Coin Storage

OMG A coin shop employee said it was ok to use a baking soda paste to clean coins?

That is horribly wrong- it will clean the coin alright, and leave hairline scratches all over Also, fingernail polish remover is NOT good either. Most polish removers have oils, frangrances and other chemicals in it. Some polish removers contain acetone, but quite a few nowadays have methyl ethyl ketone as the main solvent.

Pure acetone can be used on coins with success. Acetone can sometimes be found next to polish removers and most hardware stores will stock it as well. I do not consider acetone to be a cleaning agent in the traditional sense as it does not affect the metal of the coin, it will only remove organic material(dirt, finger grease, PVC residue, etc) and not toning.

The most important things to remember when working with acetone-
do not use near any ignition source and use in a WELL-VENTILATED area. It is not dangerous to your skin although it will strip your skin of all natural oils leaving it feeling dry and leathery. The fumes are the big concern since they have an intoxicating effect and depress the central nervous system so proper ventilation is the key.

Hi LeAnn

Coin tubes hold the same as the paper rolls , 50 cents, 40($10) Quarters ,40$2) Nickles , ect.

The coin shop thing is a joke right ? I hope you never buy a coin from them !!

Metalman

Actually you should not use baking soda on coins you should only use acids. Sulfuric Acid on Copper works well. For most Silver or Nickel coins a blow torch has amazing effects in cleaning off all dirt. If none available, just boil your coins in Lemon Juice on the stove.
OK now, what I want you to do is read the many posts on cleaning coins you can find, print them out, take the printed pages, glue the backs of them, go back to that coin store and glue those pages on that persons face. Or just print this out:
DO NOT EVER, EVER, EVER CLEAN COINS.
Now as to how many coins fit into a plastic roll. That may vary pending the manufacturer of the plastic tube and the condition of the coins. I've found that some manufacturers have made the tubes with a little tolerence so that you could actually put on more coin in the tube even if in new condition. With well worn coins you may be able to fit 2 or 3 extras in a roll. I've got many, many Lincoln Cents from the 20's, 30's that are so worn 53 fit into a plastic roll ment for 50. I've found some rolls that wouldn't even hold 50 new cents. Like I said it depends on the manufacturer.
Back to the lady that said you should clean your coins, tell her you want to clean her car with baking soda and water and a wire brush and you'll do it free.

Just Carl is right on about the coin tubes, Typically they are meant to hold the same as a standard wrapper that you get at the bank. But I too have found some that will hold 2-3 more, but never ones that will hold less than a standard roll.