Coin cleaning solutions range from readily available household products to specialized cleaning agents and tools. The best option depends on the type of coin (its material and value) and the desired outcome.
Here are some cleaning solutions and approaches, along with important considerations:
These methods are generally considered safe and appropriate for most coins, especially if you’re concerned about preserving their value:
- Distilled Water: For removing loose dirt and grime, a gentle rinse under lukewarm distilled water is often sufficient. Tap water contains chlorine, which can discolor coins. After rinsing, pat the coin dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry. Avoid rubbing or wiping, which can cause scratches.
- Mild Soap and Water: If distilled water isn’t enough, a weak solution of mild dish soap and distilled water can be used. Soak the coin briefly, then gently rub it with your fingers or a soft cloth, [according to Apartment Therapy] . Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and dry gently.
- Baking Soda Paste: A paste made from baking soda and water can be effective for removing tarnish on silver coins or getting into crevices on other coins. Apply the paste, gently scrub with fingers or a soft toothbrush, rinse with distilled water, and dry.
Some products are designed specifically for cleaning coins, especially those made from gold, silver, or copper:
- [e-Z-est Coin Cleaner for Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins]: This product is described as a widely used agent for brightening coins and removing grime and discoloration on gold, silver, and copper coins. It’s available as a dip or immersion cleaner. It is important to note that it should not be used on stainless steel, lacquered surfaces, platinum, or artificially oxidized silver. Available from APMEX and Walmart – Seller.
- [Conserv Safe Coin Cleaning Solvent]: This solvent-based cleaner is suitable for metal coins and can be applied with a cloth or brush. It’s available from High Plains Prospectors.
- [Wonder Oil Products, Inc. SafeClean Coin Cleaners]: These cleaners are specifically formulated for modern silver, copper, and nickel coins. They are available from eBay.
- [Coin Care Coin Cleaner]: This cleaner is designed to remove soil from copper coins, leaving a natural finish and color, and adding a protective lubricant film. Available from JP’s Corner.
- [Coin Cleaner and Protector Kit]: This kit provides a solution for cleaning various types of coins, including gold, silver, and vintage coins. It is available from Walmart – Seller.
- [
5oz e-Z-est Coin Cleaner for Gold Silver and Copper Coins $15.61 4.1 (25)]
- [
Conserv Safe Coin Cleaning Solvent Bottle $17.95 $19.95 4.7 (10)]
- [
Wonder Oil Products, Inc. SafeClean Coin Cleaners $39.95 5.0 (2)]
- [
Coin Care Coin Cleaner $9.25 $10.75]
- [
Coin Cleaner and Protector Kit $32.99]
See more
Some methods can be effective but carry a higher risk of damaging the coin and reducing its value. These are generally not recommended for valuable or collectible coins:
- Vinegar and Salt: This mixture can quickly remove tarnish from pennies, especially those minted before 1982. However, vinegar is acidic and can damage the coin’s surface if left to soak for too long. Some recommend rinsing the coins with distilled water after cleaning to remove any residual vinegar.
- Ketchup: Similar to vinegar, the acidity in ketchup can help remove tarnish, especially from copper pennies. Gently rub it on the coin and rinse with distilled water.
- Lemon Juice and Salt: Like vinegar, lemon juice is acidic and can be used with salt to clean coins. However, it may also carry the risk of damaging the coin’s surface if not used carefully. Rinse the coins with distilled water afterward.
- Isopropyl Alcohol and Salt: Soaking coins in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and salt can help remove built-up dirt. This method is considered more abrasive than using vinegar.
- Acetone or Xylene: These solvents can remove surface dirt or oils from coins without damaging them, as long as no rubbing is involved during the soak or drying process. However, acetone is a fire hazard, and fingernail polish remover containing acetone may have other chemicals that could damage the coins.
- Olive Oil: Soaking heavily encrusted coins in olive oil can loosen dirt and won’t damage the coin. However, this is a slow process, potentially requiring several months of soaking. It’s recommended to use plain olive oil, not virgin olive oil.
- Rock Tumbler: This device, using ceramic beads as a medium and cleaning agents like baking soda and dish soap, can effectively clean both modern copper and non-copper coins. However, it’s important to separate copper and non-copper coins to avoid copper coating.
- Ultrasonic Cleaner: These cleaners use sound waves to clean coins submerged in water with a small amount of detergent. It’s important to use distilled water and avoid harsh detergents.
- Determine Coin Value: Before cleaning any coin, especially older ones, it’s crucial to determine its value and historical significance. Cleaning can significantly reduce the value of a collectible coin.
- Consult Experts: If you have a potentially valuable or rare coin, it’s always best to consult with a professional coin appraiser or conservator before attempting any cleaning. Some experts advise against cleaning coins at all, as it can be difficult to do without causing damage and reducing their value.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasives: Harsh chemicals like acid dips, metal polishes, or abrasive materials like steel wool or wire brushes can permanently damage coins and destroy their luster and value.
- Protect Your Hands: Always wear gloves when handling coins, especially after cleaning them, to prevent smudges and the transfer of natural skin oils, which can be corrosive to coins.
- Proper Storage: Store coins in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Use acid-free and PVC-free holders to avoid damaging the coins.
In conclusion, for most commonly found coins, gentle cleaning with distilled water, mild soap, or baking soda paste is the safest approach. Specialized coin cleaning products can also be effective, but it’s vital to research and choose the right product for the specific coin material. For valuable or rare coins, consulting a professional is always recommended to avoid accidentally diminishing their value.
What is the best solution for cleaning coins?
I can help with that. All that has to be done is to mix the baking soda and vinegar together (about 1 part baking soda and 4 parts vinegar is the ratio I always followed) in a bowl or glass then immerse the coins you want to clean; this mixture seems to work especially well on pennies.
Is WD-40 good for cleaning coins?
From my experience, The oil-base makes WD-40 reasonably effective at removing it without a lot of work. There is of course some sacrifice when this stuff is removed but fortunately the metal underneath is in pretty good condition and the coin, in hand, is much more presentable.
Is Dawn dish soap good for cleaning coins?
Dawn dish soap. Warm water let soak rinse and repeat. Several times. Allow to air dry on a microfibre towel. Do not rub the coins dry or to remove stubborn spots. A toothpick may help to remove those spots.