found a semi key Indian penny in the field today

[Goes4ever]

unfortunately it is in BAD shape.........real bad. It is a 1867, do you think there is any hope at all for cleaning it up at all??

found a 44D, and 37 wheat, shotgun shells, an interesting piece that says "Tatters" not sure what it is, it was folded and when I tried to unfold it ripped a bit, some other stuff, not as good as last week. Man I wish that IH was nicer shape, that is my first semi key coin found!

any suggestions for improving the looks of the 1867, I am open to ideas!

 

[Beale]

Congrats on those finds! I really like that IH even in the shape it is in! You could try an olive oil soak. That might work, Beale.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

A soak in hot peroxide will loosen some of the crud up but, it looks pretty far gone. I found an 1886 variety 2 a couple years ago and its in about the same conditon as yours.

Tom

 

[Digger]

I don't suggest cleaning the IH with anything. However, if you plan to keep it (as I do mine), you might consider soaking it in olive oil, as Beale suggested. Sometimes I will "work" at the spots of corrosion with a wooden toothpick while the coin is still wet. It's a methodical process. But doing that might remove some of the surface corrosion. But again, be careful. Using any substance to remove the natural patina could devalue the coin. Your 67 might be one of those coins you simply enjoy as it came from the ground. JMHO HH Randy

 

[Goes4ever]

I found out the long thing is the holder on the bottom of a musket loader for a ram rod, guys say they think it may be pre CW, and the "Tatters" is part of a suspender

 

[Steve(MS)]

Great find regardless of condition! Those are the kind that will really get you fired up to find more!
HH