Cleaning coins

[Dinkleman]

I recently found a nice indian head penny however the date isn't that clear. Looks like 1901or maybe 1881. Either way I'd like to know. I figured the people here would be the best to ask on coin cleaning methods that will be least likely to damage the coin

 

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[port ewen ace]

photo would help, but--with coppers 1st try hand soap & toothbrush, then step up to warm peroxide bath for a few hours. if coin is black then a quick electrolysis for a half hour then a GENTLE few seconds rub with worn #800 grit wet sandpaper under water to remove the iron film that gets added in the process. end result will be just a light patina but details should be revealed. cleaning coppers--unlike silver-- will mostly add not remove value. here is end result of a totally corroded 1787 Jersey Nova Caesarea after cleaning. a lump of black & green that sold for $15

 

[cudamark]

Yup, let's see a nice close-up photo before giving advice.

 

[Dinkleman]

my tablets camera isn't the greatest

 

[cudamark]

I agree, it's not much help.