How to Clean Coins
One of the first things a coin collector is interested in is how to properly clean coins. With a little bit of time and patience, this is a rather easy task to accomplish.
How to Clean Coins
For an extremely valuable coin, always consult a professional. In this instance, sometimes it is best not to have the coin cleaned at all, or to have it cleaned by a professional as cleaning can sometimes reduce the value of the coin. For all other coins, such as those that hold sentimental value or ones that you just want to look more presentable, there are many methods that work. Always read through all the instructions before you begin. Also, never use household cleaners to clean coins. They are much too harsh and can ruin the coins completely. They are also not very effective.
The first method you should attempt is very simple and often times very effective. It has very little potential for causing damage. Turn on the faucet to a high water pressure. Make sure you are using warm water. Hold the coin underneath the running water for two or three minutes. Only touch the edges of the coin. Touching or rubbing the surface of the coin can leave scratches. This is a quick and easy way to remove most surface dirt and debris from coins.
If this technique has not cleaned the coin to the desired level, you may use soapy water or olive oil to soak coins for as little as a few days up to as long as a few weeks. Do not mix different types of coins, such as copper and silver, when cleaning. This can cause discoloration. When soaking is complete, rinse thoroughly with water and set the coins out to air dry. Do not towel or rub dry.
Still not completely satisfied with the look of your newly cleaned coin? There are some other things that you can try. Some coin collectors swear by the use of a rubber eraser to erase away dirt and debris. Others suggest using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the coin clean. If there is a particular spot containing a hard layer of dirt, a toothpick may be useful to gently pry away the offending material. Use care to only remove the dirt and not scratch the surface of the coin.
After trying any of these methods, remember to thoroughly rinse and dry the coins. Then, store them properly to reduce the likelihood that they will become soiled again.
