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 Replies: 20 / Views: 2,782 |
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
I'm fairly new to coin collecting and need some advice before I go and make a mistake by cleaning my coins. I've read multiple opinions online about cleaning coins, but I'm not sure what to trust. Hope I can get some help
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2168 Posts |
I do not clean. It is the most often recommendation I've seen. In fact just a few weeks ago I was watching Pawn Stars and someone brought in a very old gold piece. If it had not been cleaned the value would have been 6 figures. I think they ended up offering around 15,000 or so. The coin looked fine on TV, but I guess the 'cleaning' made the coin lose a LOT of value. I would never clean, unless just a junk coin of not any value.
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Moderator
 United States
34402 Posts |
Rule #1: never clean your coins.
Rule #2: If you aren't sure what to do, see rule #1.
Almost without exception, cleaning of coins by the novice or casual collector is a bad idea.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Valued Member
 Canada
90 Posts |
Thanks angel2004. I read that if u have to clean, only soak it in olive oil, never do anything abrasive.
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
I'll follow rule #2, thanks dspenciner,
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2168 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
785 Posts |
Welcome to the forums! As a general rule, never clean your coins, the only exception would be in pure acetone but even then you probably don't need to. Especially if you arn't sure of what your doing. As for olive oil I have never heard of that for modern coins so I wouldn't recommend it, maybe it is used for ancient coins? Either way I wouldn't do anything until you have absolutely checked and double checked your sources and know what your doing. Good luck, and have fun!
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
 to CCF. Never clean coins is the general rule. I am sure we all have done it though  . If you feel you need to clean a coin practice on some junk coins. If you have a collectible coin that needs cleaning post some good pics here first and a member will help you out.If you have a high dollar coin there are pros that can conserve it for you,NCS (part of NGC) I think is one of them. John1  |
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Valued Member
Germany
303 Posts |
Welcome to CCF.
You could show us some coins that in your opinion could use some cleaning. Generally, I wouldn't clean my coins. I do not even want to think about all the coins that might have had beautiful toning and now are cleaned by someone who did not know better...
Best
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
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Valued Member
Canada
90 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5239 Posts |
In addition to acetone, I have used mild soap and water.
The great danger is that coins get scrubbed with an abrasive. Abrasion is good for pots and pans but is the kiss of death for the best coins. Even your finger can be abrasive and you will see a mark on proof coins.
A little bit of circulation dirt on coins is OK.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Generally, cleaning coins is greatly frowned upon.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
I've seen coins that would have been worth $1500 turned into coins worth $100 by cleaning. As has been said - don't clean.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2168 Posts |
Yes, I saw a large swing in value for a gold coin on Pawn Stars a few weeks ago-from a 6 figure value down to a number in the 15,000 range. The coin on TV didn't appear badly damaged either.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 2,782 |
Posted 03/23/2016 10:17 pm
