Found my first IH over the weekend!

[Matt_SC]

I found a 1903 IH penny on Saturday, my first! I was hunting a ballfield and didn't expect to find anything other than clad or maybe some jewelry. I only had about an hour to hunt and only found $.37 but the Indian Head made it time well spent. It was found by my Eldorado with a 7" Shadow X2 coil in the 3"-4" deep range.

I would post a pic, but it looks kinda rough. I tried to clean it up with a nylon brush but it didn't help much. Can anyone offer advice on a good way to clean old coins without damaging them?

Thanks!

 

[big-ears]

Take a small amount of peroxide in a plastic cup and microwave till its hot, drop in your IH. It will boil a lot of the crap off. Repeat as needed.

 

[OhioMike]

Congrats on the Indian Head. Finding an old one really gives you a rush, especially when not expecting it.
Mike

 

[tabman]

Way to go!

I just found my first wheat penny. It was also with a Eldorado.

tabman

 

[GunnarMN]

congradulations on that Indian penny, thats a good find in my book and shows that old coins are in thear.

 

[BarberBill]

I sure got a charge out my first IH and still do for that matter. You should do well with the Eldorado. I intend to keep mine in my arsenal.
BB

 

[mudpuppy]

I've never found one yet! Congrats on a great trophy!
Mud

 

[phinbolt]

Congrats I found my first last year a 1900 that had been shot with a .22 this year I found 4 the oldest was a 1869 all with the DeLeon it is such a kick to find them once again good job!

 

[fwcrawford]

Hey Matt,
Congradulations on your first IH find!!
Hope you get many more.
I use peroxide to clean the IH cents I find and if they are not corroded, they turn out very nice compared to what they look like when you first find them.
Heat the peroxide in a small plastic or glass container in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then drop the coin in it and remove every 3 to 5 minutes to brush under water until it seems like all the crud has been removed.
I have had some that you could not even tell what it was, and then used the method above and was surprised how good they looked after cleaning.
If the coin is badly corroded from fertilizer or other chemicals, then they will not turn out very good and all the detail has been removed by the corrosion.
If the coin has a green patina on it, generally using peroxide on it will improve the appearance of the coin.
Good luck and happy hunting,
Felix

 

[Matt_SC]

Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement! I tried the peroxide and it did clean it up somewhat, but I'm afraid corrosion has taken it's toll on this one. I can't wait till I find the next one!