Old Coppers field cleaning

[Bucktrout]

Is it better to wipe the copper clean in the field using your fingers or pant leg? Or better to leave it how it came out of the ground and clean at home after the dirt on it has dried. I pulled a draped bust out last week, rubbed it up with hands and pant leg- and now I wonder if I wiped off some detail or not. What’s everyone’s opinion and experience with this?

 

[markinmichigan]

Ask Tom, he's got plenty of experience with copper

Mark in Michigan

 

[hoser]

Wheats or modern pennies I'll wipe in the field. If it is an IHP or a large cent I'll wait till I get home just for the reason you mentioned.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

I’ll clean with my pants than wipe with a clean finger. I don’t touch it any more after that. I’ve found a little dirt helps see the details.

 

[Lodge Scent]

I'm with Mason. Dry clean only with a tooth pick and maybe soft tooth brush. I haven't put any water on probably my last 100 coppers. Dirt does help highlight features especially on the toasty coppers.

 

[Bucktrout]

Wheats or modern pennies I'll wipe in the field. If it is an IHP or a large cent I'll wait till I get home just for the reason you mentioned.

Yes I am not to concerned with the wheat or modern penny and do the same. Do you find it difficult to get the dried dirt off the largest?

 

[Bucktrout]

I’ll clean with my pants than wipe with a clean finger. I don’t touch it any more after that. I’ve found a little dirt helps see the details.

Agreed a little dirt can go a long way for bringing out the detail.

 

[Lodge Scent]

Yes I am not to concerned with the wheat or modern penny and do the same. Do you find it difficult to get the dried dirt off the largest?

Yeah, it can be a chore sometimes. But I can usually can get it clean enough for my liking with a tooth pick and tooth brush and maybe the andre pencil on stubborn dirt. If the patina is hard, you can give it a rinse with out fear of losing much detail. Once I get it "clean enough", I will usually give it a coat of Ren wax right over any remaining dirt. For those coppers with fragile surfaces that would go from bad to worse with any cleaning, they often get a coating of hair spray. Yep, hair spray. It will dry and hold that fragile "patina" together.

 

[cellrdwellr]

I clean them enough to identify them if possible. After that, the nicer ones go in 2x2 flips and the rest go in a freezer bag.

 

[Bucktrout]

The next largie that comes my way I will not tough until it dries. Then I will try the methods mentioned. Waiting until I get home to id the coin will be hard for me tho, the anticipation will be a killer