My first coin with my metal detector

[kwelliott14]

I started metal detecting this year. Finally found a coin. A 1940 something?? Wheat penny. Any tips on cleaning it up. It's really corroded.

 

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[Underwonder]

Hi...Congratulations on your first found coin! The last number looks like a 5 to me...not sure about the 4.

 

[DCMatt]

Lots of people like Andre's Pencils for cleaning relics. You can get them off Amazon. Less than $20 US.

Keep digging!

 

[Tony in SC]

No better way to start than a good ole "wheatie". Good sign that might be silver around.

 

[CRUSADER]

No better way to start than a good ole "wheatie". Good sign that might be silver around.

had the same thought.

 

[vpone]

welcome to the hobby, great feeling huh?

vp

 

[SD51]

Congrats on your first coin, frame that baby! There's plenty more out there and here's hoping your next coin is Silver!

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Terry Soloman]

I taped my first coin to my machine, and found silver two-days later - Congratulations!

 

[oldmxrat]

Congrats, keep 'em coming!

 

[Xraywolf]

Outside of a gentle tooth brushing with warm soapy water, really no way to "clean" a corroded coin.
Lets say it was a valuable coin and you aggressively try to clean it, you would actually make it less valuable with your attempt than if you just left it alone. Collectors can spot a "whizzed" coin from a mile away, and stay away from them like the plague.
Some people use electrolysis/ultrasonic methods for cleaning, and thats generally better than hacking away at it with a wire brush, but its still going to be obvious it was messed with, and still be shunned by anyone who might have been interested in it as a legit ground find.

You could try the "tater treatment", simply stick it in a potato for a few days then remove it and wipe it down, some of the gunk may be removed. Don't try it with nickels, will turn them a pumpkin orange. With coins that are hopelessly gunked I soak them in olive oil for months, this sometimes removes enough gunk so you can at least identify the type or perhaps read a date. I have some that have been soaking for months as we speak, some day I'll take them out and wipe them down and see if they improved.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Great Find!
Now, that's just the beginning to a fantastic (addictive) hobby...~!
Good Luck and Happy Hunting...!

 

[kwelliott14]

Thanks everybody. It really is addictive I went out late this afternoon and got my second coin and I think a ring.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I wouldn't clean any older coins as long as you can see a date they are clean enough. The only coins I would clean are modern clad and that would be so I could spend them.

 

[Florida Finder]

Keep it up. It’s a great hobby!

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

A Wheat Cent was your first coin and a 1899 Indian Cent was your second - your off to a great start - congrats !

Good Hunting !

 

[WannaDig3687]

Congratulations. You are starting off very well.

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

way to go!

 

[Centsless Detecting]

My first coin was a wheat penny also 1919. BUT it took me 3 years to get my first indian head. COINgrats!

 

[Trezurehunter]

Congrats on your first coin. Buckle in, because you are going to find a lot more of them over the years !