Oily steel cents

[Firemandmc]

Hi i bought a tin of steel wheaties and found the tubes had some oil in em and the tin had an oily rag on the bottom. First question is why? And the second question is how do i safely get it off the cents? Thanks for any input in advance.

[occnumis2021]

i know that old large cent guys use types of very special oil to preserve the surfaces since copper is so susceptible to the elements and steelies would be right up there so unless it is a coincidence, i'd say it MAY have something to do with that but i don't recall offhand hearing about that done with steelies.

pics wouldn't hurt and depends on the type of oil. you make it sound like motor oil.

[Firemandmc]

It smells and feels like chain saw oil

[occnumis2021]

another thought i forgot to mention earlier, were there any altered (physically) cents to look like washers, gears etc?

coins have been used for such things but steelies wouldn't be the first thought but you never know what a tinkering hand may try.

it could also possibly be random, like a bunch of crap thrown in together from an estate etc? or does it seem intentional?

[MintErrors]

Why? Because the person who originally owned then thought it was a good idea. The effect on the coins may have already damaged them to the point where IF you sent them in to be graded and slabbed, there is a chance it may come back as a "details grade" or cleaned. It depends on the third party grading service and whether or not they use a sniffer to detect odd aromas.

Research is everything. I don't believe there is a one quick answer for this. Its going to require a bit of testing and research on your part. I suggest taking a normal copper cent found in pocket change, and dip it in that oil. Wait a few days and use that coin to ty to find a solution that wont take off the shiny patina or alter the look of the surface.

It comes to a point where, you personally have to assess if the effort and any additional cost is worth the time and effort.

I suggest this...Read this article, and then if you try any of it, it's at your judgement, cost and risk.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/rem...r-cent.195396/