How to Clean Coins

How to clean Coins? There are different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry.

5 Ways To Clean Coins

if you have set your mind on cleaning a coin then there are many ways to safely do it. You might be considering cleaning a coin is difficult and if it is for your personal enjoyment and has more sentimental value than the actual value or if it is not a rare coin particularly.

One of the most popular reason to clean coins is if you are collecting currency which is circulated such as Lincoln coins that are not rare or ancient. It is no a big surprise that coins are some of the most dirtiest items you can possibly pick up. Over all just think of all the hands they pass through on an average day and how many germs and other particles get stuck in them then to your hand and engravings.

After multiplying all these years and the coins in your pocket or in your piggy bank are just loaded with dirt and other disgusting dirt that chips away at their natural allure by deteriorating the composition surface and making your coins visually unappealing ultimately. Now in this article we have discuss almost 5 various ways on how to clean coins.

Coins can pick up a lot of dirt over time. Whether you are hoping to brighten up your coins or bring a shine to a collectibles. There are multiple methods that provide an effective cleaning solution but before you start you have to ask your self if you should really want to clean your coins. This is the most easy guide that will firstly help you decide whether cleaning your coins is appropriate and then explains how to clean a coin safely and effectively in five simple steps.

How to Clean Coins

Method#1 Soap and Water

Things you need

  1. Dishwashing liquid
  2. Warm water
  3. An old toothbrush
  4. Soft clean cloth

Steps by step Instructions

  1. For this method first you have to gather all the material like Distilled water and Soft towel.

  2. Now rinse the coin with distilled water. Pour distilled water on both the sides of the coin surface . Or set the coins in a shallow bowl of distilled water it is totally your choice then let them sit for a few minutes.

Note: Not use tap water since all the chemicals and fluoride found in tap water. This can damage your coin.

  1. Let the coin dry on the cloth or soft towel. Do not rub the coin as you can damage it with the fibers of the cloth. Simply let the coin dry it self .

If your coins literally have some sort of unidentified filth on them or soil then you will need to remove that before trying to make your coins bright and shiny. If you know how to wash dishes then you will easily be able to perform this task quite easily.

First you have to mix a spoon of dishwashing liquid and water together. Then dip your old tooth brush in to the Soapy water so that it is soaked While holding the penny with one hand. Try to use the soapy tooth brush to scrub the disgusting dirt off the surface of the coins. Now rinse under warm running water and dry with a soft clean cloth or simply air dry them.

Method#2 Vinegar

What you’ll need

  • ¼ cup of white vinegar
  • 1 or 2 teaspoons of salt
  • A bowl big enough to hold everything
  • Spoon
  • Tissue/clean cloth

Follow these Steps

  1. First collect all the coins you want to clean for this experiment. Then make mixture which is very easily made. Now simply take the bowl and pour the vinegar and salt start mixing stir well with the spoon until the salt has completely dissolved.

  2. The coins you have which have put in to the mixture before soaking you must first ensure that it does not have any kind of dirt or grime attached to its surface.

  3. Take your coins into the sink and put warm water running water.

  4. While doing this make sure you hold the coins by the edges to avoid smudging the surface. Do this for about a minute or two.

  5. Sometimes the dirt will still remain if the coin is much older. To deal with this now take a soft old tooth brush and some dish soap and carefully scrub the dirt away, it will do its work but depreciate it’s value.

6.While doing this you have to be Very careful that you do not put too much pressure on the brush as you scrub and only focus on the dirtied area.

  • Second Experiment

  • 4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon of salt

  • Spoon for stirring

  • Cup or glass (plastic or glass, but not metal)

  • Clean water

  • Soft dry cloth

  1. Start by a quarter cup of white vinegar or lemon juice adding up you can choose one. Then put into a cup or glass.

  2. Mix a teaspoon of salt in to the liquid batter and start stirring until it is dissolved. Place your coins at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other.

  3. Wait till the coin is fully soaked about five minutes and then check your coins. If they are not as bright as you would like them let them sit for another five to 10 minutes. It may take as much as fifteen minutes to achieve the color you desire.

  4. Remove all the coins from the glass and rinse under warm running water. Dry your coins with a soft cloth.

  5. If you will like to add a little bit more shine to your pennies, follow up with the Bon Ami Cleanser or baking soda method described below.

