Old Penny Revival

[Millz90]

So i found an old penny that was in horrible condition, bad enough that i couldn’t read the date.

So i soaked the penny in vinegar and it cleaned it up so i can read the date now but the penny is like a dull brass color....is there anything i should or can do to preserve the penny or make it a little better colored?

 

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[enamel7]

That's why you don't clean a coin, especially with vinegar. The acid stripped off the top layer of copper.

 

[Millz90]

Cool figured that one out on my own lol

Now for the real question, is there a way to stop the bleeding?

 

[lastleg]

Sent you a PM. Vinegar is acidic and changes the color. No coin deserves that.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Rub a little evoo on it. It will look better, but will not add value.

 

[Millz90]

I'm not worried about value. You can get a 1884 on eBay that looks brand new for $3 lol. Just wondering how to make it look a little better and stop it from corroding

 

[cudamark]

Sent you a PM. Vinegar is acidic and changes the color. No coin deserves that.

If you can't even read the date, what difference does it make?

 

[cudamark]

I'm not worried about value. You can get a 1884 on eBay that looks brand new for $3 lol. Just wondering how to make it look a little better and stop it from corroding

Coin Care or olive oil.

 

[Millz90]

Coin Care or olive oil.

Yeah it wasn't worth more than a $1 anyway. Not saying i should have fried it in vinegar......[emoji108]but I see the date now. Lol

Anyway I'll try to olive oil something I have around.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Live and Learn, my friend.
Good Find tho, but it should have been cleaned,
AFTER researching-up the (proper) way to do it. (here, on TNet)
Best thing to do now, is rub it with fingers good, it'll highlight
the high points of each side, making a bit easier to see.
Also, any old coin needs a lot of attention, and time taken to do it.
Just experience.
Happy Hunting, and Good Luck!

 

[Rawhide]

Ouch, I only clean modern clad. But have seen olive oil used. My tumbler and dish soap does a great job. But old copper coins, no wouldn't do a thing.

 

[Millz90]

Yup lesson learned.

Thanks for the info. I'll do a little more research before I attempt to clean another coin lol

 

[huntsman53]

Bury it in your' yard and in a hundred years, it will likely look like it did before you found it!


Frank