Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/6/2011

Question
Dear Sir,Friend..About a few months ago I had found a 1911 Penny it looked very dirty and all rusted and things growing on it.I still kept it,and it just sat around (for months) till just a few days ago...
I decided to clean it up.Just a few rubs with a warm Sponge showed a (Glint) of Goldish color underneath the Dirty Greasey surface.I Kept on going....cleaing it up to see more of the Hidden coin.
I could not believe my eyes!! I have never seen a 1911 shine (like) a 2011 Penny.Original Zinc coating still there.Most of the coins I see even on Goldberg/or Ebay are dark,brownish,or redish brownish color unlike This color and Shine!

How did this coin 100 years old retain this SHINE original COLOR..my theory is that the Grease,and Dirt,etc etc that totally covered this 1911 (LOCKED its BEAUTY,and stopped all Oxidization).I can't say no more that the Back of the 1911 is crystal clear and clean E-Plubrus Unum shows some doubling on the letter P!and thickness on the rest.
Could this be a Mattie Proof (DULL) image of Linclons face?
I did not clean it all the way...did not have the proper solutions to dip it in.Advise? Vinegar?
Mattie Proof of the age according to Articles online show that they were not really liked due to the (DULL) image of Linclon...and many just sat around collecting dust,in Barns etc!
I did check online,and found out that a Top High Grade 1911 RED is worth Maximum $45,000.00!!
I took the Best High Contrast Pic of the Penny...Look foward to your Advise and Help.and what is it worth?..God Bless!

Beck,
Kissimmee FL

Answer
Beck:

You are likely right on why coin had "shine" under the crud, but unfortunately you've likely reduced any numismatic value the coin had by trying to clean it. Never try to clean coins, and worse yet, rub the surfaces to remove the crud.

Sorry, no way of telling by the photos if it was a matte proof. Based on photos, a harshly cleaned coin like yours, maybe worth about $5 retail. Dealer may give you a buck or two.

For more information on coin cleaning, see: http://coins.about.com/od/caringforcoins/ht/cleancoins.htm