How to clean wheat penny

[Fishermanjuice]

I found some nice wheaties metal detecting. One is a 1916 that I want to clean up a bit. What are some recommendations for cleaning it? Soapy water and a tooth brush?

Cheers,
Fishermanjuice

 

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[Pork King]

I've heard that sticking them in a potato overnight will clean them up good.

 

[granthansen]

There's a great forum on Tnet about cleaning coins. I recommend you read it, especially a post by BuckleBoy. That being said, I've had great success with soaking in mild soapy water then cleaning off crud with a toothpick. Then if it needs more heat up some peroxide in the microwave for about a minute and plop it in. You'll see it start to fizz like crazy. That's good. Wait till the peroxide cools, then rinse with water, then toothpick again. Then soak in mild soapy water again so it doesn't dry out. Repeat this process as necessary. If you see any greenness start to develop and you don't like it, you can make a paste of baking soda and water... then massage it into the penny and you'll see it come right off.

 

[Fishermanjuice]

I just used tap water an rinsed it. It is an emerald green color, which I think is kind of neat. Not gonna wash any further. I posted in today's finds thread. I got 5 wheaties and a Rosie today.