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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,462 |
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Valued Member
Canada
101 Posts |
Hey there, I'm relatively new to coin collecting, so I'm not very knowledgeable about cleaning processes. I'm just wondering, what are some ways to brighten, remove stains, and some general care tips of coins? Is there a fool-proof way to remove stains without damaging the coin, such as removing detail, or overall decreasing it's value? For example: I have (what I believe) is a 1914 1 Dollar (Yuan) Chinese coin. But as you can see, the back is fairly stained. It appears to be rust, from what the texture feels and looks like. Is there a way to clean the rust off this coin, without damaging it's value?   |
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Valued Member
United States
54 Posts |
If it is rust I suggest naval jelly and steel wool.
That coin should be .890 silver. (google - 1914 1 Dollar (Yuan)) Silver doesn't rust very well, so if it is rust you've just got a decent looking but wrong material fake.
Does a magnet stick to it?
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Valued Member
 Canada
101 Posts |
Is there a certain type of magnet that I should use? Or will an ordinary fridge magnet work?
Also, since the coin is .890 silver, is there a chance it will have a slight attraction to the magnet anyways (if it is real)? Possibly that other .110 is attracted to magnets?
Or does that not even make sense? Haha
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Quote:
Also, since the coin is .890 silver, is there a chance it will have a slight attraction to the magnet anyways (if it is real)? Possibly that other .110 is attracted to magnets? As far as I know, silver isn't usually alloyed with magnetic metals in coins. So yes, I believe any magnet should work. If it sticks, you've got a fake. Edited by Kefiroth
08/09/2012 3:24 pm
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I am no expert -- and at first I didn't think it was rust. Dust and humidity can make a mess on a coin's surface.
But then I noticed all these tiny bubbles and that is something usually seen on rotting zinc.
Hope I'm wrong.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
As a general rule never clean coins it lowers the value a lot. That being said, try the least destructive method first and work your way down.Acetone dip (not nail polish) A very soft tooth brush and mild hand soap. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Sorry to say but you have a modern fake composed of steel, hence the rust. Compare your coin to this [eBayItem]251124046802[/eBayItem].
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Valued Member
Canada
101 Posts |
Yeah, unfortunately a magnet does stick to it. Looks like I've been hood-winked. Oh well, I didn't pay anything for it, my dad found it and gave it to me a couple years back.
That being said, not relating to this coin, would you guys suggest not cleaning coins as a general rule? Or is there something small that I can usually use to brighten and clean coins?
What do you guys suggest?
Thanks for all the help
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Valued Member
United States
54 Posts |
Generally speaking, I don't clean any coin that has value above bullion value.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I suggest you try the Search tab at the top and type in Coin cleaning, cleaning coins, Acetone and/or numerous other possible variations of coin cleaning. Should really be a separate forum for this since there are so many posts like this.
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Valued Member
Canada
101 Posts |
Thanks for all the help everyone
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,462 |
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Posted 08/09/2012 2:49 pm
