1820 Large Cent. Oldest coin dug to date. Need some cleaning tips.

[khamsley]

I was hunting a fairly new park yesterday, digging the usual clad. On the way back to the truck, I got a strong 80-82 on the Fisher F2. I dug down 3-4 inches and pulled out this crusted 1820 large cent. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. It took me a minute to realize what I had dug. I soaked it in warm peroxide but that does not seem to be helping. Has anyone tried electrolysis on old copper? Any cleaning tips would be appreciated.

 

[nsdq]

soak in warm water and use a nylon brush

 

[poptop121]

dont clean it leave it as is...great find

 

[Vonclemen29]

Olive oil. It'll even bring out more detail. Congrats! My oldest is a 1832 large cent

 

[Subterranean]

Electrolysis will pit the copper, so the mild suggestions above will be your best bet. Congrats on a find most of us will only dream about! Sub

 

[Evolution]

Congrats on the large copper. Looks pretty corroded. Don't do too much to it or it may fall apart.