How to Clean Copper Pennies

Rare 1943 Copper Penny

Many coin collectors gather each year in search of rare pennies and coins with errors. That copper penny in your pocket might be worth a lot more than one cent! However, if you're unable to read the year that's displayed on your copper penny, you may never know if it is a much sought-after coin.Fortunately, you can clean your copper pennies and restore them to like-new condition. A few household items is all that's required.

Things You'll Need

• Copper pennies
• Clear glass bowl
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp. salt
• Strainer
• Paper towel

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Instructions

1. Pour the vinegar and salt into the glass bowl.

2. Place the copper pennies into the bowl. Allow the pennies to sit in the solution for 15 minutes.

3. Empty the contents of the bowl (the liquid and copper pennies) into a strainer in your sink.

4. Hold the strainer that contains the pennies under cold, running water for one minute.

5. Remove the pennies from the strainer and lay them flat on a paper towel to dry.