Noob finds - tesoro compadre

[EnigmaKing]

Third time detecting. First time at a historic site...pre-revolutionary war era on through civil war era.

Thin brass cartridge with a U, handmade chain (all links are different sizes, very mallable metal), a pull knob (brass I think but how do I tell?), and a coin.




I know the coin is trashed, but judging from the site history and how deep I found it, I would love to know what it might be. Given the condition, is it possible to clean this at all. It is a tiny bit larger (and I mean tiny) than a modern penny. Or maybe it is a modern penny?

Thanks

 

[mangum]

I've had the best success using NO water(water can ruin those sometimes). The last one I found I used a toothpick ONLY & it turned out great. Looked crusty when I dug it, the toothpicking brought out so much detail. I seal with beeswax (chapstick) and done. Congrats & HH!

 

[EnigmaKing]

results

Well, here is what came out. It is an 1883. Hard to see in pics, you kinda have to get the light just right. My guess is that it was not a very used coin as the details were not really worn/smooth...it's just that the coin was really corroded.

I learned that the toothpick on the really rusty spots was a bad thing...actually started to dig out the penny a bit. The peroxide seemed to dry the heck out of the coin and also seem to darken the coin quite a bit. I did 5-6 treatments.

Trying to learn here for next time. I very surprised that I could revive the coin to the point of being able to see everything if you get the light right. But I also feel like someone else might have been able to do better. What do you think?

 

[Twinkletoes]

Third time detecting. First time at a historic site...pre-revolutionary war era on through civil war era.

Thin brass cartridge with a U, handmade chain (all links are different sizes, very mallable metal), a pull knob (brass I think but how do I tell?), and a coin.

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=744147"/><img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=744148"/><img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=744149"/>

I know the coin is trashed, but judging from the site history and how deep I found it, I would love to know what it might be. Given the condition, is it possible to clean this at all. It is a tiny bit larger (and I mean tiny) than a modern penny. Or maybe it is a modern penny?

Thanks

I think it is an Indian Head penny. Let us know what you find out. I check out my finds under a 20 power microscope and sometimes just the right reflection off a wet coin will allow you to see some identifying mark beneath the corrosion. Nice Digs!

 

[mangum]

I've learned to have patience with this stuff and not wash anything in the field. I swear by the toothpick and no water on copper coins now, give it a shot next time. I would look up some posts by Buckleboy on cleaning buttons / coins. I've found that his methods work well. What you think is corrosion is probably just built up dirt... I wouldn't recommend olive oil. I've posted this before but this IH looked very toasty when it came out, I used no water and toothpicked it (takes a while) but I was pleasantly surprised with the results