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 Replies: 20 / Views: 2,746 |
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New Member
United States
26 Posts |
This is a topic that may have been run into the ground already but here goes. I was just wondering what is the best way to clean silver coins without decreasing the value of the coin? I have some that I would like to possibly sell one day and even more that I am holding on to for my personal collection. I keep some of them in coin folders as part of a set and I want them to look as "nice" as the others without hurting their value. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
Do not clean your coins. Period! You will instantly decrease their value and make them that much harder to sell. Not to mention, they will basically be worth silver melt at that point. It is basic human nature to want to clean something that's dirty. Coins cannot be one of them. And,  swcoin.ecrater.com
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
There are a few methods for conserving coins but generally cleaning a coin will damage it. Can you post pics for us to see exactly what you are talking about  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4541 Posts |
to the community!  if you clean, polish, or dip a coin it will decrease value. It may be something you can drop in acetone to clean up a little. pic would help |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Basically already said. Of course that is only because they all know what they are talking about. Don't clean those coins unless you really, really, really don't care about their future. If you do wnat to clean them, try an arc welders torch. Might as well melt them and make some jewlery.  Meanwhile back to your statement of FOLDERS. If in fact your coins are in folders, not albums, I advise you to take them out and acquire some Albums. Folders have glue on the back of the slots you have the coins in. Albums allow you to see both sides and they are covered with plastic slides. Are those folders or albums? |
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New Member
 United States
26 Posts |
Thanks for all the responses. The question about albums or folder...they are the whitman style books (one side of the coin seen only). Secondly, most are coins that I have found coin roll hunting. I am currently working on posting some pics but it will be at least a few more days on that (computer problems). Is there anything such as peroxide, alcohol, or dish soap that will improve luster without damage or are you saying don't clean at all? Just looking to clarify.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
781 Posts |
the general sentiment is don't clean at all. there are those who will advocate the use of acetone, in removing organic material from a coin...which is apparently acceptable for copper coins as well. I don't know that this will do anything in terms of restoring luster, but will also not do any damage that actual "cleaning" may cause. my personal feeling is that the coin should be left as is...gunk and all. unless of course in the case of copper coins, that "gunk" may be doing damage by being allowed to remain on the coin (i.e. verdigris)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Quote:
Is there anything such as peroxide, alcohol, or dish soap that will improve luster Unless a coin is in MS or high AU condition, the luster is gone and not just covered by surface contaminants. Luster is one of the first things removed by wear because luster is caused by microscopic flow lines in the metal itself. The flow lines result from the coin being struck, the metal essentially spreads(via a cold flow process) between the dies when struck. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
Thanks for all the responses. The question about albums or folder...they are the whitman style books (one side of the coin seen only). Secondly, most are coins that I have found coin roll hunting. I am currently working on posting some pics but it will be at least a few more days on that (computer problems). Is there anything such as peroxide, alcohol, or dish soap that will improve luster without damage or are you saying don't clean at all? Just looking to clarify.
If you value those coins at all get them out of those folders. Those are nice for kids but in the long run, not good for the coins. Problem one is the method of putting the coins there. You usually push them in with your thumb leaving oils and acids on the coin. Also, many find that the coins just don't fit easily so they use a soft rubber type hammer. This too is known to not be helpfull to the coins appearances. Additionally to all that is that shinny stuff in the back of the slots. That is the glue left over from the manufacturing process. Also, not helpful in the preservation of the coins. However, if your coin is worn and falls out you can spit on the back of the coin and that will soften the glue and make the coin stick. Also, not good for the coin. As to improving luster on your coins. You could use a buffing wheel with jewel stone at approximately 1800 RPM. This will for sure make those coins look like proofs. Only do this if your the type that would take the mummies at the museum and put them in a bath tub and wash them.   Some things are just ment to not be cleaned. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1077 Posts |
While everyone here is right in what they say on the subject of cleaning, in that cleaning coins will diminish their value, you have to bear some things in mind.
They are mostly talking about valuable coins that you will want to resell and make a profit. They are alao mostly talking about higher grade coins. Thay have also mostly at one time or another cleaned a coin themselves. (You know who you are!)
IF (and that is a big if) you have lower grade grimy coins that you are not planning on re-selling. That you want to keep and admire in your personal collection, and do not like looking at the grime and crud, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cleaning them up a little. Provided you take some precautions. Remember, they are your coins and you can do what you like with them. (Even take the blowtorch to them if you so desire)
A good long soak in distilled water may loosen some dirt and will not harm them. A careful clean with soap and water should also not hurt. (Be careful not to rub them with anything that may scratch, or too firmly) Be aware that any rubbing may move dirt around and therefore scratch the surface also.
I personally do not like tarnish on silver coins. It diminishes my personal enjoyment of the coin. And my personal enjoyment is why I collect coins. Therefore I remove it. I do not have valuable coins, and I do not care about the future or present value because a) I do not plan on selling them for a profit and b) individually the loss in value, because of small current value would be miniscule.
So as I said, while the general rule is "do not clean coins" you do have to consider other factors before deciding if YOU wish to clean YOUR coins.
Let the beatings begin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
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Remember, they are your coins and you can do what you like with them. (Even take the blowtorch to them if you so desire)...I do not have valuable coins, and I do not care about the future or present value because a) I do not plan on selling them for a profit and b) individually the loss in value, because of small current value would be minuscule.
The problem with that line of thinking is that you will not be the last and only owner of a coin(unless you plan on taking them to your grave)- you are merely a historical caretaker of it. The coin will exist long after you and I have turned to dust but it is your responsibility to preserve it for future generations. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1077 Posts |
Historical caretaker? Responsibility to preserve it for future generations? Wow! And I thought I collected coins for my own enjoyment and amusement.
I can promise you nothing I have is of great historical import. Maybe if I owned some rare one off coin or something. But I don't think a few fairly common silver coins require safeguarding for future generations. If they did the governments of this world would have confiscated them all by now.
I think you may be putting a little too much importance in something that is in the end just a hobby. One we feel passionately about, but should not place too much self importance in. I certainly do not own any rare historical artifacts.
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
torch them? |
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
Don't clean them even if they say use xylene or acetone. I think this kills a coin.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Spreading misinformation does no one any good...
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Valued Member
United States
259 Posts |
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Historical caretaker? Responsibility to preserve it for future generations? Wow! And I thought I collected coins for my own enjoyment and amusement.
I can promise you nothing I have is of great historical import. Maybe if I owned some rare one off coin or something. But I don't think a few fairly common silver coins require safeguarding for future generations. If they did the governments of this world would have confiscated them all by now.
I think you may be putting a little too much importance in something that is in the end just a hobby. One we feel passionately about, but should not place too much self importance in. I certainly do not own any rare historical artifacts. I'm glad everyone doesn't feel like that. I'm sure in the 1850s/60s that Bust Halves were some fairly common silver coins. Thankfully some people had the foresight to preserve them for future generations. What I'm trying to say is that your "fairly common silver coins" (which I don't know what they are :D) probably aren't rare right now. But, 200 years from now, they may very well be rare... especially if they've been preserved and taken care of. Don't get me wrong.. I'm not trying to climb on a soap box and preach about coin collecting here. Please, do what you want when it comes to your own things. |
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Replies: 20 / Views: 2,746 |
Posted 03/30/2009 10:56 pm
