1787 Massachusetts Large Cent Copper - New Pictures Cleaned In Peroxide

[bookfisher]

Got this 1787 Massachusetts One Cent Copper from the Old Woods today. I'm undecided if I should try to clean it or leave it as is. And if do clean it, should I just soak it for an hour in olive oil or boil it in hydrogen peroxide. Also found three 19th century flat buttons and a 1908 Indian Head penny.

After consulting with an expert on colonial coins last night, that cleaning the coin in peroxide would not really hurt the coin and that is value is under $100.00, I decided to give the peroxide a try. Final results are mixed - some details were brought out and some were taken away since the dirt that was highlighting some is areas is gone.
Thanks to everybody that responded

 

[cyeager]

Peroxide. Hmmm.... Not too bad.
Olive Oil just a little worse.
But I use both techniques on junk... Peroxide isn't good....
Your coin "REQUIRES" Micro adhesion removal and lite cleaning.
You need a steady hand. 20x or higher mag. I realize this sounds crazy.
"I'm afraid." Glue the 'dirt' surface with a micro hot glue tip, (1micron.) Hot pins work sorta ... try useing tooth picks in large dirt zones with the coldest glue possible (Store's carry two types and most guns are a bit too hot.), under magnification and sitting on a cold working mount. Leave pin in glue. Never allow pin or pick to touch coin. Remove pin straight UP. Some even use a resin that doesn't have much viscosity. Like putty. But will not leave any residue. You'll need a coin mount so as to not touch the coin while working. Dust off with light air or distilled water and a e-fine hair brush. Never work large area's. Never remove warm. Keep a very keen eye on masking.. Too clean next to sorta clean..
#1 P.S. O.K. guys... this is just one VERY RADICAL cleaning method. One out of at least ten common styles. Performed after a complete testing. And don't forget to have a comparison.
During down time.. Leave in distilled water. When finished dry with a dab of denatured alcohol and warm air....
Professional cleaning. Easy answer to I don't know without a physical look.

The Patina (ox'ed coin metal) IS important. Dirt isn't. Every part of the coin must remain regardless of disposition. Patina and sometimes dirt included.

Someone mentioned- All dug coins have decomposed... yup! The darn thing is holy and porous! (snicker) Oil will get in and keep on the process.... Now a completely different approach to cleaning....

It's up to you..... Mental grade first. Then spend the big bucks if you really wana.. psst... Over 500.00... I would. You don't have the aresenal of tools.
If you went out today to get what you'll need. 1000.00 would not be too hard to spend.