Lady barber is my valentine

[Bell]

Found this sweet 1902s barber half today after work. The detail is actually prefect but it has that thick black coating on it that seems to happen when silver is in the hole with iron. Any suggests on how to get that off without hurting it? Peroxide does not work.......

 

[MNCoinhunter]

Very nice find !

 

[JJ]

Congrats, nice find. Many folks would probably leave it like it is. If you are dead set on cleaning it, I have used the following method (video, non battery) on silver with very good results. Note: I have never tried it on a 90% Ag coin though, let alone a barber half.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGCx9HZwYBo[/video]
If that doesn't work, very light electrolysis may also remove the black stain. The method above would be much more gentle though. Good luck on whatever you decide and nice find! JJ

 

[Aaron]

Congrats on the Barber Bell, thats a beautiful coin!

Thanks alot for the cool video JJ

 

[Ray-Mo.]

All methods that will remove that black crust will remove some of the detail as well in my experience.Other than maybe trying lemon juice I would leave as is.....
I had a seated dime with mint detail that was even blacker than your half and the chemical electrolysis ate most of the detail with the black crust

 

[Guvner]

n/t

 

[D&P-OR]

Neat find, congrats.----Halves don't show up all that often let alone a Barber half.

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[born2hunt]

Try a baking soda and water slurry. You may have to let it soak for a while but it won't damage the coin or the detail.

 

[dewcon4414]

Lemon juice of any very weak acid produce... like ketchup might work. Just be sure to dip it after in a baking soda and water dip to stop the acid process. Ive had pretty good success with a micro cloth, water, and Bar Keepers helper. Use light circles NOT stright lines when gently rubbing it. Its a little more gentle than baking soda and removes almost no detail. Im not certain that coin would be graded any differently with or without that crud. Its already scratched and lacks visual appeal having came out of the ground. Cleaning it at least makes it appealing to some one who would want it... collector or not.

Dew