The Lemon Juice Test on an Unidentifiable Find

[Quin]

Hey y'all,

A couple weeks ago, I found an old coin that I couldn't identify and I posted about it here. Someone told me to try lemon juice on the coin to reveal some details, so I gave it a shot. Check it out below, and let me know your thoughts! I'm sure there are better ways to clean coins, this was just the most convenient for me and it was a pretty low stakes coin in my opinion.

 

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[Iron Patch]

Always try hydrogen peroxide first... works far better as a cleaner and not hurting the coin. Lemon cleans but also destroys what's below so it doesn't usually work out. Lemon on brass on the other hand, especially gold gilt or silver plate works fantastic.

 

[SusanMN]

I thought I could see leaves around the edge of your penny. So Maybe a wheatie or an Indian head..

 

[Quin]

Always try hydrogen peroxide first... works far better as a cleaner and not hurting the coin. Lemon cleans but also destroys what's below so it doesn't usually work out. Lemon on brass on the other hand, especially gold gilt or silver plate works fantastic.

Just straight up H202 will do the trick? I might have to go invest in some household cleaning supplies if they really do work. I don't have any at the moment because I'm not really sure what the big deal is with this "house cleaning" or "cooking" thing that everyone is always doing

 

[Ahab8]

I have used lemon juice on old silver coins but it's a delicate dance. I love the dark toning so finding that sweet spot where the detail is good but the coin doesn't get too shiny is tough. As IP said the peroxide is my choice for the old coppers. On the coast here in Maine we often have a thick "coast crust" on coins. I have found a few Indian heads that were completely entombed in this crust. I accidentally left one in hp for about 3 days one time. An almost mint condition detail coin was hiding under there. I was blown away. So now I'm not afraid to leave a coin in the hp for days if it's really bad

 

[GarageSaleKing]

I have used lemon juice on old silver coins but it's a delicate dance. I love the dark toning so finding that sweet spot where the detail is good but the coin doesn't get too shiny is tough. As IP said the peroxide is my choice for the old coppers. On the coast here in Maine we often have a thick "coast crust" on coins. I have found a few Indian heads that were completely entombed in this crust. I accidentally left one in hp for about 3 days one time. An almost mint condition detail coin was hiding under there. I was blown away. So now I'm not afraid to leave a coin in the hp for days if it's really bad

Thanks for the information. Do you use undiluted hydrogen peroxide or do you dilute it with some water. Thanks