NEWBIE TRYING TO CLEAN OLD COPPER COIN..HEEELP!

[Raver]

I have this coin so full of iron pyrite on it. I tried water, rubbing it w/my nail....nothing works. It is totally obscured by the gunk. It may be a coin from the late 1800's. Should I do the "Vinegar/salt solution"? Any feedback/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[cudamark]

Can you post a photo of what both sides look like?

 

[Dozer D]

I use DAWN liquid in a small Rx bottle with hot water, let soak about two days, rinse well and paper napkin tap dry. Gets the slimy oil etc off the coin. Try it on some dirty pocket change.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

Welcome.
I've nearly blown up microwaves cleaning coins. I'm very inventive, (stupid).
A hot hydrogen peroxide bath is what your coin needs.
TNet members frankn and coinman123 and others, have previously posted step by step methods.
Also, view the "Cleaning + Preservation" forum.
GL
Peace ✌

 

[Chizzy]

Try this link for some advice from coinman123.........

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/general-discussion/440247-cleaning-your-finds-coins-relics.html

 

[AndrewCampbell]

For my own personal collection of antique silver, a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda always does the trick while being rubbed by aluminum foil. You could try to give it a shot as copper is also another type of metal so I reckon this technique could work just fine with it too.

 

[enamel7]

For my own personal collection of antique silver, a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda always does the trick while being rubbed by aluminum foil. You could try to give it a shot as copper is also another type of metal so I reckon this technique could work just fine with it too.

And ruin a potentially valuable coin?