I used Electrolysis on the Capped Bust Half Dime...

[EladSwerdna]

I used electrolysis on it today.

7.5 volts in a salt/lemon juice/distilled water mix for 30 seconds. The black stuff came off.... like magic.

It was my first time using electrolysis and it was quite interesting. Some areas of the coin's surface that were underneath the encrustation are pitted (or maybe melted?), but she's still a beauty to behold. (in my eyes at least)

Also, I am pretty sure the date is 1837.

 

[CBAILEY IN GA]

really nice coin, congratulations, Craig

 

[EladSwerdna]

really nice coin, congratulations, Craig

Thanks! It's going to be a while before I can top this find.

 

[NebTrac]

Wow! Sure is a difference! Thanks for the pictures.

NebTrac

 

[Goes4ever]

Awesome, much nicer!

 

[John (Ma)]

That came out very nice

 

[Idaho PRB]

Looks Good!
FYI If you want a milder electrolyte, try Baking Soda instead of Salt and Lemon Juice.

 

[utahshovelhead]

looks like your sprotin a few sweet coins with that one as well .... nice collection.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Nice coin !

Electrolysis is the only way to go - the process will only attack the foreign matter on the object first - but you must be careful - if forgotten and left in to long it will start to eat up the piece itself.
It's a much less abrasive and a safer way to clean dug finds instead of using cleaners - like salt & vinegar, etc.
From what I've seen so far - it's hands down - the best way to clean very corroded silver , old copper coins, tokens and jewelry.
But ... I still clean my Nickels and Clad coins in salt and vinegar - (even when using distilled water) - any copper core coins seem to turn orange when clean with electrolysis.
For cleaning slightly stained silver coins - rubbing a little wet baking soda on them with your fingers - really cleans them up nice - got that tip from someone in this forum.

HH --- Mark