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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,721 |
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Valued Member
Egypt
139 Posts |
Should I be cleaning my coins? If I should, Can anyone please teach me how to clean coins? Thanks a lot! :)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
802 Posts |
NEVER CLEAN A COIN! If you want details on making them look a little better, some people on here may be willing to give some pointers, but I have never cleaned a coin in any way. Even a cotton swap will "scratch" a coins finish.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
4411 Posts |
It depends what you mean by cleaning. Do you mean making it look shiny again or do you mean removing a little bit of grime. Most people do not like old shiny coins that have been cleaned and would much prefer them to be naturally toned.
The general view is dont clean coins. However if they are low cost and you dont like the grime then give them a light clean. An acetone wipe or bath for silver coins is good, otherwise a light wipe with olive oil and a cotton bud is good for copper coins. Many ancients need to be cleaned. Experiment on junk coins before you do anything to coins you like.
Maybe post some pictures of what you are wanting to clean first.
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Valued Member
 Egypt
139 Posts |
I will keep all that in mind. Thanks a lot guys :)
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
 , ammarabdulfattah! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1554 Posts |
 Best analogy I can give you about coin cleaning is : " would you clean a newly bought Ferrari with an S.O.S. pad"? Glenn  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I see your new and from far, far away or I'd give you a pile of silly answers. Instead I'll say DO NOT CLEAN COINS. No one cleans those old Eyptian Mummies now do they. Not the same thing but old stuff should be left alone. Coins and other old items do get confusing as to cleaning though. I know it is difficult to tell someone to clean there cars inside and out. Clean your house inside and out. Clean all your cloths, shoes, towels, dishes and on and on with all the things you should clean. Then all of a sudden people are saying DO NOT CLEAN COINS. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
What about cleaning coins that have green corrosion growing on them ? Won't they just keep getting worse ?
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Moderator
 United States
188404 Posts |
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Should I be cleaning my coins? The short answer is if you are asking the question, then no. The long answer will come in time, once you learn the differences between cleaning and conservation. You have come to the right place to learn this.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
539 Posts |
first, WELCOME
I think you will find that opinions vary. No one would agree that a 'harsh' cleaning is ever good. But the meaning of harsh is sometimes cloudy. The degree/extent of cleaning is also a variable amongst collectors.
I personally will 'wash' a coin if it really dirty especially if it is a circulated example. There are those that disagree and I still think we can all get along. I think for me it is more about my enjoyment. I don't foresee selling my coins in my lifetime and most aren't worth much anyway. I personally believe most circulated coins have had some type of cleaning over their life anyway. It just doesn't always get noted.
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
It really comes down to personal opinion, and your plans on the collection you have. I'm assuming the general population of the coin community would lean towards NO in the "cleaning" dept. Best of luck!
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Valued Member
Egypt
139 Posts |
Thanks a lot everyone, I will sure keep all of that in mind :) again thanks :D
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
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I know it is difficult to tell someone to clean there cars inside and out. Clean your house inside and out. Clean all your cloths, shoes, towels, dishes and on and on with all the things you should clean.
Then all of a sudden people are saying DO NOT CLEAN COINS. That's because when cleaning coins is mentioned most people asking want to do the equivalent of sandblasting their living room. |
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Moderator
United States
188404 Posts |
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That's because when cleaning coins is mentioned most people asking want to do the equivalent of sandblasting their living room. This is why the default answer is no. One needs to be educated about what will and will not damage a coin. If I ruin my shirt with too much bleach, I throw it away. It is not as easy to just throw coins away. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,721 |
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Posted 03/18/2012 6:59 pm
