Im pretty sure i ruined an 1813 large cent

[borntohunt460]

Sorry that I don't have any before pictures but here it is. I hunted a spot that's been producing some awesome coins and after all afternoon this was my last hole. I nicked the back of the coin with my shovel but I wasn't really that tore up about it. When I got home and rinsed it off I saw that it was an 1813 and my oldest coin ever. I figured that since I already screwed it up with my shovel id give peroxide a chance. In hindsight I wouldn't have done it. The LC seemed like a good candidate and there didn't seem to be corrosion. But it's so dark now and on the back it looks like the "N" in one came off. Not sure but it's a orange color and not raised

Oh well. I'm pretty bummed and will take all cleaning advice with a grain of salt from now on

 

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[ironhorse]

I never clean my older coins with any thing but water. It works if you freeze the coin in water then thaw it out repeat it a few times. I did it with a 1901 penny worked good. But I know vinegar and salt works,I only clean coins I'm going to cash in. I feel your pain I hit a larg international harvester token from the 30s

salt and vinegar are for French fries and olive oil is for salad
Every coin I ever dug has been frozen in the ground at some point, can't see where that cures corrosion ,mine are still in bad shape

You get what you get, and that's what you get

 

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[kuger]

As said you didnt ruin it.I did ruin my first large cent with water though.Unless you know your soil/patina,do not ever put water on copper

 

[Kaleb71386]

It's just to remove dirt with out damaging the coin. You should never clean a coin of value any way. If you really want to polish the coin put it in a electrolysis and buff it out with a rotary tool with a cotton head and polish. Did it to a wheat penny just for fun wish I could post a picture on my phone

 

[PeteWmass]

spray vigorously with cooking oil spray - repeat - wipe off

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

From my experience peroxide or oils are not the best.... I let the coin dry out and lightly brush it with a soft bristle brush. I try to avoid adding any additional chemicals, minerals or liquids like even water or hard water. This tends to change the coins colors and you generally loose that nice antique patina...

Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[grasshopper]

From my experience peroxide or oils are not the best.... I let the coin dry out and lightly brush it with a soft bristle brush. I try to avoid adding any additional chemicals, minerals or liquids like even water or hard water. This tends to change the coins colors and you generally loose that nice antique patina... Keep @ it and HH !!

Very much agreed.