Cleaning Pennies

[silverblooded]

Okay, it's probably been beaten to death but I'm gonna ask anyways. I already did a search and all I found was how to clean silver (Acetone works the best IMHO) coins.

I dug up a 1906 Indianhead penny with (what it seems like) a mountian of green crud (calcification???lepracy?what do you call it?)on it. How do I get this off without damaging the penny. FWIW it was only 1/2" below the surface, I almost fell over when I saw what it was....so close to the surface.

Thanks.
Silver

[XLT_user]

silverblooded if ya find out post it please

[Dave44]

Olive oil I say, takes a long time and isnt perfect,, if it is not worth anything but to you, electrolysis, but that sometimes helps to erase some of the features, if its worth anything(you think) have a pro do it. I electrocuted a flying eagle and a 1773 Va half penny, wish I hadnt

[l38ranger]

I'm not sure about a indianpenny but boobie is right, i got some silver and crome polish and it worked good on my merc...with a soft toothbrush...that sucker looks like new... good luck..

[DiggerJohnPA]

I found a method of cleaning pennies and nickels that has worked wonders for me. This doesn't do much for silver but is great on copper and nickel.
I put the coin (one at a time) in a small dish and fill it with peroxide. Put the dish in the microwave for about 30 Seconds until the peroxide is good and warm and begins to bubble and fizz. Let the coin sit in the fizzy peroxide for a few minutes.... or longer (maybe even a half hour). You can re-heat it as many times as you want to keep the peroxide hot.
When you're done with that, use a soft bristle tooth brush to get the loosened dirt off.
Lastly... you have to get yourself a bottle of "Blue Ribbon Professional Coin Cleaner and Preservative". It is available from any coin dealer for about $8.00. It comes in a small glass bottle and is an oily substance with a funky smell.
Once you have cleaned your coin with the hot peroxide method, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) to wipe on some "Blue Ribbon". Don't be afraid to use alot. This stuff gets some of the extra dirt and tarnish off and leaves the surface nice and natural looking, as well as leaving a protective lubricant on the surface that can be wiped off later. It cleans coins but is not harsh or abrasive in any way.
Let me know if you guys try it and let me know what your results are.