Question about earlier indian heads

[cryptodave]

My friend found an 1862 and I found an 1859 indian head penny. The pennies are thicker than normal pennies, and its almost like there is a outer coating on them, like its breaking away from the coin itself (chipping away around rim).
Both pennies were in good shape (liberty clearly visable), but while being lightly scrubbed with soft toothbrushes in warm water began to lose their details.

Is it because the combination of metals this pennies were made of? How do you guys clean your early indian heads/

Thanks for your replies!

 

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[MD Dog]

I hear soaking in bleach for a little while but unsure of time.

 

[KenPa]

I believe until 1864 they were thicker and called copper nicks and I believe people call them fatties. I soak them in Olive oil

 

[cryptodave]

I believe until 1864 they were thicker and called copper nicks and I believe people call them fatties. I soak them in Olive oil

Thanks for the reply Ken. I soak them in oil too, but I have never seen one have the detail just rub off with a light brushing before putting it in oil. I'm serious when I say that all detail was there, like it was dropped new. Then after the water and toothbrush the head is barely visable and the back is a total waste.

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

C,

ditto olive oil, like Ken Pa said.

Perhaps a light workover with a soft toothbrush;
I like them with just a bit of green on them

have a good un.............................

 

[jeff of pa]

It's Never a Good idea to Clean Early Indians.

alot of times the only reason for the detail is the Contrast
in color from the Dirt & tarnish.

Letting it sit a few years in the air will bring back some detail,
But it's a Long time to wait.

 

[cryptodave]

It's Never a Good idea to Clean Early Indians.

alot of times the only reason for the detail is the Contrast
in color from the Dirt & tarnish.

Letting it sit a few years in the air will bring back some detail,
But it's a Long time to wait.

learn something new everyday I suppose.
Never found an early indian head before, then my buddy pulled that 62. the very next day I pulled the 59.
I just went to clean it like I do all my other coins and about crapped myself when it started fading out. I soaked it in oil for a day and the details are somewhat better. I'll try letting it sit out for a while now.

Thanks for everyones replies!

 

[jeff of pa]

Alot swear By Olive oil.

I never use it, So.. I can't comment on that.

Forgot to say Congrats on the Cool Find though