kwelliott14
Jr. Member
I started metal detecting this year. Finally found a coin. A 1940 something?? Wheat penny. Any tips on cleaning it up. It's really corroded.
Upvote
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My first coin with my metal detector
- Thread starter kwelliott14
- Start date
Underwonder
Bronze Member
Hi...Congratulations on your first found coin! The last number looks like a 5 to me...not sure about the 4.
DCMatt
Gold Member
- Oct 12, 2006
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Lots of people like Andre's Pencils for cleaning relics. You can get them off Amazon. Less than $20 US.
Keep digging!
Keep digging!
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No better way to start than a good ole "wheatie". Good sign that might be silver around.
- May 28, 2010
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I taped my first coin to my machine, and found silver two-days later - Congratulations!
Xraywolf
Silver Member
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Outside of a gentle tooth brushing with warm soapy water, really no way to "clean" a corroded coin.
Lets say it was a valuable coin and you aggressively try to clean it, you would actually make it less valuable with your attempt than if you just left it alone. Collectors can spot a "whizzed" coin from a mile away, and stay away from them like the plague.
Some people use electrolysis/ultrasonic methods for cleaning, and thats generally better than hacking away at it with a wire brush, but its still going to be obvious it was messed with, and still be shunned by anyone who might have been interested in it as a legit ground find.
You could try the "tater treatment", simply stick it in a potato for a few days then remove it and wipe it down, some of the gunk may be removed. Don't try it with nickels, will turn them a pumpkin orange. With coins that are hopelessly gunked I soak them in olive oil for months, this sometimes removes enough gunk so you can at least identify the type or perhaps read a date. I have some that have been soaking for months as we speak, some day I'll take them out and wipe them down and see if they improved.
Lets say it was a valuable coin and you aggressively try to clean it, you would actually make it less valuable with your attempt than if you just left it alone. Collectors can spot a "whizzed" coin from a mile away, and stay away from them like the plague.
Some people use electrolysis/ultrasonic methods for cleaning, and thats generally better than hacking away at it with a wire brush, but its still going to be obvious it was messed with, and still be shunned by anyone who might have been interested in it as a legit ground find.
You could try the "tater treatment", simply stick it in a potato for a few days then remove it and wipe it down, some of the gunk may be removed. Don't try it with nickels, will turn them a pumpkin orange. With coins that are hopelessly gunked I soak them in olive oil for months, this sometimes removes enough gunk so you can at least identify the type or perhaps read a date. I have some that have been soaking for months as we speak, some day I'll take them out and wipe them down and see if they improved.
eyemustdigtreasure
Silver Member
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Great Find! 
Now, that's just the beginning to a fantastic (addictive) hobby...~!
Good Luck and Happy Hunting...!
Now, that's just the beginning to a fantastic (addictive) hobby...~!
Good Luck and Happy Hunting...!
OP
OP
kwelliott14
Jr. Member
- Thread starter
- #13
Thanks everybody. It really is addictive I went out late this afternoon and got my second coin and I think a ring. 
Back-of-the-boat
Gold Member
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I wouldn't clean any older coins as long as you can see a date they are clean enough. The only coins I would clean are modern clad and that would be so I could spend them.
Florida Finder
Bronze Member
Keep it up. It’s a great hobby!
- Feb 9, 2020
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A Wheat Cent was your first coin and a 1899 Indian Cent was your second - your off to a great start - congrats !
Good Hunting !
Good Hunting !
WannaDig3687
Gold Member
Congratulations. You are starting off very well.
- Dec 20, 2020
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way to go!
Centsless Detecting
Bronze Member
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My first coin was a wheat penny also 1919. BUT it took me 3 years to get my first indian head. COINgrats!
Trezurehunter
Gold Member
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Congrats on your first coin. Buckle in, because you are going to find a lot more of them over the years !
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