Coin cleaning sugestions

[Johncoho]

I dug what I believe is an IHP today and it is so crusty I can't make out the features or any date. What can be done to try to get some of the features and the date. Toothbrush and soap and water didn't do much good. Its in such bad shape I don't think it can be hurt by any cleaning method. Any ideas for cleaning the crud off? It is really green and the same diameter as a Lincoln, but the thickness is greater than a Lincoln.

 

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[Loco-Digger]

Electolysis, just don't do it too long. The 1st one I dug was so crusty I could hardly tell it was an IHP. it had up to 1/8" green crud on most of the coin. Or if you're not worried about it, you could use a copper brush. I've often toyed with the idea of using my 1800 psi power washer on future crusty coins.

 

[Red James Cash]

I dug what I believe is an IHP today and it is so crusty I can't make out the features or any date. What can be done to try to get some of the features and the date. Toothbrush and soap and water didn't do much good. Its in such bad shape I don't think it can be hurt by any cleaning method. Any ideas for cleaning the crud off? It is really green and the same diameter as a Lincoln, but the thickness is greater than a Lincoln.

Unfortunately the crud is probably whats holding it togetherI found one in a small park one time.it was hit with fertilizer so many times that after i hit it with electrolysis fragments of the IN started coming off.

 

[Johncoho]

I may give the brush a try and see what happens, then try electrolysis if the brush doesn't work. Thanks for the input.

Electolysis, just don't do it too long. The 1st one I dug was so crusty I could hardly tell it was an IHP. it had up to 1/8" green crud on most of the coin. Or if you're not worried about it, you could use a copper brush. I've often toyed with the idea of using my 1800 psi power washer on future crusty coins.

 

[kingskid1611]

I would pick it with a toothpick to try to date it and then maybe leave it as is.....

 

[angleofattack]

Maybe someone will chime in on this, there has been some talk of placing coins in some sort of oil for a period of time. I also saw someone soaking a rusty piece of metal in lemon juice, and it worked. What are some good techniqs for us newbies to use.

 

[P@tch]

My indianhead pennies I usually put a little hydrogen peroxide in a Styrofoam cupand microwave for about 30 seconds,then put penny in and let it soak about 15 minutes. Then rinse with water and a toothbrush. Repeat if necessary. Then apply a small amount of Vaseline. Makes them shine. Or soak them in olive oil a couple days. Both work good. Peroxide makes mine turn black. Olive oil doesn't. Hope this helps you.

 

[cw0909]

maybe this would work
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[Tom_in_CA]

Try todd lipe's advice. I also use ammonia for copper coins like wheaties and IH's. But you gotta be careful that you don't over-do it . It can leave the coin with a burnished brazen (ie.: shiny copper) appearance with too much ammonia soaks/wipes.

 

[Carolina Tom]

Try todd lipe's advice. I also use ammonia for copper coins like wheaties and IH's. But you gotta be careful that you don't over-do it . It can leave the coin with a burnished brazen (ie.: shiny copper) appearance with too much ammonia soaks/wipes.

Don't put Styrofoam in the microwave. Use a glass container! You can see the coin bubbling through the glass. If anything will clean the coin, that will do it. Best of luck, and show us the results when completed. Congrats on the IHC!

 

[mick56]

I run my coins through the tumbler.

 

[SusanMN]

There were some posts on these boards a few years back about using a potato. You cut a slice, stuff the penny in and leave it for a few weeks. Never tried it myself though.

 

[FCCDFEd]

I found an IHP almost in the same shape and followed the same instruction that Todd Lipe gave you it came out really good considering how bad it was. I did not use a styro foam cup.

 

[Johncoho]

I have tried peroxide, but didn't try heating it first. I will try that method. Thanks.

My indianhead pennies I usually put a little hydrogen peroxide in a Styrofoam cupand microwave for about 30 seconds,then put penny in and let it soak about 15 minutes. Then rinse with water and a toothbrush. Repeat if necessary. Then apply a small amount of Vaseline. Makes them shine. Or soak them in olive oil a couple days. Both work good. Peroxide makes mine turn black. Olive oil doesn't. Hope this helps you.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

I have tried peroxide, but didn't try heating it first. I will try that method. Thanks.

You put a few table-spoons full in a little glass petri dish. Bring it to a boil in the microwave oven (20 or 30 seconds). Remove petri dish from microwave, and drop coin in.

 

[cw0909]

i watched a vid for cleaning with ketchup, seems to work, see imgs
pennies from my patio
check how to
Super Secret Trick for Cleaning Brass and Copper
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPlbr94UO9Mo_LNsdf5f7w


b4


after

 

[Johncoho]

I do own a professional heavy duty ultrasonic cleaner for my clock cleaning and repairing needs. Never thought to try it. Next time I will give it a shot. Thanks for the idea.

maybe this would work
Amazon.com: Sonic Wave Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner - Cleans Jewelry, Optics, Eyeglass, CD's, DVD's and Other Delicate Items , Blitz Jewelry and Gem Cleaner: Electronics

 

[qaela4]

I tried the advice on here myself, the Hydrogen peroxide didn't get it clean enough after 5 or 6 tries so I set up my own electolysis and that did the trick. The key is to check it often. Personally I prefer the electrolysis for really bad IH's and wheats, I have been able to get dates off them all without killing the coin.

 

[Johncoho]

Could you give some specs on how to use electrolysis. Voltage and what solution

I tried the advice on here myself, the Hydrogen peroxide didn't get it clean enough after 5 or 6 tries so I set up my own electolysis and that did the trick. The key is to check it often. Personally I prefer the electrolysis for really bad IH's and wheats, I have been able to get dates off them all without killing the coin.

 

[qaela4]

I use an adapter from I no longer know what the heck it went to and just do this basic setup...Building and using homemade electrolysis

Works great for the smaller items...DON'T try anything big, for that you would need a larger setup. Just google: homemade electrolysis.