How to prevent and preserve an old copper?

Rawkfist · Jan 3, 2020

Recently I found an old Large Cent and am curious if I should do anything to it to preserve it from decaying any further. I don't want to touch it until I know for sure if/what I should do. I have read that some say to dry it out then apply a wax. If this is true then what do I do to try it out and what wax should be used. Also, should the coin be placed into some kind of holder? Thanks

waltr · Jan 3, 2020

Yes, dry it well then thin wax coating.

Best is Renaissance Wax. It seems pricey but it goes a long way.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1&q=renasence+wax

The two coppers in this thread I cleaned with toothpick then coated.
https://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=279190

I like coin holders due to protection, writing coin info and easy handling.

Rawkfist · Jan 3, 2020

waltr said:
Yes, dry it well then thin wax coating.

Best is Renaissance Wax. It seems pricey but it goes a long way.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1&q=renasence+wax

The two coppers in this thread I cleaned with toothpick then coated.
https://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=279190

I like coin holders due to protection, writing coin info and easy handling.

Ok thank you for the quick response. What do I use to dry it out?

waltr · Jan 4, 2020

Rawkfist said:
Ok thank you for the quick response. What do I use to dry it out?

Either leave it out in a dry room- with dehumidifier running or winter, or
soak it in alcohol for a few minutes then blot and air dry.

Alcohol absorbs water. You can use Isopropyl or methylated spirit (denatured alcohol),

Check the Technical paper in the Sticky at the Top of this sub-forum.
This has all the details on cleaning and preserving.

How to prevent and preserve an old copper?

Rawkfist

Full Member

waltr

Elite Member

Rawkfist

Full Member

waltr

Elite Member

Similar threads