1806 penny??

[musky44]

i was out hunting arrowheads a few days ago and i found a coin that i couldnt really make out a date on. all i could see is one cent on the one side of it. after i got it home and looked at it a little closer i could make out a date a little better. im almost positive it says 1806, maybe 1896. i need to clean it up. i was reading a few other post and someone mentioned accetone. it was found along the river bank, so im not sure if its even salvagable. is that even a word? was hoping for some suggestions. if i could clean it up, i would share some pictures of it. is a 1806 penny worth anything?? i know nothing when it comes to coins. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mackaydon]

Easy to tell the difference; earlier coin would be 26-27 mm in diameter, later coin 19mm.
Earlier coin's retail value (per 2012 Red Book) in AG-3 is $32.
Don.....

[Tuberale]

Musky44 states "I was reading a few other post and someone mentioned acetone." That might have been me, musky.

Acetone affects only organic material on a coin. It has no affect on patina, pitting, corrosion, or overall condition. It is more likely to reveal imperfections in a coin, but can dramatically increase the details of a coin. So, it is something of a 2-way sword. You seem to be asking for help in distinguishing an 1806 from an 1896 penny. That's real easy. Check the diameter of the coin. If it matches a penny from your pocket, it's probably 1896. If it is closer to a half dollar in diameter (actually 29mm, which is between a quarter and a half dollar in diameter), it may be an 1806.

Either way, a photo or 2 would be appreciated.

[BuffaloBoy]

Hope this helps!

1806: http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/Memb...m=3298&s=70996
1896: http://www.coinstudy.com/image-files...dian-penny.gif

[musky44]

looks just like the pic that u posted buffalo, only in alot worse condition. no doubt 1896. thanks for the help guys. i can see why u all get hooked. very cool hobby. if u stumble on to some flint maybe i can return the favor.