Preserve Your Collection: How to Clean Coins Properly

Learning how to clean coins can be an enjoyable task for both children and adults. Over time, coins of various kinds may become dirty and discolored. It can be oddly satisfying to witness the impressive change from dingy, grime-covered coins to sparkling clean ones. Moreover, cleaning coins aids in removing germs, as many people frequently handle coins.

Ancient coins provide a glimpse into history. However, they are often dirty when obtained. Take care to clean them gently in order to preserve their beauty and value. There are numerous cleaning methods available for your coins, depending on the degree of dirtiness. Choose the approach that best suits your coin, and always handle it with care and patience. With this piece, let’s explore how to clean coins.

     Cleaning Methods for Different Types of Coins

How the cleaning process differs depends on the kind of coin so that it will still retain its value and appearance. Here is a general guide on how to clean different kinds of coins:

1. Circulated Coins

• Mild Soap and Water: For most circulated coins, a gentle wash with soap and warm water will suffice. Massage gently with your fingers; do not use a brush that will scratch the coin. Rinse with distilled water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials since these could damage the surface of the coin and reduce its value.

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2. Uncirculated or Proof Coins

• Handling: These coins should be handled with utmost care; one should handle them in cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and oils on the skin.
• No Cleaning Recommended: Generally, uncirculated or proof coins should not be cleaned; even the mildest cleaning may reduce their value. If you must clean, then consult a professional.

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3. Silver Coins

• Soap and Water: As in circulated coins, mild soap and water can be used to give the silver coins a light clean. Clean the coin using a soft cloth and dry it. Baking Soda Paste: A paste made of baking soda and water can be applied to the silver coins to remove any kind of tarnish. Gently rub the paste onto the coin, then wash it with distilled water and dry properly.
• Baking Soda Paste: A paste made of baking soda and water can be applied to the silver coins to remove any kind of tarnish. Gently rub the paste onto the coin, then wash it with distilled water and dry properly.

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4. Copper Coins

• Distilled Water Soak: Soak the copper coins for days in distilled water. This will help the dirt and other particles on it get dislodged and removed. The water has to be changed daily; scrubbing of any form is not allowed since copper is very soft and easily scratched.
• Lemon Juice: This works mainly for really tough stains. A quick dip does work wonders but take care not to leave them in very long as it may further damage the copper owing to its acid nature.

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5. Gold Coins

• Soft Cloth and Soap: Gold coins can be cleaned in mild soap and water with a very soft cloth. Gold is a soft metal that scratches when it comes into contact with anything harder than it is, so nothing abrasive should come into contact.
• Avoid Commercial Cleaners: Most cleaners that are sold for cleaning metals are too harsh for gold coins.

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6. Ancient Coins

• Professional Cleaning: Ancient coins are mostly very fragile and of great value; therefore, it is always advisable to consult a professional before one can clean them. Improper cleaning ruins the historic value of the coin.

     Key Tips

While exploring how to clean coins, these tips below will surely benefit you.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: These may easily ruin coins and must be avoided, together with abrasive tools.
• Test on a Small Area First: In case you have doubts regarding a cleaning technique, test it first on a less-valued coin to get the results.
• Patience: Cleaning a coin takes time. If you rush, then you're going to make mistakes, which can be injurious to the coin.

     Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Coins

Here's what not to do if you insist on keeping your more recent coins clean:

• Avoid Using Metal Polish: Although it may seem like the most apparent method, this will not clean coins. They are composed of metal, after all. However, the caustic chemicals used to make these cleansers can seriously and irreversibly harm a coin.
• Use of Toothpaste: Toothpaste is not advised since it is very abrasive. Although it can give the appearance of being sparkling, it can seriously harm the surface of your coins.
• Avoid Using Ketchup: You may remember from science class that you can make pennies shiny again by dipping them in ketchup. However, the high acid content of ketchup can remove the patina from the coin and reduce its value.
• Avoid Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Together: These two everyday objects combine to make a strong, bubbly solution that can remove grime from coins. However, it has the same potential to erode the coin's patina and destroy its value as other items on this list.

     Storing Your Clean Coins

• Keep Coins in a Dry, Cold Place: Coins should always be kept dry and cool to prevent rust and corrosion from moisture. Steer clear of high-humidity locations like attics, garages, and basements.
• Use the Right Storage Containers: Coin holders composed of cardboard, paper, or plastic that contain PVC should be avoided since they contain acids that can damage objects. Rather, store your money in airtight capsules or PVC-free plastic sleeves made of inert materials like Mylar.
• Store in Airtight Containers: To further shield your silver from the weather and impede the tarnishing process, store it in an airtight container.
• Use Silica Gel: Often found in shoeboxes or handbags, silica gel packets can absorb moisture in the air and help keep items from tarnishing. Think about storing a packet of gel close to your silver coins.