Any Numismatics Here?

[Rams]

Came across a coin that may or may not have some value.  
It's a 1862 US copper Penny.   To me it's in pretty good condition, but, that doesn't mean much.   Just my opinion.  It's about the size of a half dollar.  

Not sure if I should drill a hole in it and make it into a unique key fob or give it to my new grandson for it's potential value down the road.

Edit: Found this on Etsy, the coin I found is identical except for the dates.   Oh Well, not worth a million but worth saving for my grandson.  
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1030367729/1853-us-high-grade-american-copper-one?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=1862+US+Penny&ref=sr_gallery-2-31&organic_search_click=1

Shrug.............

Rams

[..]

This one?

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/277/small-cents/indian-head-cent/1862-P/

[6Banger]

Very good condition, $18. Per Red Book

[Rams]

This one?

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/277/small-cents/indian-head-cent/1862-P/

Nope. Just like this one but the year is  different.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1030367729/1853-us-high-grade-american-copper-one?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=1862+US+Penny&ref=sr_gallery-2-31&organic_search_click=1

[The emperor has no clothes]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

[Flat 6 man]

If it's valuable I would not drill a hole in it.

[Jess from VA]

For value, don't shine it up.

Don't drill a hole in in nice old US coin.  

I glued one of my USAF JAG badges and a USAF crest to the outside of my bike's master cylinders.

I have a dozen or so old US coins (no gold, couple silver dollars), and a pile of foreign coins from Europe.  They live in a little bag in my safe, and I take them out and look at them every few years.  

 

[Rams]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

[Jersey mike]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

[Rams]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

Ketchup?   Hmm. Well why not.................   Will let you know how it works.........   Thanks.
Edited: The "Ketchup" experiment has started.   Not sure how long I should wait to take a look but will eventually run out of patience.  Yeah, that's me.........................

Rams  

[Timbo1]

I believe what you have is what would be called a braided hair large cent.  As a hobbyist metal detector I've seen numerous finds mostly from folks detecting up north.  If it does happen to be a rare mint coin I can tell you that cleaning it with acidic agents or abrasives is one of the worst things to do to a coin from a collectors perspective.

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/large-cents/braided-hair-liberty-head/

[old2soon]

I believe what you have is what would be called a braided hair large cent.  As a hobbyist metal detector I've seen numerous finds mostly from folks detecting up north.  If it does happen to be a rare mint coin I can tell you that cleaning it with acidic agents or abrasives is one of the worst things to do to a coin from a collectors perspective.

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/large-cents/braided-hair-liberty-head/

     ^^^^ THIS ^^^^^ Everything I've ever seen on Antiques Roadshow sez the same thing-DO NOT REMOVE THE PATINA! Folks have lost THOUSANDS because of patina removal! LEAVE THE PATINA ALONE!!  RIDE SAFE.

[Jersey mike]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

Ketchup?   Hmm. Well why not.................   Will let you know how it works.........   Thanks.
Edited: The "Ketchup" experiment has started.   Not sure how long I should wait to take a look but will eventually run out of patience.  Yeah, that's me.........................

Rams  

There’s probably some videos out there on it. I forget the premise behind it but I believe the low acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar works as a cleaner without being abrasive.

[Timbo1]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

Ketchup?   Hmm. Well why not.................   Will let you know how it works.........   Thanks.
Edited: The "Ketchup" experiment has started.   Not sure how long I should wait to take a look but will eventually run out of patience.  Yeah, that's me.........................

Rams  

There’s probably some videos out there on it. I forget the premise behind it but I believe the low acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar works as a cleaner without being abrasive.

I can tell you from experience of trying to clean a 1913 penny we found using vinegar, ketchup that if left in to long will leave a coin with small pits.  While it's true it will clean as they are both acidic regardless of how mild, if the coin is valuable in the end more damage is done in the eye of the collector and is better left to the professionals.  If the sole intent is to clean for ones private collection and rarity or value is no concern clean away.  I have half a jar of coins many wheaties that I will run in a rock tumbler at some time just to get the crud off.

[Timbo1]

Coincidentally one of the channels I sub to on youtube posted a video today finding what I believe your coin is.

https://youtu.be/AfGurqEICfw?t=162

[Jersey mike]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

Ketchup?   Hmm. Well why not.................   Will let you know how it works.........   Thanks.
Edited: The "Ketchup" experiment has started.   Not sure how long I should wait to take a look but will eventually run out of patience.  Yeah, that's me.........................

