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Cleaning copper

xphobexphobe Posts: 605
in U.S. Coin Forum
Given an old worn copper coin of little value, what is the best way to remove the oxidation so that it is bright red once again?

Comments

  • morgannut2morgannut2 Posts: 4,293 ✭
    I found out too late 20 hours in vinegar (acetic acid) will sure do it!
    morgannut2
  • CoindexterCoindexter Posts: 1,074
    The potato trick is good for removing vertigris and dirt, but it won't make it red again. Just stuff it in a raw potato.
  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,544 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I've done an acetone dip followed by olive oil a few times with mixed results.

    Leo
    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭
    Grinding wheel. Gets rid of the oxidation and I guarantee you the copper you have left will be red.
  • pontiacinfpontiacinf Posts: 8,915 ✭✭


    << <i>Grinding wheel. Gets rid of the oxidation and I guarantee you the copper you have left will be red. >>



    this is the best answer IMHO image
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
  • Steve27Steve27 Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭
    Grinding wheel can be tough to handle, so I use a stiff wire brush.
    "It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them." Adlai Stevenson
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Grinding wheel. Gets rid of the oxidation and I guarantee you the copper you have left will be red. >>



    Well, unless the old worn copper coin is actually an 1983 cent in which case you may end up with a silvery looking piece.
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭
    A 1983 cent isn't a copper coin, just a wannabe copper coin.
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭


    << <i>A 1983 cent isn't a copper coin, just a wannabe copper coin. >>



    image
  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,544 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Grinding wheel. Gets rid of the oxidation and I guarantee you the copper you have left will be red. >>



    ...no grinding wheel....would a dremel tool with 250 grit work??
    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • GemineyeGemineye Posts: 5,374 ✭
    I was critisized for giving advice on cleaning and old corroded copper coin.....(to a new collector)......so I will refrain from giving such advice........image
    ......Larry........image
  • xphobexphobe Posts: 605
    Gemineye, I understand your reservation. However I'm not a new collector, and I asked image So, your advice would be appreciated!

    I have an old brown copper coin that's not worth anything, and I want to make it red because I'm using it for a project where I need a large red copper coin. I'd rather not abrade off a lot of the features though if I can help it, so the grindstone is out guys...
  • GemineyeGemineye Posts: 5,374 ✭
    My advice would only slow down the corrosion process.........
    ......Larry........image
  • ABC123ABC123 Posts: 2,627
    Brillo Pads !
  • GemineyeGemineye Posts: 5,374 ✭
    Soaking for a long term in pure virgin olive oil ..........
    ......Larry........image
  • constructconstruct Posts: 932


    << <i>Grinding wheel can be tough to handle, so I use a stiff wire brush. >>



    The wire brush will work just fine. If you need to remove corrosion, soak it in phosphoric acid for about three minutes before you brush the hell out of it. But don't do this to a coin that is worth anything. All you'll end up with is something that would net grade like a jewelry piece.
    The strangest things seem suddenly routine.
  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Tarn-Ex™

    Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1

  • constructconstruct Posts: 932


    << <i>Tarn-Ex™ >>



    I heard Tarn-Ex would turn them pink. So I never used it. Was I misinformed?
    The strangest things seem suddenly routine.
  • YaHaYaHa Posts: 4,220 ✭
    Yes tarn X will make your coin pinker than a pigs weasel.image
  • TennesseeDaveTennesseeDave Posts: 4,809 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Put ketchup on it.The acids in the tomatoes will turn it a shade of red,most likely pink.
    Trade $'s
  • coolestcoolest Posts: 2,281 ✭✭✭
    exchange it for a newly minted cent.
  • 1Mike11Mike1 Posts: 4,427 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Put ketchup on it.The acids in the tomatoes will turn it a shade of red,most likely pink. >>


    Afterwards mix baking soda into a pste using a small amount of water and use your fingers to rub/scrub the coin. bling bling
    "May the silver waves that bear you heavenward be filled with love’s whisperings"

    "A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
  • Billet7Billet7 Posts: 4,923 ✭✭✭
    Bonfire...my answer to everything.

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