I just want to take the dirt off (1906 indian/Liberty penny)

[Titan7170]

So I just want to get the dirt off without damaging the patina. I looked online and found many of the crude ways......vinegar,brass brush, toothpaste toothbrushes, water and dishsoap. How would you guys go about getting the dirt off?

[Daniel]

I am not sure you can get this off, could be a bit of pitting from corrosion.

[dipper13]

If you use plain soap, like dish soap or bar soap and hot water it will not hurt the coin. Anything else could affect the metal. I think that coin is pitted, a common problem with coppers. ( some of the metal has been eaten away.)

[mhonzell]

For copper coins that have "no value" other than interest, I find the following method works pretty nicely:

Put about 1/4 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (from almost any store) in a glass cup.
Put it in microwave to heat it up. (not boiling)
Remove from microwave.
Put coin in cup with liquid and let set for about 5 minutes.
Remove coin with utensil and rinse in water.
Put a little baking soda on each side of the coin and rub gently between fingers for a couple of seconds.
Rinse again in water.
Example results
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Keep in mind there are different types of "dirt".
What I see on your coin is probably body oils mixed dust/skin from years of being handled. This can actually protect areas of the coin covered. When removed, you may see shiny copper underneath and your coin may not actually look better unless you remove the rest of the coins patina. If you remove the patina, the copper may oxidize rather randomly afterwards. Consider putting a thin coat of Renaissance Wax on the coin to keep it from oxidizing.

[Titan7170]

thanks for the replies guys......I just wanted to remove what looks to be soil from being buried. I ended up using warm water regular hand soap and a shaving brush the type a barber uses to put soap on your face before you get shaved. extremely soft it worked well. Unfortunately I do believe the coin is pitted all over, ashame because it could have been pretty nice if not. lots of sharp details....ohh well!

[Daniel]

It does look better with nice details but I have found many like this and suspected it was covered in micro-pits.

[Titan7170]

yes it does have micro pitting.....so my pitted penny is now my lucky penny.....I cleaned it and it will go in my wallet! I will find a better example in original condition!