How to Clean Coins

Serious practitioners of numismatics (the study and collection of coins, paper money and medals) will tell you that you shouldn't clean your coin collection because collectors prefer that "natural look." But, hey, they're your coins and if you want them shiny, here's how to get them that way with minimal damage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid Dish Soap
• Isopropyl Alcohols
• Soft Cloth
• Soft Cloth
• Olive (not Virgin) Oil
• Vinegar
• Vinegar
• Acetone
• Blow Dryers
• Acetone
• Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
• Coins
• Coins

1. Handle coins by the edges to avoid putting fingerprints on the flat surfaces.

2. Avoid silver and other metal polishes - even jewelry polishes. They are much too harsh and will leave tiny scratches on the coin's surfaces.

3. Soak the coins in olive oil or soapy water for a few days and then rinse them well with clean water.

4. Try non-abrasive cleaners such as denatured or isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner (with water) if the soaking doesn't do the trick.

5. Blow dry or pat cleaned coins with a soft cloth, not tissues or paper towels.

6. Never rub the coin - unless it's your good luck charm.

Tips & Warnings

• Be extremely careful if your coins are old. If you mess up, you could seriously decrease the coins' value. Consider taking them to a professional.
• Tarnished coins are better left as they are. Collectors call it "toning" and it's a desirable look.

on 2/16/2007 Try using vinegar, soda, ketchup, sea salt and hot soapy water.

on 9/9/2006 Do not clean your coins to increase their value! This cannot be stressed enough. However, sometimes pieces that are dug from the ground are in such poor condition that to even identify them they must be cleaned. This often happens with ancient Roman coins. I've found that the best way to remove the dirt and grime without removing the patina (natural coloring) is to soak the coin in trumpet valve oil for two or three days and then brush them with a firm, yet soft, toothbrush. You may need to repeat this several times.

on 8/8/2006 Tabasco sauce or Taco Bell hot sauce is the best, both instantly give copper a brilliant shine. When done, rinse in white vinegar and lightly coat with vegetable oil.

on 8/8/2006 Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Pour some vinegar in a cup and put in the coin. Then pour in some baking soda and it should make a chemical reaction and start bubbling. Right away pour in some salt over the coin and let soak for 5 minutes, turnover for other side to soak and your done. It gives it a great shine, but shouldn't be used for collector coins.

on 8/8/2006 If you really have to clean coins, use something very gentle. Stuff like vinegar and acids are way too harsh for collectors coins. Use canola oil if you really have to and you can soak it in there for over a month to get of the dirt.