fairly nice. keep in mind the coin i used this method on had no corrosion whatsoever, so you may not have similar results.

[Neil in West Jersey]

Post pictures? i've cleaned one recently that didn't turn out too bad. What i did was boil hydrogen peroxide in the microwave for a minute and let the coin soak in that for 5 mins or so (repeat 2/3 times until all dirt (if any) is off of the coin). Once all dirt has been carefully wiped/tooth-picked from coin, put olive oil on a paper towel and rub the coin in it then rub it off of the coin. The result should be an indian cent that looks fairly nice. keep in mind the coin i used this method on had no corrosion whatsoever, so you may not have similar results.

I have found that the HP method does not do a good job on fatties. These coins tend to develop an outer skin over the years and the HP peels it off, leaving a rusted looking pitted coin.

I will only use a soft brush to remove any of the loose dirt on them. I learned the hard way, ruining a nice Flying Eagle.