Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/18/2011

Question
QUESTION: Sir--I have inherited this coin but it is so dark I can`t really read it  to see what type of  Mass cent it is==I know nothing about coins and I am wondering if it is ok to clean it and what I should use to do such--Please advise and thank you---Hugh Wilde---Bishopville, MD.

ANSWER: Hi Hugh,
I would not recommend cleaning any coins until it can be determined what the "darkness" is. If it's corrosion that has eaten into the surface, then cleaning it would destroy the surface and most of the value of the coin. If you are lucky and the dark stuff is just patina, from grease and dirt, then it can be cleaned with a 30 second soak in nail polish remover and then dab (not rub) with a soft tissue.
If you can get a clear picture of the coin, I can determine what would be the best course of action and possibly even what variety you have.
Thanks for the question! =)

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QUESTION: attached are pictures---thanx---hugh

Answer
Hi again Hugh,
I would not try to clean this coin in any way. Most of these have been dug up from the ground, and this one is in decent and original dug condition. The most important thing is that the surfaces are original brown, which is what collectors like to see.
It appears to be the 1788 with period after Massachusetts. I would expect this coin to sell for right around $75-$100 in an auction setting.
Thanks again for the question! =)