need advice 1819 one cent.

[jbbj]

Hi found a 1819 one cent piece..trying to find out how to clean and preserve it...cant post pics bc I put it in a ball of dirt didn't want it to oxidize b4 I clean it up. Once I preserve it ill post pics.

 

[redcobra8u]

I'd take it to a coin dealer if it were mine. I'd be afraid to cause more damage.