Preserving the green Indians and Wheats...

[CZconnoisseur]

I've been trying the olive oil trick for these older Indians and Wheats with the increased tin content (those that read "56-60" in 4 kHz), and before I was too aggressive in trying to get the corrosion off of the coin's surface. The trick is to remove everything except the patina, and keep the dark green appearance. If you scrub too deep, dark green turns to light green and then the damage has been done. Further scrubbing will reveal a light brown layer, which is getting close to the base metal. The patina is what holds the coin's original value - and there's a healthy online market for original dug copper coins with intact patina. Not selling these anytime soon, but it's good to know if hard times come again, these beauties could potentially help out...

I dug all three of these coins on Monday, and have been soaking them in olive oil, taking them out daily and scrubbing with a toothbrush. I had an 1881 and 1882 Indian that I probably scrubbed too deep, but may be able to recover partially - both of those coins had full "liberty" showing, I really hope I can bring those back somehow without further damage. Live and learn I guess - could take the 1920 D a little further but wanted to show its state of preservation - it barely has any wear!!!

Hope to pull more green goodies tomorrow night, now that I know how to care for them!

 

[Sleepyjim]

Hmm have you tried lime juice? Might be to acidic....

Jim

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Wow! Those look great! Nice work! Keep at it!

 

[John in Nawth Carolina]

Warm hydrogen peroxide works very well for pennies.

 

[triplehooked]

I've kept IH's in olive oil for up to six months with no ill effect. They look great. Didn't scrub them daily though, maybe once a month. I would like to know where the market is on dug coins though. I had a superb 1867 IH last year with just a slight amount of that beautiful deep green patina on it. Easily a $150 coin. All I could get was $50 out of it.... They all said 'too bad it was dug, I'd give you $100 for it if it were copper colored' lol.. personally, I think they look better green...

 

[goodmore]

The destiny of the coin was determined the day it was dropped. Dropped copper coins are nice to dig. They have a history to them. But the value will always be less.

 

[LandOLincoln]

I use my dremel with a soft brush attachment for copper. I switch over to the brass brush for nickels.

 

[TexanWest]

Nice coins, I know it was cost me a lot of time and effort (and digging zincs) but I think I will go hunt some Indian Heads this weekend. See what trouble you have started? Oh, I hate cleaning coins, you should start a side business, we can all send you are dug jars