I need a real expert for this one...

[Metallian]

Found this coin at my usual relic hunting spot today. The camp was operational from 1860 - 1871, so it would most likely be between this time period. I found a shield nickel a few weeks back in bad shape, but luckily the big "5" and stars were visible. The ground here really eats these finds, unfortunately...

This one looks like copper. It was completely covered in green patina when I found it, but I scrubbed most of it off trying to ID it...

Thanks in advance...

[Ed in KC]

What size is it?

[Drosera]

I'd guess it is a Liberty Head large cent because of the lettering on the reverse (hard to tell size of the coin in your pictures though). They ran until 1857, so the were probably still in use during the period that camp was operating. If you can clean it up more (be careful!) you may be able to get a date on it. Even if you don't find a date, you can narrow down the period it was made because of minor variations in the designs over the years.

[Metallian]

Thanks for the fast replies. The coin is just barely bigger than the shield nickel I found the other day. It's probably a tiny bit bigger than a quarter.

[Metallian]

Originally Posted by Drosera

If you can clean it up more (be careful!) you may be able to get a date on it. Even if you don't find a date, you can narrow down the period it was made because of minor variations in the designs over the years.

I highly doubt I can get the date. The coin is really corroded, and I doubt I can clean it up any more than I already have. I put a very mild acid on the coin to get the green patina off, and this is what I'm left with. The bumps on the back of the coin are very brittle, I don't know exactly why it is raised so high.

[M-scope]

I'd guess a 2 cent pc...??

[achaios]

I believe that's a 2-cent piece, made between 1864 and 1873. I think that 1873 was proof-only, so I doubt it's that date, but I'm not sure you'll ever know.

-- Tom

[Detector]

Yup 2 cent

[Homerun04]

Based on size description, and lettering, I would concur - probably 1864 2-cent piece....soak her in olive oil for a few minutes, then retake pictures....it will be clearer with the oil film on it, and then share with us....

[RickO]

Looks like a two-cent piece... try hot peroxide... it should help. RickO

[Stang1968]

I agree on a 2-center. you can just barely make out the top of a 2 or 3 on the first photo... your size of about a quarter is what led me to a two center.

[Wildcat1750 (nyjrbethelct)]

My vote is for the 2 cent piece. Nice find. I'd love to find one of those myself!

[Carol K]

A two cent piece?!!! Awesome find! WOW!

[fir469]

Olive oil soak or hot peroxide and pick at the crust with a toothpick...

[Metallian]

I think you guys are right about the 2 cent piece. On the back you can BARELY see the bottom of the shield.

So heat up some hydrogen peroxide and dump it in there? I already put this acid on there, I don't want to damage the coin more than it already is. I'm kind of worried picking at it with a toothpick too, I don't want to break off anything.

Thanks for the help.

[Sonny b]

Nice find Mojave.

[Homerun04]

Never acid on a coin.....!! Use either the heated hydrogen peroxide method (but be careful, not too long or it will overly dry out the coin and take off too much surface metal).....or best is extra virgin olive oil (but be patient -- could take many months or years to clean up with this method).....MS70 is another option....in any event, if you used acid already, then it will not be a collectible item, so cleaning it up from here is purely for your benefit....based on its condition anyway, it is already not a collectible item....nonetheless, a very very nice find....!!

[BORGATABILL]

Two cent piece

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by Homerun04

Never acid on a coin.....!! Use either the heated hydrogen peroxide method (but be careful, not too long or it will overly dry out the coin and take off too much surface metal).....or best is extra virgin olive oil (but be patient -- could take many months or years to clean up with this method).....MS70 is another option....in any event, if you used acid already, then it will not be a collectible item, so cleaning it up from here is purely for your benefit....based on its condition anyway, it is already not a collectible item....nonetheless, a very very nice find....!!

Use no acid but dip in olive oil? Olive oil is mostly a blend of natural fatty acids.

1. Oleic Acid, makes up 55 to 83% of olive oil.
2. Linoleic Acid, makes up about 3.5 to 21% of olive oil.
3. Palmitic Acid, makes up 7.5 to 20% of olive oil.
4. Stearic Acid, makes up 0.5 to 5% of olive oil.
5. Linolenic Acid, makes up 0 to 1.5% of olive oil.

The above ranges depend on the particular olive cultivars used.

[Homerun04]

Do as you please..... :-)