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 Replies: 16 / Views: 10,011 |
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Valued Member
United States
240 Posts |
Is it ok to clean a dirty grimy coin with soap and water? bought a Walking Liberty half dollar at a gun show that was real dirty, cleaned it and its now bright and shiny. Its almost like the dirt persevered the finish. |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
25062 Posts |
The only problem might be if you rubbed it while cleaning and gritty particles scratched the surface. But a quick wash with a mild hand soap and water certainly would have negligible effects on the coin.
Any chance you could supply pics?
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19136 Posts |
Would be cool to see before and after pics. Water and (very) mild soap aren't necessarily evil, but rubbing can introduce problems--same with wanton brushing.
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Moderator
United States
95403 Posts |
Hmm. 'cleaning' here is a four letter word. But soaking in water or acetone with no (zero) rubbing or scrubbing.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
 so we can see how good or bad it turned out . A light soap & water is ok in my opinion for very dirty coins , do not scrub . But I would have tried Acetone for a long soak first .  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Rubbing - Aye, that's the rub.
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Moderator
Australia
16810 Posts |
As a very general question, the answer to: Quote:
Is it ok to clean a dirty grimy coin with soap and water? is, "It depends". It depends on what the coin is made of. Silver? Should be fine. Aluminium, or any alloy containing aluminium? Definitely not, because soap corrodes aluminium. It depends on the soap. They should all do the job of removing physical dirt, but what else will they do to a coin? Many detergent-type soaps are sulfur-based, so if the soap isn't thoroughly removed from the coin, it will likely quickly tarnish because of the soap. It depends on how you do the washing. Scrubbing, rubbing or wiping of any kind is not good. Making soap actually do its job without scrubbing, rubbing or wiping is the tricky part. Something like a water pik that makes a tiny jet of soapy water would be ideal. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Good old soap 'n water works a treat on any gold coin in AU-58, and silver coin in AU-55 or less condition.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you start, - that softens your skin and removes natural skin oils which are slightly acidic. The wet softened skin is excellent for physically removing any loosely attached dirt or oily film that maybe on the surface of the coin.
If it makes you happy, rinse with a distilled water squirt bottle or perhaps finish with acetone. Pat dry with a soft tissue
All bronze or copper coins better left alone, irrespective of condition so that they can continue to patinate. OK to use a toothbrush under running water after recovery from ground burial.
Any proof coin with mirror fields should be left strictly alone, and even if there are milk spots or other blemishes on proof silver coins.
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Valued Member
 United States
240 Posts |
here is an after pic, no before pic, still dirt around the date  |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Short answer is no. 100% pure acetone dip or soak never rub. John1  |
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Valued Member
Canada
91 Posts |
Quote:
@john1 "Short answer is no. 100% pure acetone dip or soak never rub.
John1" *** Edited by Staff to add Quote tags. [quote][/quote] Please use them in the future. ***I came here for just that answer, lol I see it mentioned a few times. I have not touched much of my silver, but I looked enough to see some might need some cleaning, er I mean soaking/no rubbing, lol Thanks guys |
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Valued Member
Canada
91 Posts |
Quote:
"Something like a water pik that makes a tiny jet of soapy water would be ideal." *** Edited by Staff to add Quote tags. [quote][/quote] Please use them in the future. ***LIke a modified airbrush? hmmmmm I've a lot of materials from my past hobbies that are coming in handy, air brush, acetone...... lol |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
My answer is "No" BUT, if you feel the need it's entirely up to you. just DO NOT RUB...dab if you must with a very soft cotton fabric. There's a reason why she hasn't been cleaned since 1941! Collectors just don't do it - in my book.  Edited by dsking
01/27/2023 2:44 pm
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Valued Member
United States
240 Posts |
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New Member
Philippines
1 Posts |
No, it is not recommended to clean a coin with soap and water. The soap and water can damage the coin's patina and can reduce the coin's value. It is best to use a soft cloth with a coin cleaning solution to clean coins.
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Moderator
United States
188001 Posts |
 to the Community, ranscorpionngc15! |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 10,011 |
Posted 01/19/2023 4:32 pm
