Cleaning coins at home can be done, but it’s crucial to understand the risks involved and choose appropriate methods to avoid damaging the coins, especially if they are valuable collectibles.
Here’s a breakdown of safe at-home coin cleaning methods and important considerations:
- Soapy Water & Warm Water: This is a safe and gentle approach for removing surface dirt and grime from low-value coins.
– Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of liquid dish soap.
– Submerge the coins in the soapy water and gently rub them between your fingers to loosen dirt.
– Alternatively, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the coins while they are submerged, focusing on tough spots.
– Rinse the coins thoroughly under warm running water to remove soap residue.
– Important: Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can scratch the coin’s surface.
- Drying: Pat the coins dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry to prevent future tarnishing or corrosion.
- Vinegar and Salt Solution: This mixture can be effective for removing tarnish, especially on copper coins.
– Mix 1 cup white vinegar (or lemon juice) with 1 tablespoon of salt in a jar until the salt dissolves.
– Add the coins to the solution and let them soak for a few minutes (no more than 15 minutes at a time).
– Remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel to remove loosened tarnish.
– If necessary, repeat the process and soak for an additional 5 minutes.
– Note: Vinegar and salt can create a reaction that dissolves copper oxide. Be aware that baking soda is abrasive and can leave scratches.
- Baking Soda Paste: For a more hands-on approach, you can create a baking soda paste.
– Mix a small amount of water with a tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste.
– Apply the paste to the coin using an old toothbrush and scrub gently.
– Rinse the coin thoroughly to remove all baking soda residue.
- Avoid cleaning collectible coins if possible: Cleaning collectible coins can significantly decrease their value to collectors, sometimes by as much as 20-50% or more, [according to Hero Bullion] . Collectors prefer coins to be in their original condition, including the natural patina (toning) that develops over time.
- Distilled water is preferable: If you must clean a potentially valuable coin, use distilled water to avoid chlorine or other minerals in tap water that could potentially damage or discolor the coin.
- Acetone (with caution): For removing surface dirt and adhesives from coins, soaking in a neutral solvent like acetone might be an option. However, use acetone in a well-ventilated area, and avoid skin contact. Note that fingernail polish remover contains acetone, but it also contains other chemicals that can damage coins.
- Professional Cleaning/Conservation: For valuable or rare coins, consult with a professional coin grading service or conservation expert before attempting any cleaning yourself. They have the knowledge and tools to clean coins safely without reducing their numismatic value.
- Ketchup: The acidic properties of ketchup can help remove tarnish from copper coins like pennies.
– Apply ketchup to the coin and let it sit for a few minutes.
– Rinse and dry the coin thoroughly.
- Cola: Cola contains phosphoric acid, which can also help dissolve tarnish and oxidation on coins.
– Submerge the coins in cola for at least 5 minutes.
– Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Cleaning coins at home can be done safely for low-value coins, but collectors should avoid cleaning any coins they believe might be valuable. Simple soap and water is generally the safest approach for surface cleaning. Stronger methods like vinegar, salt, or baking soda can be used on low-value coins with caution, always ensuring thorough rinsing and drying. Always prioritize the preservation of collectible coins and consider consulting a professional if unsure about the best approach for a particular coin.
What household items can clean a coin?
Try lemon juice, vinegar, or a paste made of one of those two mixed with granulated table salt, or toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Some people use hot sauce or ketchup because their viscosity helps the vinegar that they contain really work on the coins.
Does Dawn dish soap clean pennies?
Especially bright copper. If you have to use anything to try and get some gunk.