Cleaning advise needed for this coin

[fwcrawford]

I found this mercury dime today under the front porch of an old cabin.
It is very tarnished and I was wondering what method might be used to restore it or at least get some of its shine back.
I have an electrolosys cleaner, but have not tried it yet.
Only have used soap and water.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Felix

 

[John - Maryland]

If it has any value, leave it alone and have a professional look at it. Otherwise electrolysis is good.

 

[fwcrawford]

n/t

 

[Golden]

I personally wouldn't use the electrolosis method, as the coin is very worn, and the process may pit it, or wear it away further. I think by looking at it, it's cleaned up as best as can be. I'd leave it and have it appraised by a dealer.
Golden

 

[Ross in SAV]

placing the coin in common toothpaste. It will bring tons of shine back.

 

[Erik]

Felix, Try some toothpaste and a toothbrush that you can dedicate for this type of cleaning purpose. I've cleaned up my silver dimes very nicely with toothpaste - I think they look much better shiny and I don't plan on selling them.

 

[Fabio]

And then if it's only bullion value, then polish it with a silver polish. It won't get ruined anyways since it's silver. Silver polish is okay, or else what would happen to all the stuff in your china cabinet?
Electrolysis will harm the coin, it's also especially harmful on coins that contain iron or zinc. You also have to wash the coin many times with soap and water to stop the reaction.

 

[pizzacoil]

I recently "zapped" an 1849 Half Dime, with absolutely no harm done to the coin. Silver stands up quite well to electrolysis. I use a 12 Volt transformer, salt and lemon juice solution. The final touch is Wright's Silver Polish, or toothpaste.

Copper is a whole different beast...

Good luck, and happy hunting!