Found an old Presidential token

[baspinall]

Went to an old area today and come out with slim pickens. A 49 wheat and a Presidential Token. I'm happy.

Pretty sure it's a "The Hero of Tippecanoe" 1840 William Harrison token. This token is listed as white metal. How would I go about cleaning this? Don't think peroxide would do it any good.


Brian

 

[Iron Patch]

Your's looks more like copper or brass so you should research a little more.

Have you done anything to it other than just water?

 

[baspinall]

IP - I have only brushed it lightly with water. The example I put up is the only one I can find with " The Hero of Tippecanoe" on it? There are quite a few others. The bottom of the bust line looks to be different as well? Also there is a what I call "pie crust" design around the outer edge. I think your right this is a different variety.

 

[Iron Patch]

IP - I have only brushed it lightly with water. The example I put up is the only one I can find with " The Hero of Tippecanoe" on it? There are quite a few others. The bottom of the bust line looks to be different as well? Also there is a what I call "pie crust" design around the outer edge. I think your right this is a different variety.

It's really looking like the hard crud corrosion you got on there but I would still try hydrogen peroxide. Let the coin dry out good, then pop it in, and brush a bit every 10 minutes or so to help it along. I didn't think the HP would do much for tough condition like this, but I proved that theory wrong with a French copper a while back. It took me about 5 soaks, and almost all of the crud came off, with the only negative being the coin went from orange-brown to dark.... a trade off I had no problem with to have it clean. Your medal/token probably won't see much of a color change from where it is now so you might be able to clean most of the green and still having it looking much the same. The HP being such a slow process makes it safe because you can stop at anytime.

 

[baspinall]

I'll give it a shot what the heck. If it's a dramatic change I'll post it up.

 

[Iron Patch]

I'll give it a shot what the heck. If it's a dramatic change I'll post it up.

Like I said give it a few tries and compare to your pictures. If I had a cruddy coin, token, etc. that I really liked I would hp it right until it was clean. If for some reason the hp does nothing after many soaks there is other ways, but are more harsh, and pose greater risk.