2007-05-27 17:06:15 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
i don't know if it is copper or if it is of any value it is a 1943 penny
2007-05-27 17:41:14 · update #1
i would check if u even should clean it, maybe it lessens the value...also check what it is made from, if it is copper use any gentle metal polish, or like we did in school use lemon n salt (but it scratches). if it is a zinc penny im not sure what cleans zinc. some r steel, and a basic metal cleaner probably works, but if they r rusty it might remove a lot of detail or something.
2007-05-27 17:16:12 · answer #1 · answered by carmen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The don't clean it group here wins. It is by the way a coin made on a zinc coated steel planchet. The coins rust easy and rust actually eats into the metal, so when removed it will leave pits in the coin causing even more damage. It is a very historic coin with more value that way, than dollars and cents. Copper was need for shell casings so the cent was changed for one year. We had some real battles that year and a lot of Young guys never came home. Your coin if it could talk would have some interesting stories to tell.
2007-05-28 21:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The usual coin expert's answer regarding cleaning is, "don't clean it."
There is a little bit more about your coin that you should know, though. In 1943, the government chose to use steel as the primary metal in Lincoln cents, as copper was more valuable as a metal for military use in WWII. If you have, in fact, a copper 1943 cent, it is a very valuable coin - certainly worth thousands of dollars, if not tens of thousands.
The fundamental two step test to determine your coin's value is (other than NOT cleaning it or rubbing it at all...) 1) test it with a magnet. Steel cents will be attracted to the magnet; copper cents will not. 2) If it is not magnetic, take it to a local coin shop or other reputable coin dealer for authentication. Because of the value of the "real" 1943 copper cents, there have been a number of attempts over the year to alter other coins - like a 1948 copper cent - to look like a 1943. Most coin dealers can hook you up with a firm that can tell you whether your coin is authentic or a forgery of some type.
If, as I would guess, your coin looks like it needs cleaning, it is because the steel cents were given to tarnishing and rusting. They are often referred to as silver pennies or lead pennies because of their usual color.
Still a very cool coin with a really fun history.
Best to you,
--Rob
2007-05-28 01:02:49 · answer #3 · answered by Robert S 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Use vinegar. Get a small bowl, pour some vinegar in it, then the penny. The rust (or whatever that stuff is) should come off within a half an hour. Now, if it doesn't work, use salt, and plenty of it. Use the same vinegar--do NOT use water-- pour the salt in the bowl, and rub the penny with the vinegar and salt together. Yep...that oughta work. =3
2007-06-03 22:14:19 · answer #4 · answered by .~*:Royale:*~. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cleaned an old penny using tapatio hot sauce. Drop one drop on the penny and rub it with a rag. It'll clean right up.
2007-06-03 20:56:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is quite old and maybe valuable you should not clean it yourself you can lower or destroy the value of the coin. Take it to a good coin shop and let them help you determine what to do and the value of it.
2007-05-28 00:23:33 · answer #6 · answered by pinelake302 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Try orange juice, I did a science experiment on it in the 4th grade and it turn out clean.
2007-06-02 21:04:36 · answer #7 · answered by TTHOM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I do alot of metal detecting. You can use muric acid deluded with water, 3/4 water 1/4 acid. PUT THE ACID IN THE WATER--- DO NOT PUT THE WATER IN THE ACID. Put the coin in for 5 to 15 min. and watch it. Wear eye/face protection and gloves. a sub for muric acid is lquid toilet bowel cleaner which contains the acid. Repeat--do not put water in acid it could blow in your face and all over. Lake.
2007-05-28 00:30:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
If it is worth something....DON'T CLEAN IT. In order for it to be apparaised, it has to be in it's original condition, not cleaned. If you clean it, they won't appraise it. If it's not worth anything, and you just want to clean it....use WD 40. Spray a little on a cloth, and wipe clean.
2007-05-28 00:15:29 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
since yours is made of zinc plated steel im guessing yours is just rusted over. get a rust remover. Dont worry about it losing value, its only worth 8 cents.
2007-05-28 12:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by bbooptoon1959 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