How to Clean Coins

If you’re new to the world of numismatics, also known as coin collecting, then you may have a lot to learn! One very important thing that every coin collector needs to know is the proper way to clean their coins. Often, collectible coins shouldn’t even be cleaned. If you’re interested in selling your coins to other collectors, it’s best to leave the coins uncleaned. They may prefer the coins in their original state.

How to Clean Coins

If you decide to clean your coins, the most important thing to remember is never to use anything abrasive. This includes such things as metal polish, acid based cleaners or household cleaning solutions. Even wiping a coin with a soft cloth will cause tiny scratches, visible under a magnifying glass, which will reduce the value of the coin.

How to Clean Coins - Soak the coin in vinegar. If unsightly tarnish, dirt or rust deposits, or other contaminants remain on the coin after a thorough rinse, soak the coin for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. For gold coins, soaking in very hot soapy water is best. For bronze coins — usually ancient coins — soak in distilled water (the minerals in tap water can further taint the coin’s surface if soaking for a long time) or olive oil — olive oil is a very gentle way to clean coins, but you may need to soak them for several weeks. This is how to clean coins.

How to Clean Coins - Always use non-abrasive cleaners such as rubbing alcohol or olive oil to clean coins. Commercial jewelry and metal polishes are usually too harsh. Never, for example use silver tarnish remover to clean silver coins as it will adversely affect a coin’s natural toning.

How to Clean Coins - Always rinse the coins with distilled water after cleaning. Tap water should not be used as it contains minerals which may create spots on the surface of a coin. Let coin air-dry after cleaning - never rub a coin dry. This is how to clean coins.

How to Clean Coins - Soak the coins in distilled water and then put them in the freezer. The water will have gotten into the dirt and the ice crystals expand and break the dirt apart. Several repetitions will be needed to completely remove the dirt; however, it does not damage the coin.  This is how to clean coins.

How to Clean Coins - Spread a layer of Elmers white glue over the coin with the coin laying on a piece of wax paper. Let the glue dry and then pull it off the coin. Again, a layer of dirt will be pulled from the coin without damaging it. It will require several tries to clean it completely.

Storing old and valuable coins the proper way is important, and proper long term storage will help to keep coins clean. Coins should generally be kept in an environment with a moderate and constant temperature and low humidity. You can partially eliminate any moisture in the atmosphere by placing small packets of silica gel near to your coins. There are many pockets, albums, folders and display cases on the market to display coins, although in general for valuable coins the best form of display is hard plastic transparent folders. These offer good protection against scratches and abrasions and don’t contain any harmful materials or chemicals.

Well this article has covered some simple ways on how to clean coins to help you with your question to how to clean coins.

Participate in Cleaning Questions and Forums

E-Books: Read Free EBooks online