Can I remove the dirt and grime in the letters?

MisterTicToc

I just picked up a 1909 s over horizontal s lincoln that looks like it may grade unc. Problem is, the coin was stored in a roll with several other circulated and uncirculated cents for years. Of course, over time, some grime has plugged some of the small features...like the "B" in LIBERTY and several other collection points on the coin(s). Can I safely remove the packed grime without compromising the coin?

tmot99

Try acetone and/or a toothpick.

MisterTicToc

It'll be just like hunting for easter eggs...thanks.

yellowjacket

I would first try an acetone soak. Then use a toothpick to LIGHTLY work at the areas with which you are concerned. If this doesn't loosen the "grime," then it may permanently be a part of the coin.

Garrow

Edit to add: What tmot99 said.

MisterTicToc

Thanks Garrow...time for a bath.

cmerlo1

You could also try soaking it in olive oil for a week or so, then try the toothpick...

fivecents

Use a rose thorn.

AskRaq

<< <i>Use a rose thorn. >>




Make sure it's green & flexible..... the first time I took this advice I used one off a dried rose (mistake).... it scratched the coin & left a prominent new copper area.

BECOKA

Just remember that Acetone may change the color or appearance of aged copper. I would go the olive oil approach first.

tmot99

<< <i>Just remember that Acetone may change the color or appearance of aged copper. I would go the olive oil approach first. >>



What???? I've NEVER had copper change color with acetone.

BECOKA

<< <i>

<< <i>Just remember that Acetone may change the color or appearance of aged copper. I would go the olive oil approach first. >>



What???? I've NEVER had copper change color with acetone. >>



The copper itself might not but there could be a light layer of dirt/dust mixed in with the toning that would get removed slightly changing the appearance.

PerryHall

I usually use a tooth pick but I chew on the tip to soften it a little.

nutz4coinz

I agree with the olive oil soak. That stuff will soften anything up after a week or so...anything....and I DO mean anything....then I like the 'chewed on toothpick' suggestion for removal.

I have seen numerous posts in threads advising NOT to dip copper in acetone. tmott99 may have luck, its possible, but thats a quick dip. A good soak, as I said, will soften anything......and I'd say that most of the stuff that will come off will come off after a soak. Acetone, again, is a quick dip....not enough time to seep in and do the job you apparently need.

LeeG

Pure Mineral Oil is better than Olive Oil.

ricko

LeeG is correct... mineral oil... followed by an oil soaked Q-tip - gently 'rolled' on the surface, not 'scrubbed'... You could, for stubborn residue, use an oilsoaked toothpick. Cheers, RickO

nutz4coinz

Ok, just for my info, what makes mineral oil the better choice?

tmot99

<< <i>Ok, just for my info, what makes mineral oil the better choice? >>



My understanding is that it doesn't go rancid.

MisterTicToc

How long in the mineral bath?

TwoSides2aCoin

Let it be. What did the poor little thing ever do to you ?
Seriously though... I've seen a lot of copper that people tried to clean the gunk out of, and it ends up looking like a WAXED piece of crap. I'd let it be. (better to have some natural dirt than an unnatural look)