Hello, I would like to remove the black substance on this Morgan to make it look more white and shiny like silver should look, but without chemicals. I understand that I shouldn't be cleaning it, but I do not wish to get rid of it. It is very special to me. Thank you!
I always say NEVER CLEAN YOUR COINS. However, if you are not going to take that advice, use Colgate regular toothpaste .... yes toothpaste. Apply a small amount of the toothpaste to one side of the coin rubbing gently with your finger ... continue rubbing with a piece of 100% cotton tee shirt. Next, repeat on the other side of the coin. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry completely with a piece of that 100% cotton tee shirt. This will make your silver coins bright and shiny. This is okay for coins that you are going to keep and that only have silver melt value. DO NOT CLEAN ANY VALUABLE SILVER COINS.
I wouldn't clean it if i owned it its a good honest piece the black is just the way silver goes as it ages, you should keep it dry to prevent further corrosion. cleaning could detract from its value and old coins that are worn like yours just look wrong when they are made to look shiny.
Pure acetone is probably your safest bet. Don't rub the coin, just let the acetone do it's job. Some people leave them to soak (keep the acetone topped up as it evaporates quickly) others just give them a quick dip and rinse.
Me, I don't bother unless the coin is badly disfigured. Your coin looks just fine to me, that's what a 90 year old coin should look like, it's beautiful. If it's shiny you want I'll swap you for a nice new SBA dollar!
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
If you rub your coin with toothpaste you WILL damage it beyond imagination. Toothpaste is an abbrasive grit and will remove the surface of the coin.
The black on your silver is what is known as "natural patina", colectors expect it to be present and will search for it.
However, if the coin is a decorative item to you, rather than being viewed as an example of an antique coin, then I should recommend cleaning with Peek metal polish and very gentle rubbing with cotton. Beware of rubbing, it wears down the silver.
