First ever U.S. Large Cent! but in tough shape...

[TheLittleMan]

REVERSE

OBVERSE

I found this today, and I’m showing the reverse side first, because that’s where I can see the “RICA” at about 4:00-5:00 and hints at the wreath. The obverse has nothing to show.

It’s been holed, And there’s rust coming through. The corrosion is topical and rusty, so I wonder if you have any thoughts about how to get that crap off there so I can potentially see a bust outline or maybe even a date? It’s pretty useless as is, so I’m not afraid of damaging it by cleaning. Just very curious!

This is my first largie!! And you wouldn’t believe where I found it...in an Indiana park built in the 70s, but in an area where they had recently laid sod. Now I just need to find out from where they sourced their sod!

 

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[Erik in NJ]

Congrats on your first large cent! I still remember how excited I was to find mine. You could try bathing it in some hot peroxide first. If that doesn't work you could put it in some ketchup over night to try and cut through the crud, but don't expect miracles. Once you get the crud off, bathing it in hot peroxide will darken it if need be. Good luck.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

A big congrats on finding your first Large Cent !

A lot of people have had good luck by soaking an encrusted coin like yours in Olive Oil.
This is a very safe way to clean a copper coin but it usually takes a long time - up to a few months.
Just pull the coin out of the oil once every week or two and knock the loose crud off with a tooth pick and or toothbrush and put it back in.

Electrolysis will remove all of the crud in 15 to 30 minutes but if it has a lot of green patina (verdigris) on it - you can loose some or all of the detail on the coin.

Good Luck !

 

[Plazz58]

great find I didn't know there was larg cents...lol all I find is small ones ......most of them are real small as all the zinc has been disappearing ...lol
real nice find congrats

 

[Trezurehunter]

Congrats on your first Large Cent. I hope you can pull some detail off of it. If not, just enjoy it.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Congratulations on your first Large Cent!
I remember mine like it was yesterday.
It was toast as well but after a Hot Hydrogen Peroxide bath I was able to make out the type and date range at least.
Good Luck with the cleanup!

 

[Digger RJ]

Bucket Lister for Me!!! Congrats!!!

 

[bologna321]

Bucket Lister for Me!!! Congrats!!!

Same here, one day!

 

[Tencents]

Congratulations on the LC found my 1st one last week it was barely readable but I'm thrilled with it.

 

[Silvermonkey]

Big congratulations on your first LC. It's such a great feeling to see one at the bottom of your hole. Hope there are many more to come.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice 1st old copper find, congrats!

 

[JeffInMass]

Big Congrats for your first LC- a great feat, regardless of condition!

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Congratulations on that big copper. As for cleaning it............... I’ve ruined a few so never mind, listen to the other guys