Cleaning coins found metal detecting can be a challenge, but it can also be very rewarding. The type of cleaning required will depend on the condition of the coins and the amount of time you are willing to invest.
For coins with light dirt, you can use a soft brush or cloth and cold or lukewarm water to gently clean off dirt and tarnish. If dirt is stuck in the crevices of the coin, use a cotton swab or a soft, aged toothbrush.
Another trick is to use a cotton swab and a small amount of vinegar to clean spots on the coins. Just make sure you rinse off the vinegar with water afterwards.
If the coins are heavily corroded or encrusted with dirt, you may need to take on more advanced methods. To remove heavy corrosion, you can use a combination of a soft toothbrush, lukewarm water, baking soda and a mild acidic solution such as lemon juice or vinegar.
Keep in mind not to use any abrasive material for the cleaning process.
If coins are still heavily corroded after cleaning, you can use a chemical-based milder coin cleaning solution to strip away corrosion. However, it’s important to pay attention to the instructions since it’s easy to over-clean and damage coins with some of these solutions.
Finally, if you are looking to preserve coins after cleaning, you can use a lacquer or wax-based sealant to prevent future corrosion. This will require the coins to be dry and free of any dirt or debris before you begin.
With a few simple steps and patience, you can bring your coins back to their former glory.
How do you clean coins that have been buried in dirt?
If coins have been buried in dirt, it is important to take the proper steps to ensure that they are safely cleaned and cared for.
The first step to safely clean coins is to start by brushing off any excess dirt and debris with a soft-bristle brush. It is important to be gentle and not scrub the coins too hard, as this can cause damage.
After brushing off the coins, they can be placed in a shallow bowl or tray of lukewarm distilled water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Let the coins soak for a few minutes, stirring them around every now and then with a plastic spoon.
Once the coins have had time to soak, gently scrub them off with a soft-bristle brush and rinse them off.
After all the dirt is removed from the coins, they should be carefully blotted dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Soaking the coins can cause oxidation and discoloration, so it is important to then rinse and dry the coins as soon as possible.
Once the coins are clean and dry, they should be air-dried for a minimum of 24 hours. This helps keep oxidation and discoloration at bay. After the coins have dried, it is best to store them in a safe container and away from devices, such as computers and TVs, that can cause static electricity.
Storing them in a cloth pouch can further protect the coins from damage.
What is the fastest way to clean old coins?
The fastest way to clean old coins is to use a lemon juice solution. To do this, make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of salt and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your coins with the paste.
This should remove any dirt or grime from the surface of your coins. Rinse them off with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth. This method should leave your coins looking shiny and clean.
How do professionals clean coins?
Coin collectors and professionals that handle coins must always practice extreme care when cleaning coins. Though there are a few methods typically used when cleaning a coin, the most trusted and safest method is the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush and a mild cleaning solution.
It is important to use a mild cleaning solution because anything too acidic, alkaline, or abrasive could cause the coin to lose some of its luster or, in worse cases, damage it beyond repair. When tackling dirt and grime, a mix of mild non-detergent liquid soap and water is a great choice.
For the more heavily tarnished coins, a solution of baking soda and water could be used instead.
When using the cleaning solution, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to lightly scrub the surface of the coin. A cotton swab is also useful for cleaning more detailed parts of the coin such as crevices. DO NOT use hard bristles or anything that is too hard, as this could cause damage to the surface of a coin.
Once clean, the coin should be dried with a soft, lint-free cloth or blotted with a paper towel. Coins should never be submerged in water for long periods of time or placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as this could cause damages to them as well.
Once the cleaning has been done, it’s important for coin collectors and professionals to refrain from touching coins with bare skin as oils from finger tips can cause a coin to become dull over time.
For long-term care and cleaning, coins should always be stored in a dry, climate-controlled location and kept in conservation-grade holders with tamper-resistant packaging. This can help protect the coins from damage and keep them in great condition for years to come.
Will vinegar damage coins?
No, vinegar will not damage coins. Vinegar is acidic, but not acidic enough to damage coins. It is not known how long coins have been around, but coins have been around since at least 600 B. C. and vinegar has been used as a cleaning agent for centuries.
In fact, vinegar is one of the most popular natural agents used to clean coins. The acidity of vinegar actually helps to remove dirt and grime from the surface of coins, allowing the detail of the coin to be more easily seen.
Additionally, using vinegar to clean coins can also reduce the chance of handling damage since you don’t need to physically scrub the dirt off the coin.
However, it is important to note that vinegar is not a substitute for professional coin cleaning. Professional coin cleaners use methods that are designed not to damage the coins in any way. If you want to clean your coins, it is always a good idea to contact a professional coin cleaning service before attempting any DIY methods.
What liquid cleans coins the best?
One of the best liquids for cleaning coins is a mild detergent and warm water mixture. This mixture should be used with caution as it can remove dirt and grime from the surfaces of coins, but it can also remove some of the patina, which can decrease their value.
When using a detergent and water mixture, start with a soft cloth, gently dab it into the detergent and water, and then lightly rub the surface of the coin in a circular motion. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could cause damage.
After cleaning the coins with the mild detergent, rinse them off using water and pat them dry with a clean cloth. Other liquids that can be used to clean coins include vinegar and ammonia. Vinegar is a mild acid that will remove light tarnish, rust, and dirt.
The coins should be soaked in a vinegar and water solution for around 5 minutes, then gently scrubbed with a soft cloth and then rinsed off. Ammonia is a mild alkaline and can be effective in removing heavy dirt or grease.
