Requesting ideas for removing sticker residue from copper coin

[SilverAge3]

Any opinions how to clean this sticker/tape residue off of a copper coin?  Cartwheel Twopence.

It is graded as AU details tape residue, I plan to crack it from the slab and remove the gunk, if feasible.

Sticker looks like a tenaciously tacky price sticker, which did not fully come off. Thanks to some clueless antiques dealer or estate sale, is my best guess. Stranger still, was it getting graded in this state.

I have a few ideas for removal, but posting around various places to see what ideas and insights other people may have.

Copper is much tricker than silver, it is quite reactive. It may take short durations of acetone, but no long soaks, which would be easy and useful for silver.

I am leaning toward Hoppes #9 Gun Bore Cleaner, maybe quick passes with acetone, rinsed with RO water, blotted dry.
 

Edited March 23 by SilverAge3

[Coinery]

I simply cannot believe that a) someone submitted that for grading with sticky tape attached and b) that a grading company actually slabbed it along with the tape and graded it as ‘details!’

I personally wouldn’t be afraid at all of giving that a clean with as much acetone as is needed. Apply it with a Q-tip.
You may have yourself a bargain there! 

[Paddy]

I see no reason not to start with just warm soapy water. Most sticky labels use water based glue.

If that does not work, my next try would be alcohol - rubbing alcohol I believe it is called in the US, surgical spirit in the UK.

Only if both those failed would I move on to Acetone.

 

[jelida]

Don’t be afraid of acetone, it would be my first port of call unless the adhesive is water soluble. Acetone won’t alter the coin in any way.

Jerry

[DaveG38]

Olive oil classically treats verdigris, without damaging the rest of the coin, so maybe it will soften and loosen the tape glue, agian without doing any real harm. On the other hand, if the tape has been stuck on for a while, it is possible that it has already damaged the surface, and removal will simply show this up. You pays your money and .......  

[King Kenny]

I would use WD40. Give it a good soaking and it will just lift away.

[SilverAge3]

On 3/23/2026 at 3:27 AM, Coinery said:

I simply cannot believe that a) someone submitted that for grading with sticky tape attached and b) that a grading company actually slabbed it along with the tape and graded it as ‘details!’

I personally wouldn’t be afraid at all of giving that a clean with as much acetone as is needed. Apply it with a Q-tip.
You may have yourself a bargain there! 

I paid $115 incl BP, tax and shipping, so I feel I got it pretty cheap, at least for over here. It has some wear and marks, but overall fairly good condition. It definitely felt worth the gamble to restore it. I think it scared off most bidders, which I was fine with.

 

I am also surprised the grading company did not demand restoration fees, as sometimes I have heard they do.

Edited March 25 by SilverAge3

[SilverAge3]

On 3/23/2026 at 4:35 AM, Paddy said:

I see no reason not to start with just warm soapy water. Most sticky labels use water based glue.

If that does not work, my next try would be alcohol - rubbing alcohol I believe it is called in the US, surgical spirit in the UK.

Only if both those failed would I move on to Acetone.

 

I also was thinking of starting simple, with mild warm, soapy water, too, then advancing from there.

 

I am waiting for it to come in the mail, but will try to remember to update here.

 

I am excited to revive this beauty.

 

For anyone curious, link to see pictures of both sides, due picture limitation here

https://www.pcgs.com/cert/50443898

Edited March 25 by SilverAge3