  6. This method will restore and the bright orange copper color to your pennies. However, it will not give them a mirror-like shine. You can polish your pennies with a polishing cloth from a silverware set to give them a polished surface.

Method#3 Eraser

  1. Grab a dirty coin and an eraser. While this method should work on any coin. But be from doing other method. This method is totally safe other on the more recent ones while the previous methods are not. The level of methods one fourth will turn your zinc coin black.

The copper became too expensive after 1982 to justify using on a coin just not worth anything. Therefore zinc which is much cheaper metal started being used.

  1. Rub the coin with the small eraser as if you were trying to erase a mark on the piece of paper. If you are handy or if you have a thousand coins to clean then you could attach a pencil with any eraser to a drill and have it do the work for you. There is also an incredibly such a thing as electric erasers.

  2. Flip the coin and repeat above steps as the dirt is not removed. This will take about 1 minute per coin . The only down side to this is at the end. Your hand may get tired and you will be out a pencil or two. Other than that it is a quick and easy path to shiny riches.

Method#4 Baking soda

Baking soda is used for many things and including cleaning costume jewelry. Due to its mild Concern it removes stuck on particles and will polish the most hard substances including coins. You can clean most coins using baking soda and water alone. Therefore you should note that cleaning old coins may decrease their value. If you suspect a coin may be valuable then consult with a professional coin dealer before attempting to clean it.

Things You will need

  1. Towel
  2. Baking soda
  3. Bowl
  4. Toothbrush (soft-bristled)
  5. Soft cloths

Follow these Steps

  1. Lay a clean towel on bathroom sink or next to your kitchen.

  2. Then Pour baking soda in a small bowl then you will need about one fourth table spoon per coin.

  3. Put a stopper or heavy cloth in your sink drain if available. If you do not have a stopper place a heavy cloth over the drain in case you lose your grip on one of the coins.

  4. Wet a soft bristled tooth brush put it under your sink. Dab the bristles in the bowl of baking soda and holding a coin in your hand. Now gently scrub the coin. Use a gentle and light touch when scrubbing. The dirt should immediately start coming off from the coin especially if the coins are silver.

  5. Rinse the coin with warm running water and then air dry it or use a soft cloth. Now place the coin on the towel next to the sink. Repeat this process with all the coins you choose to clean.

Method#5 coke

Collecting coins is a big thing past time. Because most coins have been in circulation for years. Because of circulating they are generally very dirty. Coins that have been found through metal detection are dirty generally because they have been exposed to dirt and the elements for long periods of time. One of the easiest and most effective way to clean coins is with Coke.
Verify the type of coin you are cleaning. This information can be obtained by the mint mark and coins date if it is visible. If you think the coin is valuable then take it to a coin dealer for verification after it is cleaned.

Things that you will Need

  • Small bowl
  • Can of Coke
  • Running water
  • Soft cloth
  • Soft toothbrush
  • Toothpick
  • Magnifying glass

Step by step instructions

  1. Rinse the coin under cold running water. Block the sink before you rinse the coin in case the coin slips from your fingers. Avoid rubbing the coin as it is being rinsed because this can scratch it.

  2. Soak the coin in a glass or a small bowl of Coke for approximately 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

  3. Rinse the coin again under cold running water. If it is clean now proceed the coin to the drying step. If it is still not then .

  4. Return the coin to the bowl of Coke and let it set for almost 15 minutes.

  5. Brush the coin with a very soft old tooth brush. Brush only the area which is dirty and avoid applying too much pressure. If the dirt is still there then use a magnifying glass and a tooth pick to carefully chip off the dirt.

  6. Rinse the coin one final time under cold running water.

  7. Dry the coin with a soft cloth or air dry it . Pat the coin dry instead of rubbing the coin.

Summary How to clean Coins? There are different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry. If you have set your mind on cleaning a coin then there are many ways to safely do it. You might be considering cleaning a coin is difficult and if it is for your personal enjoyment and has more sentimental value than the actual value or if it is not a rare coin particularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

There are some questions which are related to How to Clean Coins are as follows :

Q1. How do you clean coins without losing value?

There are many other different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry.

  1. Soap and Water.
  2. Vinegar.
  3. Baking Soda.
  4. Coke .
  5. Eraser.

Q2. How do you remove gunk from coins?

