3% Hydrogen Peroxide Soak, severe Verdi and copper Lincoln cents

[Petespockets55]

I found this severely corroded copper cent with 90% green Verdi front and back. I could barely see the date (1980) and thought I'd conduct a little experiment to see if and how 3% hydrogen peroxide would affect the Verdi. It always seemed to me the hydrogen peroxide should speed up the oxidation of the copper, but I've come to believe it can have benefits in extreme cases.

I know most people would say why waste the time, but it is better to try this on a non valuable coin than say a 1909s VDB or other that could definitely benefit.

(Unfortunately the info I entered for each image on my phone didn't get saved when I transferred them to my PC, so I will try my best to put them in the correct chronological order.)

The first images are raw green (Verdi) corrosion.

I put it in a glass cup about half full of solution for +-30 minutes.
I took it out dried it and took images.

I put it back in with fresh solution for another +-30 minutes.
I took it out dried it and took images.

Next I had and argument with myself because we have it ingrained that we NEVER clean coins. But I did the unthinkable and took a toothbrush to remove the scale and loose debris. Then rinsed in clean solution and took images.

It still has issues, but I would have no qualms about treating a "once in a lifetime" find if it had this much Verdi. It would still get a "Details" grade if sent in but at least it is much more presentable (Especially after treating with Verdi-care as well.)

Thanks for looking. Cliff
ps.I'll have to post the final result images on a followup post.

[Petespockets55]

Final Results for the severely Verdi coated Lincoln cent.
(Apologies but I think I got them out of order somewhat)

[GrumpyEd]

Interesting.

The coin is still a problem for sure but if I dug up an S-VDB that looked like that and I got some the green off and could easily read the date I'd call it successful.

As a last step I'd soak it in mineral oil, that will make it look a bit better and slow any regrowth.


Never cleaning coins is good advice but in reality "cleaning" isn't the problem, it's "improper cleaning" that is a problem, there is some cleaning you can do and not harm the coin but be very careful because it's easy to goof. Proper might mean bath is ok (like for uncs), on circs bath and a little brushing without making a pattern is ok if that's what it needed.. and proper means don't do anything you can't do without damage unless it's already a problem like your 1980.
A soft toothbrush can help some less damaged coins and even still be grade-able, like IHCs with stubborn goo you can sort of press the brush down (avoid brushing hard brushing in any direction) and it may get gunk the break free and if the coin was a low grade circ and the toning stays intact and you don't make a pattern then it may still grade. They've had some similar abuse already if they're well circulated.

Check out the 1908 that Coop used a brush on in this thread, I think it looks great and would grade:

http://www.coppercoins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4158

[Petespockets55]

Interesting.

The coin is still a problem for sure but if I dug up an S-VDB that looked like that and I got some the green off and could easily read the date I'd call it successful.

As a last step I'd soak it in mineral oil, that will make it look a bit better and slow any regrowth.


Never cleaning coins is good advice but in reality "cleaning" isn't the problem, it's "improper cleaning" that is a problem, there is some cleaning you can do and not harm the coin but be very careful because it's easy to goof. Proper might mean bath is ok (like for uncs), on circs bath and a little brushing without making a pattern is ok if that's what it needed.. and proper means don't do anything you can't do without damage unless it's already a problem like your 1980.
A soft toothbrush can help some less damaged coins and even still be grade-able, like IHCs with stubborn goo you can sort of press the brush down (avoid brushing hard brushing in any direction) and it may get gunk the break free and if the coin was a low grade circ and the toning stays intact and you don't make a pattern then it may still grade. They've had some similar abuse already if they're well circulated.

Check out the 1908 that Coop used a brush on in this thread, I think it looks great and would grade:

http://www.coppercoins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4158

Thanks Ed. Real good info to know.
That mineral oil worked well for Coop.

[emodx]

So please excuse my ignorance. Would this type of damage make the coin a candidate for an ultrasonic cleaning in a plastic basket with warm distilled water. It seems to me that this would safely shake if the crusty stuff allowing you to get closer to the surface of the coin with the 3% solution.

[Roller]

So please excuse my ignorance. Would this type of damage make the coin a candidate for an ultrasonic cleaning in a plastic basket with warm distilled water. It seems to me that this would safely shake if the crusty stuff allowing you to get closer to the surface of the coin with the 3% solution.

Exactly. I use the ultra sound all the time for caked on crud. I soften the crud with a soak in Verdi and re-harden with acetone then the ultra sound. I'll have to try the 3% solution next time.

[GrumpyEd]

So please excuse my ignorance. Would this type of damage make the coin a candidate for an ultrasonic cleaning in a plastic basket with warm distilled water. It seems to me that this would safely shake if the crusty stuff allowing you to get closer to the surface of the coin with the 3% solution.

Pretty safe, washing a coin in water is not going to hurt it.

[Petespockets55]

So please excuse my ignorance. Would this type of damage make the coin a candidate for an ultrasonic cleaning in a plastic basket with warm distilled water. It seems to me that this would safely shake if the crusty stuff allowing you to get closer to the surface of the coin with the 3% solution.

Now you guys are going all high tech and stuff.

Sounds like your ultra sonic works wonders to remove the initial layers. But quick, low cost, and low tech and the peroxide removes caked on dirt and the Verdi.

[jfines69]

That is very interesting... Did you use a regular tooth brush... I have a childs extra soft... When I need to use it I start from the center and sweep to the rim... Helps prevent dragging debri across the coins surface... I think the hydrogen peroxide in an ultra sonic cleaner is a good idea to try... Not sure how much more effective it would be tho... The bubbles in the peroxide is what lifts and moves the debri... Hopefully the ultra sonic action doesn't separate the hydrogen out that mixes with oxygen and creates a rocket fuel then it wouldn't matter if it works or not

[uglycent]

Try a high quality q-tip, You have more control and if you don't push you have very little chance of leaving a scratch. I I do this with some 99% rubbing alcohol to break down any oil holing the grit.

[Petespockets55]

That is very interesting... Did you use a regular tooth brush... I have a childs extra soft... When I need to use it I start from the center and sweep to the rim... Helps prevent dragging debri across the coins surface... I think the hydrogen peroxide in an ultra sonic cleaner is a good idea to try... Not sure how much more effective it would be tho... The bubbles in the peroxide is what lifts and moves the debri... Hopefully the ultra sonic action doesn't separate the hydrogen out that mixes with oxygen and creates a rocket fuel then it wouldn't matter if it works or not

Yeh, a regular toothbrush since it was only experimental and I wasn't worried about damage. But the child extra soft is probably a good idea. And that sonic cleaner sounds like a winner.
Maybe that sonic cleaner separating the hydrogen is how NASA will create new age rocket fuel?

[Petespockets55]

Try a high quality q-tip, You have more control and if you don't push you have very little chance of leaving a scratch. I I do this with some 99% rubbing alcohol to break down any oil holing the grit.

I've used Q-tips before but as ragged as this one was fibers would have been hard to remove.

[jfines69]

Yeh, a regular toothbrush since it was only experimental and I wasn't worried about damage. But the child extra soft is probably a good idea. And that sonic cleaner sounds like a winner.
Maybe that sonic cleaner separating the hydrogen is how NASA will create new age rocket fuel?

Ground control to Major Cliff