Old copper coin. Need cleaning advice!

[rebbel31]

Dug this 1792 French Louis Xvi copper in a field in Bavaria. I've read a bunch and seen videos on how to clean copper. The videos are all over the place and most contradict each other. My main goal is to bring out as much detail as possible. I'm not really interested in numismatic value. So what's the best way to clean her up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Eastcoasthunter21]

Nice digs , a soft brush maybe very light toothpick
Work but I’d say that’s all it looks solid enough it’s clearly identifiable
Why chance ruining it ? IMO
Hh gl

 

[rebbel31]

Just looks cruddy in its current state.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice find!

No water, lightly brush with toothbrush and use a toothpick to loosen larger dirt areas.

 

[Rookster]

A little 0000 steel wool. Wipe very lightly. A toothpick is a good start but won't get it all if that's what you want. Andre pins have the same grit as 0000.

 

[Patriot Relics]

I'm a bug fan of cold peroxide and q-tips... Just rub the surface and slowly remove the corrosion. May slightly darken the patina

 

[nagant]

Bugs are for cleaning bones I'd soak it in water overnight then any of the above.

 

[Patriot Relics]

Reread that lol *big fan!

 

[Ahab8]

I also prefer the cold peroxide method. Much more gentle than warm peroxide and will remove the stubborn stuff. I have used it on some Indian heads that head a very thick “coast crust” which is like concrete. I’ve left them in for weeks depending how thick it was. Good luck

 

[rebbel31]

I'm going to try the peroxide method. I will post the results. Thx for the advice.

 

[huntsman53]

I would recommend a very light wash in water, pat dry, then soak in Mineral Oil for a week or more to loosen as much dirt and encrustation as possible. After a week, remove the coin keeping Mineral Oil on it and pick the dirt and encrustation away with a green Rose Thorn, occasionally dipping the coin back into the Mineral Oil to wash away loosened dirt and encrustation and to aid in removing more. Once you are satisfied that the coin is a good as it will ever be without professional help, then rinse the coin in water, pat dry with a soft towel or cloth, then place it in a protective holder (2x2 or plastic). Make sure that you don't wash the coin in soap to remove any remaining Mineral Oil because the Mineral Oil with protect and stabilize the Copper from further degradation. I have found that Peroxide will often remove the patina from Copper coins and leave them with a stripped pink Copper appearance, especially if left to long in the Peroxide or when doing warm Peroxide baths.