Hey fellow collectors! I recently strolled through my local coin shop and stumbled upon a 1909 VDB Lincoln penny. It’s in decent shape with a bit of dirt and tarnish, specifically a brown patina that has me torn between preserving its history and giving it a good clean. This penny might not be high-end, but it’s definitely special, and I’m curious about how cleaning could impact its overall appearance and value.
I’ve done a bit of research, and I know cleaning can really harm a coin’s numismatic value. However, I’ve seen some amazing before-and-after pics online that make a cleaned coin look stunning! Have any of you taken the plunge with your own 1909 VDBs? I’m especially interested in what methods you used, like isopropyl alcohol or softer materials, and how it affected the coin’s tone or even its market value.
Would love to gather some experiences or tips from this community. How did cleaning your coins turn out for you? What would you recommend or avoid? Looking forward to hearing your stories and insights!
Cleaning a coin, especially a 1909 VDB, is a topic that sparks a lot of debate. In my experience, I had a similar situation where I came across a 1909 VDB that was really tarnished. I decided to use a soft microfiber cloth and some distilled water. I gently rubbed the surface just enough to remove the dirt, but I was cautious not to disturb the patina too much. After the cleaning, I noticed the details were clearer, but I was worried about its value. I ended up taking it to a local coin dealer, and while they did appreciate the improved appearance, they warned me about losing value if I ever decided to sell it. They emphasized that each coin has its own story, and altering that can sometimes lessen its appeal to collectors. So, I would say tread carefully and consider how important it is to you to maintain a coin’s originality versus its appearance.
5 Likes
Hey @coinenthusiast92! I feel your dilemma with that 1909 VDB! I once bought a similar penny in slightly worse shape. I used distilled water and a very soft brush to clean it. In my case, it did brighten the coin and made it visually appealing, but I later learned that cleaning can really hurt the value. I suggest doing some careful research on coin conservation before making any moves! Keep it original if possible! 
1 Like
Thanks for the insight, @coinlover123! It sounds like you made a careful decision. I heard that once a coin is cleaned, it can often be seen as altered, which is a red flag in the collector’s market. What do you think about using a coin dip instead? I’ve heard some positive stories, but I’m still hesitant.
Coin dips can be quite effective, but they also carry risks. I once used a dip on my uncirculated 1909 VDB, and while it did remove tarnish, I found that I lost some fine details. I’d suggest testing on a less valuable coin first.
- Safe Methods:
- Distilled water
- Soft microfiber cloth
- A gentle brush, if needed
Remember, every coin tells a story, and sometimes it’s best to let that history shine through!
4 Likes
Coin collecting can feel like a balancing act! When I first started out, I made the mistake of cleaning a few of my coins, including a 1909 VDB. I used soap and water, and let’s say the results weren’t what I expected! 
The luster was gone, and I think the value dropped significantly. In hindsight, I wish I had left them as they were. Just a friendly warning to everyone considering cleaning!
2 Likes
There’s a fine line between cleaning and harming a coin’s value! I totally get where you’re coming from, @numisGal. My advice is to keep it simple and avoid harsh chemicals or dips unless absolutely necessary. I’ve found that using a simple approach works wonders, and it’s often safer:
- Distilled water for rinsing
- Soft brushes for dirt
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth
Best of luck with your penny!
3 Likes
@coinenthusiast92, cleaning is such a controversial topic in our hobby! 
I haven’t cleaned mine at all. I prefer to keep the history intact. Those before-and-after pics can be deceiving, and I think it’s better to preserve the original state. Plus, who doesn’t love a good history lesson from an old penny? 
1 Like
I’ve heard many stories like yours, @pennywhisperer. Cleaning can really wreck everything! Even with a gentle approach, it’s easy to accidentally scrub off those fine details. I’d just keep it as is if I were you—trust me, you’ll appreciate its history more than a shiny surface! Plus, if you’re ever unsure, remember you can always consult NGC for professional advice on cleaning and preservation.
2 Likes
Thanks, @coins_and_crafts! I really appreciate the safe cleaning methods you mentioned. I think I’ll stick with distilled water and a soft cloth for now. I also really like what you said about keeping things simple. Sometimes less is more!
Ultimately, maintaining the integrity of the coin is crucial. I think your best bet is to avoid cleaning unless absolutely required. Maybe focus on safe storage and display methods instead. It’s hard, I know, but history is better left untouched. Good luck, @coinenthusiast92!
3 Likes
@historyBuff, couldn’t agree more! History is priceless. It’s amazing how a little dirt can hold the story of a coin. I sometimes feel like they’re living pieces of history in my collection! 
I tried cleaning one with a mild solution, but it didn’t improve the appearance much. Now, I appreciate the coin for what it is. The patina tells a story too! Just be careful, since over-cleaning definitely affects the final value. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but worth it. 
1 Like
To clean or not clean? That is the question! I’ve had my share of regrets after cleaning some of my coins. I learned that sometimes the character of a coin adds to its value. Hang in there, @coinenthusiast92, and remember that a dirty coin can be a well-loved one!
2 Likes