cleaning coins

[keithinvestigations]

OK, I'm sure this topic has been covered a zillion times but I new and hopefully someone won't mind telling me. I found my first wheat penny today and it is really corroded over. How do I clean it other than soap, water and toothbrush? That didn't do very much. I did make out the date though 1917. Thanks.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[BIG61AL]

go to the forum for cleaning coins.....you can build your electrolysis cleaner from a few simple items, spoon, wire, small appliance transformer.

 

[cryptodave]

Shove it in a potato for 3~5 days. The starch will eat away gunk. Then use the soft toothbrush and soapy water. If still some gunk, let sit in olive oil for a week or so. Thats what I do.

 

[keithinvestigations]

I put it in some redwine vinegar which seems to be working well. I've read that it's not recommended because it may do damage but I don't think this penny is a huge bank breaker.

 

[Shortround]

You guys are making me hungry...

 

[Tabfry]

You guys are making me hungry...

LOL!

 

[Timberwolf]

Be carefull using vinegar to clean coins that contain copper.

I soaked some clad dimes in salt & vinegar once, and they turned into little sandwich-looking disks

The solution ate the copper on the edges of the coins. I probably soaked them too long, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Tom