how can i clean this Indain Head penny?

[whitesid]

i already used tooth brush with soap and water to clean off the easy dirt. then used peroxide to clean off all of the other dirt. now all i am left is this kind of mineral deposit. how can i clean this off with out hurting the coin?
i cleaned it enough to see that its a 1909 now i want to clean it to see if it has the S mint mark.

 

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[Michigan Badger]

Nice coin. I've found many like it since 1968 (in this condition--not date).

I've tried all the cleaning methods for these and here's my personal favorite.

Use a rock tumbler filled 1/3 full with aquarum gravel (uncolored) and just cover the gravel with water. Place coin in tumbler and rotate for about 10 minutes and check.

Repeat to liking.

Dry with hair blower set on HOT (ready when water frys on coin).

Coat with Renaissance Wax or Bees Wax.

Lightly buff wax when dry.

Don't over clean IH's. Don't use electrolysis and NEVER POLISH THEM!

Leave a nice patina on the coin.

Here's a picture of some rock tumbler cleaned coins I dug last summer. Note that they aren't made to look shiny new (collectors hate that). Their colors are all by mother nature--not man. 8)

Badger

 

[limitedthoughts]

Nice clean coins.. I like it.

LT

 

[whitesid]

nice method. thanks

 

[PBK]

I agree with Badger about avoiding electrolysis. Chances are that at least some of that encrustation is actually deep oxidation, i.e., corrosion. Electrolysis can get rid of it... but wherever there's a bump now, a pit will be left in its place.

 

[txkickergirl]

You said you used peroxide try placing the peroxide in a plastic bowl heat in microwave 15-20 seconds until you see it boiling, immediately drop the penny in and it will fizz and continue to fizz for about 3min. Rinse it with water, and if not satisfied repeat above by heating peroxide again.

 

[minton7]

my personal opinion is that there is no way to tell what the mintmark, if any, is...... that junk on there, if it does come off will leaving severe pitting..... which means that you wont be left with detail but holes....

 

[BuckleBoy]

I agree with Badger about avoiding electrolysis. Chances are that at least some of that encrustation is actually deep oxidation, i.e., corrosion. Electrolysis can get rid of it... but wherever there's a bump now, a pit will be left in its place.

I agree. And I don't know how the tumbler will do--but at least you'll be able to ID the coin by mintmark--or lack thereof.

I haven't had good luck with peroxide on coins that crusty--but you could try that method first...I've usually had to chip the encrustation off during the peroxide process--and I've had mixed results. With chipping comes the possibility of accidentally scratching the coin.

Big thing with the tumbler method is to check it FREQENTLY.


Best Wishes,



Buckleboy