Rams  

There’s probably some videos out there on it. I forget the premise behind it but I believe the low acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar works as a cleaner without being abrasive.

I can tell you from experience of trying to clean a 1913 penny we found using vinegar, ketchup that if left in to long will leave a coin with small pits.  While it's true it will clean as they are both acidic regardless of how mild, if the coin is valuable in the end more damage is done in the eye of the collector and is better left to the professionals.  If the sole intent is to clean for ones private collection and rarity or value is no concern clean away.  I have half a jar of coins many wheaties that I will run in a rock tumbler at some time just to get the crud off.

Well, that sums up that. I never knew it would cause an issue like that. I did it once many years ago because I heard about it, doubted it and tried it on a wheat back I had. It came out cleaner but I never looked for pitting. I’ve used it on copper bottom pots before as well to show the kids.

Hope there was no damage done.

[Rams]

Are you sure the date is 1862 ? Supposedly that design ended in 1857. A very small run (20-30) were minted in 1868.

Well, we (my spousal unit and myself) were convinced it was 1862 until you questioned it.   Now we're thinking it may be 1852.   But, whatever the date is, it's the same lady and backside of the coin.   We might drop it into the sonic cleaner to see if it'll clean up some.

Rams

If it’s copper, try some ketchup, don’t rub, just let it sit covered for a while and wipe off. Ketchup is non abrasive and usually works well depending on how tarnished and dirty it is. If it’s very tarnished let it sit overnight.

Ketchup?   Hmm. Well why not.................   Will let you know how it works.........   Thanks.
Edited: The "Ketchup" experiment has started.   Not sure how long I should wait to take a look but will eventually run out of patience.  Yeah, that's me.........................

Rams  

There’s probably some videos out there on it. I forget the premise behind it but I believe the low acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar works as a cleaner without being abrasive.

I can tell you from experience of trying to clean a 1913 penny we found using vinegar, ketchup that if left in to long will leave a coin with small pits.  While it's true it will clean as they are both acidic regardless of how mild, if the coin is valuable in the end more damage is done in the eye of the collector and is better left to the professionals.  If the sole intent is to clean for ones private collection and rarity or value is no concern clean away.  I have half a jar of coins many wheaties that I will run in a rock tumbler at some time just to get the crud off.

Well, that sums up that. I never knew it would cause an issue like that. I did it once many years ago because I heard about it, doubted it and tried it on a wheat back I had. It came out cleaner but I never looked for pitting. I’ve used it on copper bottom pots before as well to show the kids.

Hope there was no damage done.

Well, having absolutely no experience or knowledge, I did cover the coin in ketchup for about 4 hours.   The end result is a "cleaner" looking coin.   If there's any pitting, I can't see it but then, my old eyes aren't all that good for close up inspections.   

Both my wife and I believe this is a 1852 coin and our intent is to gift it to our grandson (7 months old).   It might be worth something by the time he goes to college or some trade school (hopefullly flight training). 

I tried to take some pics with my cell phone but, ya just can't get the definition in a close up pic to see much, the pic gets all fuzzy. 

Rams

[Willow]

Well, having absolutely no experience or knowledge, I did cover the coin in ketchup for about 4 hours.  ...

Both my wife and I believe this is a 1852 coin and our intent is to gift it to our grandson (7 months old).   ...

.

Please don't give that coin to your seven month old grandson.  They have a tendency to stick coins into their mouths.  That inclination may be increased by the scent of ketchup.   

[Rams]

Well, having absolutely no experience or knowledge, I did cover the coin in ketchup for about 4 hours.  ...

Both my wife and I believe this is a 1852 coin and our intent is to gift it to our grandson (7 months old).   ...

.

Please don't give that coin to your seven month old grandson.  They have a tendency to stick coins into their mouths.  That inclination may be increased by the scent of ketchup.   

Sir, I sincerely do appreciate your concern for my grandson and the 1852 penny.   While I still plan to gift it to him, it'll be in the safe keeping of his very protective parents.   

Rams

[Rams]

I believe what you have is what would be called a braided hair large cent.  As a hobbyist metal detector I've seen numerous finds mostly from folks detecting up north.  If it does happen to be a rare mint coin I can tell you that cleaning it with acidic agents or abrasives is one of the worst things to do to a coin from a collectors perspective.

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/large-cents/braided-hair-liberty-head/

Based on what my aging eyes can see, you've correctly identified this coin.   Thanks   

Rams