How do I get green corrosion off my wheat cents?
Azurescens
Posts: 2,783 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'm a bit upset but I know it happens. Some of my wheat cents have gotten green death and carbon spots. What can the average collector do to not ruin the coin and fix it?
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Comments
First advice: don't touch.
Second, if you're harder headed: acetone
Third, if you are still harder headed: diluted 1:1 with household ammonia and then rinse off, tamp dry. Try for different exposure times, and rinse off with more water and mild dish detergent, then more water.
Fourth, if you have concrete head disease, check these boards for the non-doctor's doctoring advice
Well, just Love coins, period.
Picture may help.
If it's verdigris, and not too old, use Verdigone and dab it on (or soak it and gently roll off with a cotton swab). You may find a shiny spot, or etching underneath if the verdigris has been there a while. (See below.) If the verdigris is really old about the best you can hope for is to arrest it...so no further damage.
If it's PVC treat it with acetone. Soak as long as you like. Sometimes it can't be helped and the acetone won't do much. Again, it depends on how quickly you've caught it.
Verdigone (nee VerdiCare) is easy to find. Try Wizard Coin or google it.
"Carbon spots" are permanent.
Lance.
PCGS offers a curration service. Send to them and have graded (as an added option- not necessary alhtough pcgs knows for sure).
Coins in general. Many collectors don't know pcgs offers a curration service. Value is what you place on it. Who are we to dictate what a collector chooses to have currated or not. Be it a $10,000. coin or one with sentimental value.
Lance and 7Jaguars have given good advice.... Surface damage will depending on how long the verdigris has been working .... Lance posted a good picture showing what you may expect... or possibly worse. Cheers, RickO