Coin Cleaning

[Narmuriel]

I am relatively new to serious coin collecting. I have a couple of questions which some of you may find hilarious (or horrifying depending on which way you look at it)

 

Should coins ever be cleaned? And if so, what should you use to clean them?

 

And to what extent should they be cleaned?

 

If someone else has posted about this, I apologize, I couldn't find any posts that fit in the search of the forum.

[Wihlborg]

Narmuriel,

 

Coins should never be abrasively cleaned, that means rubbed with any polish, wiped with a cloth, or any other method that would cause friction to be applied to the surfaces of the coin. This is because such methods of ‘cleaning’ damage a coin by impairing its natural luster and causing fine scratches or ‘hairlines’ on its surface.

 

Another method used by some to clean coins is ‘dipping’. This is when a coin is dipped in an acidic solution for a few seconds to remove tarnish from the coins surface. A commonly sold dipping solution is called Jewel Luster. While this method of cleaning is non-abrasive, if it is not done correctly or done to many times it will also damage the coins luster, causing it to look dull and lifeless.

 

In general, it is best to not try to clean a coin as it is very easy to cause damage that will lower its value, but some coins with unsightly toning can have their eye appeal improved by a careful ‘dipping’. However as I said, even dipping can have a negative effect on a coin if not done correctly.

 

P.S. Welcome to the board!

 

John

[Hoot]

There are at least two reference books on cleaning coins, and I think they can be found at http://www.stantonbooks.com/. Best to move cautiously ahead.

 

Try looking at the NCS forums here on this site. You can go to their site at http://www.ncscoin.com/.

 

Here's an interesting site on Electrolysis cleaning at home.

 

Keep in mind that you are likely to destroy the value of any nice coins by any form of cleaning. Even dipping coins should not be undertaken by the uninitiated.

 

Hoot

[topsman]

Just make sure the coin has very little collector value, and doesn't show signs of having any value in the future. I still clean up my "[!@#%^&^]" coins, the ones with all the dirt and gunk on them that only have a value of a dollar or two, mainly buffalo's, and wheaties, and of course gotta watch out for the key dates.

 

Just a question myself.

 

#1) Has anyone tried electorolsis cleaning? Does it really work that good like they say? How does it effect the coin?

 

#2) Would anyone know if it is bad to use rubbing alcohol it cleaning the not so good coins. I've used it to clean some really dirty and beat up nickels, and in my view it leaves the coin looking more natural than polishes do.

[scroll]

There are at least two reference books on cleaning coins, and I think they can be found at http://www.stantonbooks.com/. Best to move cautiously ahead.

 

Try looking at the NCS forums here on this site. You can go to their site at http://www.ncscoin.com/.

 

Here's an interesting site on Electrolysis cleaning at home.

 

Keep in mind that you are likely to destroy the value of any nice coins by any form of cleaning. Even dipping coins should not be undertaken by the uninitiated.

 

Hoot

 

Well...you have to start somewhere or you never will learn. :-D

 

So perhaps practice with some lesser valued filler coins, I would think. I've actually pondered this same question as one retailer I have dealt with claims to sell a good non-abrasive.