Need some good advice

Truth · Jul 21, 2016

I found a 1872 rare New Orleans token made of copper. The token it bent like a taco shell. What is the proper way to flatten it out?

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Truth · Jul 22, 2016

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Subterranean · Jul 22, 2016

I place items between two thin pieces of wood. I place the "sandwich" in a vise and slowly crank it until flat! Best of luck, Sub 8-)

Truth · Jul 22, 2016

Subterranean said:
I place items between two thin pieces of wood. I place the "sandwich" in a vise and slowly crank it until flat! Best of luck, Sub

Guess I gotta buy a vice. Thank you

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Professor of Engineering · Jul 22, 2016

Nice find! Take great care when straightening the token use wood on both sides as "Subterranean" said and compress it slowly. The larger bend is almost at 90 degrees, may need a slight bend backward before using that method. GL & HH

kcm · Jul 22, 2016

You don't need an actual "vise" - a mid-size C-clamp will work fine.Just a little more awkward to use.

...Unless you wanna buy a vise to hold the C-clamp?!?!? :dontknow:

treblehunter · Jul 22, 2016

CAREFUL, IMO that might break it. If I were going to try and straighten it. I'd heat it up some first.
Good luck, easy does it, a little at a time and try to spread out the bend as to not stress in just one area, especially at first.

releventchair · Jul 22, 2016

Why flatten it? It is one of a kind now.
The rim area will remain uneven where bent unless damaged.
Anywhere your padded material touches it ,when pressure is applied can at least remove the patina ,if not worse.
Do pad any compression device used. While vice jaw caps can be used ,they are protective more on flat stock than curved.

Truth · Jul 22, 2016

treblehunter said:
CAREFUL, IMO that might break it. If I were going to try and straighten it. I'd heat it up some first.
Good luck, easy does it, a little at a time and try to spread out the bend as to not stress in just one area, especially at first.

That's what I'm afraid of. I do think a little heat would be necessary.

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Truth · Jul 22, 2016

releventchair said:
Why flatten it? It is one of a kind now.
The rim area will remain uneven where bent unless damaged.
Anywhere your padded material touches it ,when pressure is applied can at least remove the patina ,if not worse.
Do pad any compression device used. While vice jaw caps can be used ,they are protective more on flat stock than curved.

I don't know I would just like to see it in a case. And I do appreciate your advice

I also found this the other day the blue my mind and rock my world.

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