However, using ammonia needs to be done with caution, as it can damage the surface of some coins. The coins should be placed in an ammonia and water solution; 1 part ammonia to 3 parts water, and then allowed to sit for several minutes before being rinsed off and dried with a clean cloth.
Does Coca Cola clean coins?
No, Coca Cola does not clean coins. While Coca Cola can strip away dirt and corrosion from metal surfaces due to its strong acidity, it is not recommended as a cleaning method for coins because of the potential damage to the metals and finishes on the coins.
Cleaning coins can reduce their numismatic (collectible) value and make them harder to grade. Furthermore, depending on how long the coin is subjected to the acidic drink, the metal of the coin can become weak or porous.
For these reasons, professional coin cleaning products and methods, specifically designed for use on coins, should be used instead of Coca Cola.
How do you clean a large amount of pennies?
Clean a large amount of pennies by first separating all of the coins into small batches, discarding any coins that are damaged or stuck together. Next, use a bowl or large container filled with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar and soak the coins for about 10 minutes.
After the coins have soaked, use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub any dirt or grime from the surface of the coins. Rinse the coins with warm water and inspect each one to make sure it is clean.
Once the coins are dry, you may choose to shine them with a polishing cloth or, if you want a more long-lasting shine, you can use a mixture of dish soap, water and white vinegar. Finally, store the coins in a dry, sealed container to preserve their shine and minimize the chances of any future tarnishing.
Should old coins be cleaned?
Whether or not old coins should be cleaned is a personal decision and can depend on each person’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it is usually not recommended to clean an old coin since it can significantly reduce the coin’s value and affect its authenticity.
Cleaning a coin can also cause damage to its surface, which can be difficult or impossible to repair. Coins will naturally acquire a patina due to their age, which should be preserved and can improve the aesthetic appeal of the coin.
Therefore, unless a coin needs to be restored to its original condition, it is important to research whether the process of cleaning is beneficial to the coin before taking any action. Additionally, a coin expert should be consulted to provide advice on the best course of action.
What does PCGS use to clean coins?
PCGS, or the Professional Coin Grading Service, utilizes specialized cleaning products and methods to gently clean coins prior to grading them. The company avoided using harsh chemical agents, such as acetone and bleach, in an effort to prevent damage to the coin.
The process of cleaning coins used by PCGS starts with a gentle washing using warm, soapy water. Then, depending on the severity of the condition of the coins, they may use additional methods, such as the use of cotton swabs, a brass brush, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
All of these tools are used delicately in order to avoid scratching or causing any other damage to the coins.
PCGS also recommends coin owners avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, tumbling machines, or any kind of abrasive cleaner on coins. This is because these cleaning methods can permanently damage coins, leading to a decrease in their value.
Careful cleaning with the gentle method advocated by PCGS is the best way to preserve a coin’s value.
Why do coins lose value when cleaned?
When coins are cleaned, their surfaces are altered, which drastically reduce their value due to the fact that the cleaning process often damages the detail and patina on the coins. Coins lose value when cleaned because their original condition is severely altered.
As a result, cleaning a coin removes any special characteristics it may have had, such as a certain patina, certain marks or scratches, or certain surfaces, and these features can have a considerable impact on the value of the coin.
Additionally, certain types of cleaning – such as using an acid solution or substance – can actually damage the coin’s metal, making it less desirable to collectors and therefore reducing its value. For this reason, it is best to avoid cleaning coins.
Is it better to clean old coins?
Yes, it is generally better to clean old coins as long as it is done properly. Cleaning coins can help to uncover their true beauty and remove eye-catching tarnish. If a coin is cleaned inappropriately, however, it can cause damage and detract from its value.
The best way to clean coins is to use a gentle soap solution and a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive tools and commercial cleaning products, as these can damage intricate designs and inscriptions.
If a coin is heavily tarnished, a professional numismatic may be consulted in order to clean it properly.
Why does cleaning coins reduce value?
Cleaning coins can heavily reduce the value of a coin because it can damage the color and patina of the coin which is important to collectors. Although it may be tempting to try to make your coins look better, any type of cleaning can significantly affect their value.
This is because the coins are as old as they look and any tampering with the surface of a coins affects the coin’s overall grade, which immediately reduces the coin’s value. Additionally, even store bought polishes and cleaning chemicals are capable of damaging coins and should be avoided.
Furthermore, the abrasives in these polishes can can wear away the fine details that collectors rely on to determine the grade of a coin. All of these factors combined make cleaning coins a risk that could significantly reduce their value.
What years of coins are worth money?
The value of any coin depends on its condition, mintage, and rarity. While many coins from circulated sets no longer in circulation may not be worth money, certain coins from certain years can be worth a substantial amount, depending on the factors described above.
For example, some coins from 1909 to the present day could be worth thousands of dollars depending on their condition and rarity. A circulated 1909-S V. D. B. Lincoln penny, for example, can go for about $4,000, uncertified.
Such a piece could be worth thousands in a MS-63 certified condition.
Since the values of coins from certain years can vary greatly, it is important to research what coins from those years are worth. Certain coins from the American Silver Eagles series issued from 1986 to the present day typically have a higher market value and hold a numismatic value, as the series is limited.
In addition, gold coins from certain years are typically worth far greater than their face value. Some examples include the 1804 quarter eagle, the 1822 half-eagle, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, the 1910-D Indian Head eagle, the 1907 high relief double eagle, and the 1933 double eagle.
For a more complete and accurate answer to this question, it is important to contact a numismatist who can help you determine which coins from certain years are worth money and provide an appraisal of such coins.