my two cents

[grunt0311]

Found a key date 1872 2cent but has a lot of corrosion and the green crust on the coin. Any help for this coin? Or is this a lost cause?
I have it soaking in olive oil hoping to loosen up the crust. Any other tips?

 

[grunt0311]

 

[sangamon]

for coppers, i just use soap & water and try a worn, soft scouring pad to get the crud off. i prefer a chocolate-brown or green patina to shiny bare metal.
if you use an acid-based cleaner (such as lemon juice or vinegar) you will strip it to bare metal and it will not look like it should.

i have read that some people soak a coin in hydrogen peroxide under a heat lamp, with good results.

electrolysis is another method that some people swear by. i haven't tried it.

if i were you [i'm not] i would be patient and try these methods on some common wheaties, before you accidentally ruin a good find.

good luck and let us know how you do!

 

[Larry (IL)]

The green crust, (patina) has become a part of the coin and if you try to remove it, it will deface the coin. I have read where some have been able to remove it and have a like new coin, (with photos) but I have not been able to duplicate it. Sangamon had several good ideas and they all work somewhat good, electrolysis working the best. Like Sangamon, I just scrub the coppers with a soft brush, soap and water and live with what you found in the condition that you found it in. With your 1872 being a key date and worth more than most 2 centers, I would not try anything more than light scrubbing with soap and water.

 

[John - Maryland]

For Coin Cleaning Advice, See: http://www.mycoincollecting.com/collecting/cleaning-coins.html

 

[grunt0311]

Thanks for the tips..going to try the electrolisis method.