QUESTION FOR COIN COLLECTORS

[Kace]

I was wondering if I should remove the toning/tarnishing on the Pop Out Coin I found?

One of the coin sites wants the story and photos according to my coin and jewelry shop...I want to display it. I've got a lot of pictures of the way it was when I found it...I only have blown the dirt/debris off to post the photos here.

I don't think it's monetarily valuable, just the history and rarity is what makes it special.

Should I leave it as found or have it cleaned?

Your Opinions and Experienced Advice Are Very Much Appreciated!

Thank You!

Kace

 

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[Nick79]

It's all up to you as far as what you want to see. Maybe do the baking soil foil trick to take off the tarnish. I personally like to keep the old look of items I dig and just clean enough to read and try to keep patina etc.

 

[Obsessive]

yeah man. That coin is beautiful as it is. Id leave it.

 

[Kace]

Thank You Nick...I always leave coins as found except to blow off the dirt and debris too. I like the patina and age showing on old coins...I'm not an experienced collector of odd coins though, lol!

This one is just different from anything I've ever found and although the detail on it is easily seen as is, there have been Barber Repousse coins and dies found from that period and a few were halves, but they are different from each other...some have blemishes or something on or in the dies that transferred to her face and some have only one eye open etc. I guess it depended on the skill of the finisher.

The one I found isn't showing any blemishes caused by the die or finish work, which is why that shop contacted some coin site/organization. I didn't know that til today. I'm hesitant to have anything done to it, but I thought maybe that's just me and you guys would know much more than I do about the pros and cons of cleaning it to show the before and after.

Thanks Again Nick

Kace

 

[Holt0222]

What’s the coin. Can I see a picture.

 

[Kace]

What’s the coin. Can I see a picture.

This is it Holt

Kace

 

[Plumbata]

Yep I'd leave it alone, or at most use a soft cloth to gently buff the high points to create more contrast between the darker patina in the fields and design elements.

 

[bologna321]

Leave it as is, it's a beauty. Collectors love toning

 

[Holt0222]

Complete beauty

 

[cudamark]

It's probably just me, but, I don't see it as a coin anymore. To me, it's now jewelry or a token of some sort. If I owned it, I'd dip it to remove the tarnish.

 

[Dozer D]

Nice artistic looking coin, never saw it before.

 

[Kace]

Yep I'd leave it alone, or at most use a soft cloth to gently buff the high points to create more contrast between the darker patina in the fields and design elements.

That's a great idea Plumb!

I think I've decided that the memory of the thrill of finding it just like this is worth more to me than changing anything at all about it.

I'd never wear it as jewelry so I believe I'll just make it the center piece in a display case of Barbers.

I know it'll Never happen, but IF by chance I did find another one, I do like your idea of highlighting.

Thanks!

Kace

 

[Kace]

It's probably just me, but, I don't see it as a coin anymore. To me, it's now jewelry or a token of some sort. If I owned it, I'd dip it to remove the tarnish.

Nope, it's not just you Cuda...it's not currency anymore. The Repousse done on coins are typically valued by Numismatists
(I've learned those two words and the meanings since finding this..lol)

The value of them is determined purely by what someone who collects things like this wants to pay. Some are rare and are worth more based on the denomination of the coin used. Those are valued higher in that world depending on the quality of the finished piece.

The value to me is the thrill of finding it how and where I did. I think I'll leave it just as it is.

Thanks Cuda!

Kace

 

[A2coins]

leave it be and dont set it frer

 

[Kace]

leave it be and dont set it frer

I'm sorry A2...I got the 'leave it like it is' part you said...but I don't know what you mean after 'don't set it'

Thanks,
Kace

 

[Obsessive]

My guess is typo for "dont set it free".

And now that I think about it, you should punch a hole in the coin with a nail and put it in your keychain! Hah! Just kidding! I think centered in a display of barbers sounds awesome. Of course generally a display of found barbers is awesome enough, so that would make for bonus awesomeness. Lol.

 

[Kace]

My guess is typo for "dont set it free".

And now that I think about it, you should punch a hole in the coin with a nail and put it in your keychain! Hah! Just kidding! I think centered in a display of barbers sounds awesome. Of course generally a display of found barbers is awesome enough, so that would make for bonus awesomeness. Lol.

Thanks for the translation Ob!

I about gasped when I read 'Punch A Hole In It'!! lol!

Thanks...I think that will make a nice display of Barbers too. It won't fit in anything flat obviously.

Kace

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Cleaning coins is a major sin in the coin collecting world.

It's okay to clean it up with water and soap - patted dry. But NO solutions!

 

[Kace]

Cleaning coins is a major sin in the coin collecting world.

It's okay to clean it up with water and soap - patted dry. But NO solutions!

Thanks Deep! I just was wondering on this one since it is a Pop Out and not really a coin in the sense of currency any longer.

I'm leaving it as is...evidently unless someone is going to use these as jewelry, they should be left as found too. I wouldn't ever wear it as jewelry, so it's going to still look 106yrs young! lol!

Kace

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I'd leave it be.

From a collector's point of view that a purposely damaged coin and would be interesting as a sample - like the smushed coins from fairs and tourist stops and Hobo nickels. Yours has nice tones. Kills the value as a coin but they are collectable for what they are.