Important Note: Before cleaning any coin, especially those that might be valuable or collectible, it’s crucial to consult a professional numismatist or coin dealer. Cleaning a coin improperly can significantly reduce its value. In most cases, it’s best to leave collectible coins as they are, even if they have some tarnish or dirt. The natural patina developed over time can sometimes add to a coin’s value.
If you’ve confirmed that cleaning is appropriate for your specific coin , here are some methods for cleaning coins, ranging from gentle to more aggressive:
- Distilled Water Soak: [According to Real Simple] , soak the coin in distilled water for a few minutes to loosen debris.
- Soapy Water Soak: [Real Simple explains] if distilled water is not enough, you can add a few drops of mild dish soap to distilled water and swirl the coin gently. Avoid harsh detergents and abrasive cleaners.
- Gentle Brush (Optional): If needed, while the coin is still submerged in water, you can use a very soft brush (like an old, soft-bristled toothbrush) to gently dislodge dirt. Do not scrub forcefully as it can scratch the surface and diminish the coin’s value.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the coin thoroughly with fresh distilled water and gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. [According to Cavalier Coins Ltd] , avoid rubbing to prevent scratches.
Note: Tarnish, or patina, can be a desirable feature on collectible coins. Only remove it if you’re certain it won’t negatively impact the coin’s value and you’ve consulted with a professional.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the coin using a soft brush or your fingers and gently scrub. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and should be used with caution.
- Vinegar and Salt Solution: Dissolve 1 tsp of salt in ¼ cup white distilled vinegar. Soak coins in the solution for a few minutes. [According to wikiHow] , wipe gently with a paper towel to remove tarnish, rinse with cool water, and dry. Use this method for copper coins only as vinegar and salt are acidic.
- Lemon Juice and Salt: Create a paste by sprinkling salt on the coin and adding a few drops of lemon juice. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush for 1-2 minutes. Rinse and dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Soak: Soak coins in hydrogen peroxide for a few hours (up to 24 hours for heavy tarnish). Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Hydrogen peroxide can sterilize and disinfect coins.
- Cola Soak: Soak coins in cola for at least 5 minutes. Rinse and polish gently with a paper towel. Cola contains phosphoric acid which helps dissolve tarnish.
- Ketchup: Apply ketchup to the coin and scrub gently with a soft brush for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The acids in ketchup can help dissolve tarnish on silver and copper coins.
- Commercial Cleaners: These are typically acidic and can strip away tarnish and shine, but can also cause damage if not used carefully. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear appropriate safety gear.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: This method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt, but can sometimes alter the coin’s natural luster.
- Do Not Use Abrasive Materials or Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acid, abrasive cloths, or scrubbing pads, as they can cause irreversible damage to the coin’s surface.
Remember: If in doubt, do not clean the coin yourself. Seek expert advice to preserve its condition and value.
What’s the best way to clean coin money?
From my experience, Let’s have a look at the coins. And how they have changed. So here is the penny. Now that some of that corrosion is still on there. But behind it the actual coin surface is much lighter.
Will vinegar damage coins?
Yes, it’s generally advisable to stop cleaning your coins with vinegar. While vinegar can effectively remove dirt and grime due to its acidic nature, it can also damage the coin’s surface and patina, potentially decreasing its value, especially for collectible coins.
Does Coca-Cola clean old coins?
Q: Will Coca Cola clean old coins? Can you clean coins with soda? A: YES! Both Coke and Pepsi (dark colas) will effectively remove the natural patina from coins. The results are more noticeable with copper coins like pennies, rather than silver-colored coins like nickels, dimes, and quarters.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean coins?
Best way is to microwave hydrogen peroxide in a glass or plastic container for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let the coins sit, they may been clean in 30 mins, or for coins that are really crusty, it could take 1-2 days.