1870 indianhead penny

[newbie01]

bought my 13 yr a bounty hunter for her bd.took her out to use it when i found that 1870 penny in a old church.how rare and valuable is it.thxs let me know. p.s. its in fair condition a little green.

 

[Hoosier]

In G-4 "Good", condition (All details worn but readable) an 1870 Indian Head cent is worth approx $55. In EF "extremely fine" (slight wear, details sharp) one would be worth approx $365. Now for the bad news. The green color you mention, while a desirable patina on some items, is a definite "no-no" on bronze coins and drops the value considerably. The green may be Verdigris (sp) which will eventually destroy all the details of the coins surface if left. A technique many coin collectors use is to dip the coin in 100% acetone then rinse with distilled water to try to get rid of the Verdigris and various other surface contaminants. Also do not clean the coin with any abrasive cleaners, tools or chemicals as that will also ruin any value the coin may have to a collector.

 

[newbie01]

thxs

 

[NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]

Hi Hoosier, I'm not familiar with the Acetone Dip Method!! Can you give some more details on this method, such as how long you dip it or leave it setting in the Acetone Container for a period of time? Is this method SAFE for both the COIN/PERSON? Do you need to WEAR ANY GLOVES for safety? Also, our you familiar with the Peroxide Method to clean dug coins, and if so, which is better/safer? Curious minds want to know!! MANY THANKS, Les Robinson

 

[Nancy-IL]

So true........DON'T CLEAN IT WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN SOAP AND WATER. Same as any silver coins. SOAP AND WATER!!!! Great find by the way!!!

 

[Hoosier]

[quote NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]Hi Hoosier, I'm not familiar with the Acetone Dip Method!! Can you give some more details on this method, such as how long you dip it or leave it setting in the Acetone Container for a period of time? Is this method SAFE for both the COIN/PERSON? Do you need to WEAR ANY GLOVES for safety? Also, our you familiar with the Peroxide Method to clean dug coins, and if so, which is better/safer? Curious minds want to know!! MANY THANKS, Les Robinson[/quote]

First off, you must use 100% pure acetone (avail at any hardware in paint section) and not the stuff used to remove fingernail polish. It has been found to be safe on almost any coin and is 100% more safe than the contaminants that you are trying to remove. This method has been used for years by numismatists to remove damaging debris without harming the coin. If a coin does indeed have green Verdigris and it is left on, the coin will be completely worthless ( to coin collectors) in a very short time as it will eventually eat the detail completely away. This acetone method is also used on coins that have been stored in containers that contain active PVC which will also destroy a coin quickly.

Short dips (30 sec - 1 min. at a time) until it comes off. Do not let the coin "soak" in the acetone. Yes, wear gloves, well ventilated area, and DON'T SMOKE! I would suggest that you don't do this with all dug coins but only the ones that you think may have Verdigris (Blue/Green color) contamination. It is just about the only method that has been found to help in most cases. Also Verdigris will spread from one coin to another so don't store one with any good coins until it is removed.

 

[Hoosier]

I went and checked in with some of my old coin people on this subject. I found out that I was HALF right. The Acetone dip is used to remove PVC contamination and a liquid called BIOX is used for removing Verdigris. Click here

 

[newbie01]

hoosier where or how can a person get those coin cleaning supplies.like to see what that penny lookes like not green.

 

[Hoosier]

[quote newbie01]hoosier where or how can a person get those coin cleaning supplies.like to see what that penny lookes like not green.[/quote]

http://www.dirtyoldcoins.com/shop/supplies/index.html