1860 Half Penny

[ShaggyBFC 15]

Hi all, I found this 1860 half penny detecting.  It's not in the best condition.  What would you suggest - leave it as is or try to clean it up a little?  It's just had a run under water at the moment.  If I was to clean it, what would you suggest?

Thanks Andi

[DaveG38 385]

Soak for several months in olive oil and see how it turns out.

[Paddy 1,540]

I suspect quite a nice coin somewhere under all that grim, so worth the effort. I would try soap and warm water with a soft sponge first to see if the grime is going to shift easily. If not the olive oil treatment might do it.

 

[Peckris 579]

Don't bother with the soap and water treatment - it doesn't work with bronze (water off a duck's back and all that). The olive oil MAY do something - either a little or moderately - so worth trying.