Removing patina?

[MD'ing in MD]

Is there anyway to remove the patina on this indian head penny? The front is gone so I can't tell the date but I would like to try to bring out as much of the back as I could. Any suggestions?

[bigstemz]

Put some peroxide in the microwave till it boils. Then dip your coin in for about a min. Then flip

[dogpound]

or try this..... http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=98935

[MD'ing in MD]

Thanks for both suggestions ! I have been working the peroxide on it and it has cleaned it up a little. I think when the ground freezes up here I am gonna build one of those electrolyis cans, that JiF jar is nice.

[DIRT DOBBER]

Your title about removing patina pulled me into your thread worried about you removing irreplaceable patina. Alas, I shouldn't have been worried. FYI, patina is tarnish (ie color variation). What we have here is corrosion.

[MD'ing in MD]

Thanks for explaining the difference to me, I knew it looked rough but wasen't sure. I don't think I will mess with it anymore, just leave it in my treasure box and tell people about the indian head I found and hope they dont ask to see it rofl

[DIRT DOBBER]

Originally Posted by MD'ing in MD

Thanks for explaining the difference to me, I knew it looked rough but wasen't sure. I don't think I will mess with it anymore, just leave it in my treasure box and tell people about the indian head I found and hope they dont ask to see it rofl

No problem. I've had the microwaved peroxide give some good results and some not so good results. I keep a photographic lamp and a jewelers loop handy for inspecting the finds I make and also to show anyone who wants to see coins I find in the condition yours is in. I find coins like that no less worthy than some of the great looking ones. I reflect on how I felt when I found it and it sure starts to look pretty to me...

Nice find.

[NCBounty15]

An extra step on the peroxide that I do is scrub each sides of the coin (usually a common wheat penny) with a toothpick....I've had fairly good success at that! HH
NC

[Gauntlet]

I'd build a small electrolysis set-up and give it a shot. You certainly aren't going to hurt it. Might surprise you in what it may show on the front too.

[Silverbug86]

What he said Definitely a candidate for electrolysis. It is so easy to do and only takes about 10 minutes to set up. You probably have everything you need to do it. Plus it is super fun to watch work.

[usa144]

salt and lime plus a brush work