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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,721 |
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New Member
United States
44 Posts |
Is there a way to clean coins without damaging them? Because I heard that cleaning coins damages them and that it's best to leave them as they are. Is that true? Doesn't that cause Toning? Doesn't that make the coins value go down or makes them less appealing to a buyer?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1000 Posts |
Distilled water and acetone (separately) are regarded as "safe" methods of cleaning coins. You should soak the coin in the solution in a glass jar until any surface deposits are removed. Change water/acetone as needed. Do not scrub the coin, as this will cause hairline scratches. Toning is caused by oxidation and exposure to the atmosphere. Theoretically, if a coin is locked in an airtight container, it should not tone. Sometimes, aesthetically attractive toning increases the value of coins. This is especially true in the case of Morgan dollars. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
This is a topic that needs to be approached with caution, as one can certainly damage coins in the process.
Search all of the threads on this topic at CCF - and there are several.
Experiment on coins of no value.
Use a shot class rather than a flat bottomed container when feasible. It suspends the coin by it's rim.
Post pictures of your candidate coin.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Each coin has a different personality . There are some with oil or crud that can benefit from an Acetone soak .There are some gooey green coppers ( Verdigris ) use Acetone first then a product called Verdi-care ( sold on e-bay ). And then there is ugly dark and blotchy toned silver coins. If they have no circulation at all ( GEM ) You can silver Dip these coins for a few seconds to get rid of the ugly color . never harshly clean any coin . If you need further instructions just ask .  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
666 Posts |
Edited by dd27
02/11/2017 11:18 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
You should get yourself a sandblasting piece of equipment. That will make all coins look like new.   Only kidding. It is always amazing about cleaning old items. For example cleaning an old table or chair could ruin it's value. Yet cleaning an old car makes it worth more. Cleaning an old knife or gun could ruin it. Yet cleaning your house keeps you healtheir and worth more. Things like this drive some people nuts. Yet the best way to look at it is if you clean an old coin, you may be removing some of the metal so this is why cleaning a coin is just not the thing to do. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
It appears that coin cleaning gains acceptance if you use the term conservation and charge a lot.
I'm not criticizing, just noting. So what would you call it if you did Conservation job on your car? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
In conserving an auto, I think it is acceptable to add a layer of protective waxes and polish the surface. To me, in the case of the auto, it is just a good cleaning.
Why do you ask?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7504 Posts |
I thought it was always recommended " not to clean coins! because it will reduce the value!
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,721 |
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Posted 02/11/2017 4:09 pm
