Detail Domed Indian Head Pennies

Detail of domed Indian Head Pennies ready to have back soldered to them. These are my favorite concho coin right now. The details really show up by creating a contrast between the relief (the raised or three-dimensional image) and the field (the background), Here I have polished the relief taking care not to exert too much pressure, thereby polishing just the verfy top of the relief. After that, I lightly polish the background until the desired effect is achieved. In other words, polish both to whatever pleases you the most. Of course, once removed it talkes a long time to achieve a similar patina. In this case over 100 years. I'm sure there are plenty of way to achieve a patina quickly, I've not looked into it though.

After I solder these, I'll then apply a heavy coat (like dripping heavy) of Spar Varnish. I use Rust-Oleum brand "Ultimate Spar Varnish" Semi-Gloss Exterior. I get it at Home Depot and Lowes. I imagine any spar varnish would work, but this has worked great and I've just stuck with it. I use this finish on copper-tubing projects - it's terrific on highly polished copper offering these benefits.

* One HEAVY COAT (to the point of dripping), provides a dipped look, adding depth to the finish, and created an impossible look of fossilized clear liquid Amber

* Seals the copper completely, preventing oxiditation.

* Spar varnish's natural amber cast nicely compliments copper's polished color, providing an amber glaze look..

* The color deepens over time as the varnish cures for a year (possibly longer). At one year the color is a lovely combination of bronze/orange/copper

These results are for indoor objects away from sunlight. Spar varnish does deteriorate under UV rays. It's also a soft finish and more easily scratched than Poly for example (which is inferior, don't bother).

I expect it will be as nice a finish on Indian Head Pennies, but what I'm most concerned about is preserving that cool contrast look look I've got and the spar should do that.