Expert: John DeMarcus - 9/19/2009

Question
While sorting through my father's belongings I found an 1889 Morgan dollar. It has CC stamped under the bow, which I discovered meant Carson City. It appears to have been sealed for many years in butcher paper (which is yellowed). I know nothing about coin collecting so I don't know if I should try to clean it to make it shiny or leave as is?  If so, what is the proper way to clean collector's coins so as not to detract from the value.  Also, if I should want to eventually sell it, where would I most likely get the full value and not get scammed.

Answer
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE COIN you can ruin its collector value by doing so. And it being a 1889 Carson City it is desirable valuable coin,find out if there is a local coin club in your area and go to meeting,talk to the collectors there,they would be helpful in providing information on local dealers and who to take your coin to.