Cleaning coroded silver coin. Before and after.

[jimmyk]

Hi, all:

Yesterday I posted a pic of a very corroded 1853O dime I found. It was so corroded I thought it was a copper coin. Even after hitting it hard with soap and water. Picture one and two show the dime. I soaked it overnight in a cup of lemon juice with a tablespoon of salt. After 24 hours, I hit it with a toothbrush and all the corrosion came off. I then polished it like I do all my silver coins with Cream of Tartar. I't not a liquid, but a powder used in cooking. The coin isn't in the greatest shape, but it is corrosion free. Thought you mihgt like to have that tip in case you get a heavily corrodded silver coin.

keep on diggin'

jimmyk in MIssouri

 

[aubs]

I have been advised never to clean coins because it reduces its value, I do like to have clean coins but I dont want to **De-Value** them either.

 

[jimmyk]

On key dates I think that is wise, but for a coin that is obviously not, and is very corroded, whcih would you rather have in your collection? As they say at the carnivals, "you pays your money and you takes your chances".

jimmyk in Missouri

 

[go-rebels]

On key dates I think that is wise, but for a coin that is obviously not, and is very corroded, whcih would you rather have in your collection? As they say at the carnivals, "you pays your money and you takes your chances".

jimmyk in Missouri

I agree, adding that for severely corroded "key date" coins, like what is mostly pulled from the ground, cleaning those coins is still an improvement. An original, ugly, corroded key-date coin will bring no greater money versus a cleaned, not-so ugly key-date coin.