Metal Chinese Coins Are Made From

Gosh, I haven't a clue. I inherited this collection from my husband 15 years ago and when we inventoried after his death I wasn't paying alot of attention. Now I'm trying to determine if they have any value. These coin were in safe that I tho't was waterproof and flood water came up thru the bottom and covered them now I'm trying to clean them. They really don't look to be in very good shape but I'm comparing them with U.S coins. Guess I will have to go thru that huge world coin book and try to find them in it. Thanks for your interest. May just try the acetone on some of them and see what happens. Being soaking in soapy water and rinsing with distilled water so far. They are so dark it is hard to see what they are. Later, Peter Thomas , when I can identify them.Thanks again. Sara

Acetone generally doesn't hurt metal. Soapy water is also mostly harmless, though it can damage a coin made from aluminium.

A word of warning: if you have any round coppery coins with the square holes in them, they're "supposed" to look dirty. These "cash coins" were cast in sand moulds, not struck, so they often look grainy or muddy, especially the background areas.

soht25,
If you can post some pictures of the coins. We can help you determine which coins you have, their value, and how to care for them.