My son found a Indian head penny, help, how to clean it/electrolysis

[treblehunter]

I don't want to ruin this find, it is very hard to read the date, his eyes are better then mine and he says its a 1887.

HELP, I tried some electrolysis on some relics and it didn't seem to work as good as what I seen on this site (i used baking soda in the water, might have not been right thing for in the water)
I thought that electrolysis might work on the Indian head. What are your suggestions

 

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[christo000]

A good non abrasive technique is just plain Olivé oil drop in a cup leave it for a while, pending on what the find is I bought various types of tooth brushes, I use those & cue tips id try that most likley u got some in ur kitchen, some also use ketchup its natural acids clean Cooper very well to good luck,there are a millón ways of cleaning finds im sure more will spread there ways good luck

 

[Johnnoh]

I think you'll regret using electrolysis. There is really not much that can be done without destroying the patina - you will loose a lot of the details. I would try the oil soak (mineral oil), dry it off, and put it in a coin flip the way it is.

 

[team sidewinder]

A very nice find. Congratulation. IMHO. I would leave it alone. Don't try to make it look like a new penny because you may well ruin it.

 

[treblehunter]

A very nice find. Congratulation. IMHO. I would leave it alone. Don't try to make it look like a new penny because you may well ruin it.

I agree, I'm leaving it like it is. Thanks everyone!

 

[happycamper08]

Hot peroxide works well on copper.

 

[treblehunter]

Hot peroxide works well on copper.

How hot, how long?

 

[CoinandRelicMan]

hot peroxide will most likely trash that IH penny !

 

[Ima Swinger]

I agree with leaving it as is. HH

 

[detectorguy]

I put my Indian head penny in olive oil and Left it there for over a month. I took it out and cleaned it with a tooth brush and dish soap. Looks better now.