How to Clean Coins Safely

Coin enthusiasts are faced with the dilemma of how to safely clean their coins when needed. If they are left dirty, the value is decreased. Yet, if they are cleaned incorrectly, they lose all value. Here are some easy, safe ways to clean your coins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking Soda
• Q-Tips
• Paper Towels
• Vaseline
• Potato
• Coffee Cup
• Microwave
• Tooth Brush
• Water
• Soap

1. Try this method for copper coins first. Put about 1/2 inch of peroxide in a microwave safe coffee cup, and heat it in the microwave until it is boiling. Usually a minute is sufficient. Remove the cup from the microwave and put the coins into the hot peroxide. It will bubble, fix and hiss. Allow the coins to soak until the bubbling stops. Use the Q-Tips to gently wipe away the dirt and grime. Repeat process until desired look is attained. Rinse with soap and water, drying with the paper towel. Coat the coin in Vaseline and allow to set for 10 minutes. Now Wipe excess Vaseline off with a dry paper towel. This seals the coins.

2. If the peroxide method didn't get the desired look, try this one. Insert copper coins into a raw potato. Allow to stay overnight. Remove the coin and clean off the dirt and grime with a toothbrush. Repeat until desired look is attained. Now use the Vaseline on the coin as mentioned in the first step.

3. Silver coins can be quickly cleaned using this method. Rub dry baking soda over the coin. Watch the coin look better with each scrubbing. After desired look is attained, rinse with soap and water. Dry with paper towel. Do not use Vaseline on silver coins.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not over clean any coin
• Practice on common coins before trying on nicer specimens.
• Use caution when dealing with hot peroxide.

[minton7]

on 8/30/2009 Thank you for the compliment. I hope to hearfrom more of you that have viewed this article soon.

[snakesmom]

on 8/28/2009 Great tips for cleaning coins!