Put your coins in a large container depending on the size of your collection and then bring them to the sink. Hold your coins under the faucet while running water it should be warm to get rid of any dirt build up that may be present on the surface of the coin.

Q3. What liquid cleans coins the best?

  1. If your coins literally have some sort of unidentified filth on them or soil then you will need to remove that before trying to make your coins bright and shiny.

  2. If you know how to wash dishes then you will easily be able to perform this task quite easily.

  3. First you have to mix a spoon of dishwashing liquid and water together.

  4. Then dip your old tooth brush in to the Soapy water so that it is soaked While holding the penny with one hand.

  5. Try to use the soapy tooth brush to scrub the disgusting dirt off the surface of the coins. Now rinse under warm running water and dry with a soft clean cloth or simply air dry them.

Q4. How do you clean a penny without damaging it?

1.Grab a dirty coin and an eraser. While this method should work on any coin. But be from doing other method. This method is totally safe other on the more recent ones while the previous methods are not. The level of methods one fourth will turn your zinc coin black.

  1. Rub your coin with the eraser as if you were trying to erase a mark on the piece of paper. If you are handy or if you have a thousand coins to clean then you could attach a pencil with any eraser to a drill and have it do the work for you. There is also an incredibly such a thing as electric erasers.

  2. Flip the coin and repeat the whole above steps as needed. This will take about 1 minute per coin . The only down side to this is at the end. Your hand may get tired and you will be out a pencil or two. Other than that it is a quick and easy path to shiny riches.

Q5. Does it devalue coins to clean them?

So the best way is to not to clean rare coins as removing the dirt can significantly reduce the value of them. In fact the 99% of the coins do not increase in value after you clean them but many will be greatly devalued.

Q6. How do professionals clean coins?

  1. Start by adding a quarter cup of lemon juice or white vinegar you can choose one. Then put into a cup or glass.

  2. Mix a tea spoon of white salt in to the liquid and start stirring until it is dissolved. Place your coins at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other.

  3. Wait about for five minutes and then check your coins. If they are not as bright as you would like them let them sit for another five to 10 minutes. It may take as much as fifteen minutes to achieve the color you desire.

  4. Remove the coins from the glass and then rinse under warm running water. Dry your coins with a soft cloth.

  5. If you would like to add a bit more shine to your pennies, follow up with the Bon Ami Cleanser or baking soda method described below.

  6. This method will only restore the bright orange copper color to your pennies. However, it will not give them a mirror-like shine. You can polish your pennies with a polishing cloth from a silverware set to give them a polished surface.

Q7. Can vinegar damage coins?

There are some different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry.

Q8. How do you clean a dirty penny?

The method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry.

Q9. Does baking soda and vinegar clean coins?

There are some coins which are too dirty and may need cleaning. Therefore while cleaning you should be very careful about the cleanser to be used. There are many cleaning agents that can be used for cleaning coins like baking soda is one of them. You can clean coins with baking soda.

Q10. What cleans a penny better experiment?

There are different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry. If you have set your mind on cleaning a coin then there are many ways to safely do it.

Conclusion

:arrow_right: How to clean Coins? There are many different methods to clean coins. But the method that actually works is Vinegar. Vinegar can clean all the dirt from the coin. Soaking the old coins in vinegar is the most effective method that you can attempt. Just leave the coin completely dip in vinegar for around 10 minute or so then rinse off the vinegar and leave it to dry. If you have set your mind on cleaning a coin then there are many ways to safely do it.

:arrow_right: You might be considering cleaning a coin is difficult and if it is for your personal enjoyment and has more sentimental value than the actual value or if it is not a rare coin particularly. After multiplying all these years and the coins in your pocket or in your piggy bank are just loaded with dirt and other disgusting dirt that chips away at their natural allure by deteriorating the composition surface and making your coins visually unappealing ultimately.

:arrow_right: Now in this article we have discuss almost 5 various ways on how to clean coins. One of the most popular reason to clean coins is if you are collecting currency which is circulated such as Lincoln coins that are not rare or ancient. It is no a big surprise that coins are some of the most dirtiest items you can possibly pick up. Over all just think of all the hands they pass through on an average day and how many germs and other particles get stuck in them then to your hand and engravings.