When considering cleaning coins, it’s crucial to understand that cleaning can significantly impact their value, especially for collectible or rare coins . In most cases, cleaning collectible coins yourself is not recommended. However, if you are cleaning coins for circulation or non-collectible purposes, several options are available, both with commercially available products and household items.
- [e-Z-est Coin Cleaner]: This widely used product is designed to brighten and remove grime and discoloration from copper, gold, and silver coins. It is applied via dipping or immersion and works quickly. e-Z-est Coin Cleaner is suitable for beginners and is free of harsh chemicals. You can purchase it from retailers like APMEX, Walmart, and Brooklyn Gallery.
- [Coin Cleaner and Protector Kit]: This kit provides a solution for cleaning various coins, including gold, silver, and vintage coins. It’s important to control the soaking time to avoid damage. This kit is available from Walmart.
- [Nic-A-Lene Coin Cleaner]: This concentrated cleaner is effective on nickels, cents, and clad coins, restoring their brilliance. It is recommended to use it with a Nic-A-Brush and wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth after application. Nic-A-Brush is also available for purchase separately from retailers like Harryedelmaninc.com, eBay, and EveryMarket.
- [Le Crayon a Andre Coin Cleaning]: This set of pencils is ideal for cleaning bronze coins like Indian Head Pennies and 2-cent pieces, and can also be used on other metals like copper. You can find this product at Aquaterra Elite Detectors, eBay, and High Plains Prospectors.
- [Ultimate Coin and Relic Cleaning Kit]: This comprehensive kit includes cleaning pencils, aggressive and mild cleaning solutions, Renaissance Wax for preservation, a magnifier, and various brushes for cleaning coins and relics. It is available from High Plains Prospectors.
- [
E-Z-est Coin Cleaner $18.99 4.6 (107)]
- [
Coin Cleaner and Protector Kit $32.99]
- [
Nic-A-Lene Coin Cleaner 16 oz Economy Bottle $21.89]
- [
Le Crayon a Andre Coin Cleaning $17.95 5.0 (11)]
- [
Ultimate Coin and Relic Cleaning Kit $74.95 $80.00 4.8 (7)]
See more
- Dish Soap and Water: A simple and gentle method involves soaking coins in warm, soapy water to loosen dirt and grime. You can use a soft brush like an old toothbrush to gently scrub the coins while submerged. Afterward, rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Vinegar and Salt: This combination creates an acidic solution that can help remove tarnish from coins. Mix white vinegar with salt in a non-metal bowl and soak the coins for a few minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry. e-Z-est Coin Cleaner is not recommended for valuable coins as it may cause damage.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Baking soda, when combined with vinegar, creates a fizzing reaction that can help loosen dirt and grime. Make a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply it to the coin, and gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse and dry. Note: Baking soda is abrasive and can scratch coins, so use it with caution on non-valuable coins.
- Ketchup: Ketchup contains vinegar and tomato, which act as a mild acid to break down copper oxide and remove tarnish. Apply a small amount of ketchup to the coin, rub it with a cloth or toothbrush, and rinse.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice’s citric acid can help remove tarnish. Soak coins in lemon juice for 5-10 minutes, then rinse and buff with a paper towel.
- Olive Oil: For old copper or bronze coins with heavy encrustation, soaking them in olive oil for an extended period can help loosen grime without damaging the patina. After soaking, clean with soap and distilled water and gently scrub with an old toothbrush if needed.
- WD-40: Some suggest soaking coins in WD-40 to remove dirt and grime. After soaking, clean with pure acetone or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Do not rub or polish the coin.
Important Note: Always test cleaning methods on a non-valuable coin first, especially if you’re unsure how a particular method will affect the coin’s surface or patina. For collectible or antique coins, it’s generally best to consult a professional numismatist or conservation service like Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS) or ANACS Conservation Service.
What is the best thing to clean coins with?
Vinegar and Salt
Mix vinegar with salt. Place pennies in the solution and let them sit for a while, and then use a clean, soft toothbrush to clean any dirty areas. Rinse the coins, and then polish them with baking soda paste.
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.
Will WD-40 clean coins?
Great question! Soak in WD40 , then clean with pure acetone or 99% isopropyl. None of these will in any way harm the coins and are non reactive / non acidic and non abrasive. Under no circumstances should a coin be rubbed or polished.