This is what I do when I come across ugly steelies.
I soak them in Naval Jelly to reveal the some of the original cent.
Naval Jelly is a rust remover and works pretty well on these,
but its not a miracle maker. Sometimes I'll give a short soak to
not so bad steelies and most people believe they are plated,
but they're not. I'll post the final result when its done.
The pink stuff is the naval jelly
Here ya go, the color is off, but that must be my camera.
Notice the deep pitting where the rust had really worked on the steel.