1802 one cent - first coin find

[BlazinGTO]

Found my first old coin today while detecting in my backyard. I've found some nice old colonial copper buttons in the yard but this in the first old coin. Any tips for cleaning it up? It looks pretty good condition overall... I'll get a pic in the morning.

 

[steelheadwill]

Looking forward to pix!

Be careful cleaning, the details on a lot of old coppers is often just in a surface layer

of dirt and corrosion, even the oft recommended and supposedly harmless peroxide may

wipe your coin clean.

Unless it's a key date, or exceptional condition, I think spraying off excess dirt and grit, drying, and a light polish with soft cloth highlights the detail and leaves a nice 'old' look.

but don't try this at home, consult an expert! HH to ya!

 

[BlazinGTO]

Yeah, looks like my cleaning has lost some detail on the coin.... Sorry but I won't have a pic online until later.

 

[oldsalty19]