Penny oxidation

[Dropkickweasel]

A few pennies I've found, such as this one, have what appear to be large blisters on the side where the face is. Is this a mineral deposit that can be removed, or has the copper in the pennies somehow bubbled up and destroyed the image? Just want to know if I can clean these lumps off and if so, how? Thanks!

 

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[Back-of-the-boat]

I cant make out the year is that a newer coin or older.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I don't think that's oxidation. I think that is the acids and nitrogen in the soil dissolving the surface.

Any cent minted after 1982 is self destructive in moist soil with any nitrate fertilizers or natural acids around.

Although you appears to have an "18xx" date. But that, again, could be copper and acids reaction.

 

[Dropkickweasel]

It's hard to tell from the picture, but it's from 1868. It was under a farm field since who knows when so I'm sure it's been exposed to all kinds of fertilizer.

 

[A2coins]

Fertilizer yep

 

[Hillbilly Prince]

I don't think that's oxidation. I think that is the acids and nitrogen in the soil dissolving the surface.

Any cent minted after 1982 is self destructive in moist soil with any nitrate fertilizers or natural acids around.

Although you appears to have an "18xx" date. But that, again, could be copper and acids reaction.

I have been wondering about that. Found a lot of newer pennies in the backyard and they are toast. The quarters and dimes are better.

 

[xr7ator]

Post 1982 pennies are zinc with copper plating. they don't last long in the ground.

On the IHP, removing the crust will just show you a pitted surface. The crust used to be part of the penny. Once removed, it will be just as ugly, usually.

 

[smokeythecat]

It's toast. Lately I've been leaving the horrible ones at the car vacuum as some elderly folks go there and get them. I also leave bigger change. They just won't clean up.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

It's toast. Lately I've been leaving the horrible ones at the car vacuum as some elderly folks go there and get them. I also leave bigger change. They just won't clean up.

Your the one who keeps leaving me pennies at the car vacuum

 

[smokeythecat]

Not in California, but I was there exploring ice hockey and the San Andreas fault last weekend.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Looks like an IH cent from 18??. The ones I find in farm fields are usually toast, but ones found near a home without chemicals or fertilizer are usually in better shape.

Good Luck in your next hunt!

 

[Dropkickweasel]

Damn. I kind of figured there'd be no cleaning it up. I'm just grateful that I was able to see the date still. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[mrwilburino]

That's how my indians and older wheats usually look. About a year in olive oil helps get some of the crud off.

 

[against the wind]

Very little you can do to save a copper coin that has been exposed to fertilizer for 100 years.