How should I clean heavily crusted copper? Found a nice injun this weekend but its all "patina" and no copper so I got to wondering....

[Bell]

How long should I leave it in a olive oil bath? How long for a peroxide bath? Whats better? What other methods are out there? What are you fellas best practices and recomendations?

 

[DirtFlipper]

See:

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?19,1238056,1239409#msg-1239409

(several of my posts show cleaned coppers using this method; will have another one tomorrow with Indians in it).

 

[dewcon4414]

Olive oil works but can take a very long time and kind of darkens the coins. Anything that has an active reaction also needs to be rinsed in bakeing soda water to stop the process. Once you remove the pantina there will be pitting. Are you doing the coins for you or thinking of resale? Dont expect to get anything close to red book on these coins. I always start with a micro cloth soap and water. They get into the cracks pretty well. I like COIN CARE its a pretty good product that cleans and adds a protective coating. Fatty IHs will take a little more punishment, but after 1865 its difficult to clean those IHs. I also use BAR KEEPER.... it looks like baking soda, but dissolves with water. You can kind of control how much you take off with it as you rub with that micro cloth dipped in water. There are a lot of methods out there, katchup, potatoes, olive oil, tumblers (not to bad with walnut shells), electrolysis, soap and water, vinegar, copper wire brush, ammonia, or just about anything that is active acidity. BUT.... its tuff to not leave IHs looking dry and crusty. Light coat of 3 in 1 oil may help. But these coins arent going to be collectable..... can you still sell them? Like anything you just have to find the right person and lower your expectations of price.

Dew

 

[amc rulz]

I stopped using the hot peroxide method on the nice IH's, it just darkens them too much for my liking.

amc

 

[Cladiator (OR)]

Thanks for posting the great tips. It is most appreciated!