You can often find examples in similar condition (assuming the corroded appearance is fact) in bargain bins/bowls for well under $1, unfortunately. Still, this doesn't mean such coins are not perfectly collectible if something that interests and/or you enjoy. Focus on what makes you happy; not what someone else may be willing to pay.
As a young collector these were my favorite coins. Always amazed me I could walk out of the dealers shop with a hundred years of history in my hands for a mere dollar or so.
I concur. @Joey Coins ...better to use a solid color for backgrounds for photos, white will bounce light back into the lens, neutral gray will camouflage clad and silver. I use black cloth or felt as a background as it minimizes some forms of glare...Spark
Anyone know what the black stuff on the coin is? Could it be 120 year old grime and would a water, alcohol, acetone sequence help the coin?...Spark
It is staining, and no soak in alcohol, gasoline or acetone will take it off. Best to leave it original. If you want it to be more natural looking, best to go buy one for $1-$3 that is that way already. Sometimes coins have lived a hard life in or on the street.
