First and weird find

[xterra king]

Hello,
I found my first barber dime. BUT, the funny thing is that when I dug it up it was dark, almost as dark as a penny. Not as dark, but close. I tried washing it with just soap and water, it did not help much. I tried peroxide, it helped a bit, but funny thing it had dark spots. When i rubbed it with the edge of my fingernail the "silver" seemed to scrap off leaving a dark mark. But it could be polished up. It looks like it is either plated or has been sprayed with silver spray paint.

I know many will not agree with the above procedures,but that is another topic

I have dug up several silver dimes rosie and mercs. This did not look like them when dug, or after cleaning.
Any info would be appreciated

 

[Old Longhair]

It may have been "silvered" with mercury at some point. Silver looks brighter and pennies look like they're silver when dipped in mercury. We did it all the time when we were kids. Back then people didn't have the same sort of phobia about mercury that they do now.

 

[xterra king]

Is there a way (or danger) to cleaning this off?

 

[hotrod53]

If it were mercury dipped, it will begin to turn yellow and it will feel slippery. I did that to a copper penny when I was a kid. Playing with Mercury was fun ... after the fact, it may explain a few things.

 

[Old Longhair]

Is there a way (or danger) to cleaning this off?

No danger.
I'd probably use a soft cloth like a terrycloth towel and keep moving to clean spots as you go 'til it's gone. You could even use a baking soda/water paste for a mild abrasive at first.

Playing with Mercury was fun ... after the fact, it may explain a few things.

Yeah? Well when my mother was pregnant with me, she slipped and fell on a stack of old 78rpm records and broke a bunch of 'em. It didn't have any effect on me effect on me effect on me effect on me effect on me .....

 

[michaelosully]

Mercury Records Good one Old Longhair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mercury record label has been around a long, long time.