Cleaning coins???

I have seen some products on the internet for cleaning coins? I have some that are just plain dirty. Is there a safe way 2 clean them that wont effect their value? My other question is, Is it ok to bring coins to a coin show to sell to dealers? Thanks, Jim

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Do not clean coins

 

yes cleaning them will destroy there value..no there is no safe way..yes sure you can but dont expect good money..

 

No, never clean coins. There is no safe way to clean coins.
Yes, you can bring coins to a show to sell to dealers. When
selling, never expect to be offered anything close to retail.

 

I agree with this totally. You MUST first become thoroughly familiar with the approved methods of cleaning coins. Don't rely on the misinformation that is posted on some of these "ask" websites as they will tell you to use things like lemon juice, baking soda and the like. Many members of CT are willing to share correct information about proper methods of cleaning coins. Do your research first and then use your new found information on your junk coins before you attempt to clean coins of value. If you feel unsure about cleaning your most valuable coins, look into the coin conservation services that are available. A dirty coin is much better than an improperly cleaned/dipped coin.

 

no way,do not clean them

 

IMO you need to do your research first on any product. Too many of these internet cleaners are really made for silverware, silver tea services, jewelry and the like unless you are getting it from a coin supply store that only deals in coins. The dips for jewelry are usual "heavy dips" that 1)leave residue on the coin sometimes even after rinsing and 2) can etch the coin and will remove a ultra thin layer of the coins surface. "Light" dips and cleaners like GDJMSP suggests along with acetone etc. brings me to another point. I agree with him you need to know what you are doing before doing it. If you mess up then collectors either won't want it or won't pay nearly what it's worth as if you just left it alone. We are all assuming these are just normal collection coins maybe even some finds. If the coins are ultra rare or ultra expensive you could look into NCS (a division of NGC) that professionally cleans and preserves coins then puts them in NGC holders for you. However unless the blue book value or CDN bid is AT LEAST 5 times the NCS fees plus shipping costs it is just not worth it.
I've only been to a couple coin shows with local dealers but the general atmosphere is one of selling not buying so some places may give you less than they would if you dropped by their establishment on a regular business day.

 

A lot of you say to never clean your coins, but I have heard this plenty of times from the ancient collectors and it came out something like this: "Find me an ancient coin that has not been cleaned and tell me it isn't beautiful" Usually, these uncleaned coins look like the greatest piece of trash on this earth. Clean them up, and they are going to be a nice coin. And as a person who went metal detecting twice, I took the cruddy change I found and cleaned it up and spent it. There are very few reasons to clean coins, but NEVER CLEAN COINS is just almost ignorant. There are factors that let you get away with it.

 

Currently I'm practicing using acetone on pocket change to get dipping, soaking, and blotting right before I do anything of value. I don't go beyond that anymore since put on the correct path by the good folks here.

I've got this thread bookmarked for reference: http://www.cointalk.com/t193708/

 

The reason for there being harsh cleaning methods espoused on the web, is ignorance. Lots of people who do not collect want to advise, so you get the baking soda and vinegar, or rock tumbler advice. Rough as hell on coins, but often used by metal detectorists, as common change dug up in salt sand, or dirt, can really corrode, especially zinc cents. Banks are not happy about that.
I have used the harsh methods for dug coins, and I found another trick that works well, is to mix in the dug coins with large quantities of coins from searched rolls. They blend right in.
As a kid, I tried shining up a few old Wheaties with a pencil eraser. Funky looking.
I wonder about mild, non-destructive methods. I have read that some soak their coins in olive oil. Successful? What kind of results? Does it give copper a weird color? Is it detectable? How about sonic cleaners? Boiling? Jackhammers?
Personally, I feel there is a difference between cleaning and washing. Cannot see how soap and water are destructive.
It seems copper and nickels, (which are 75% copper) are the biggest problems, although I do prefer a silver coin to be silver colored. Nor am I talking blast white or mint luster. Just the intended silver color. I am always tempted to wash my silver.

 

I don't clean coins

 

Yes, many do not clean. But many do, including highly reputable TPG services. They just disguise it by calling it "conserving"
The existence of a grading class titled "Improperly Cleaned" implies there are proper methods. The existence of a "Conserving" service verifies it. Near as I can tell, the difference between "Proper" and "Improper" is the fact you paid them a bundle to clean it.
The fact remains, that coins can be, and are "Properly" cleaned, without devaluing them. In fact, the use of the term "Conserving" indicates that it adds to the coins preservation when done right.
For once, I would like to see a thorough discussion regarding the various techniques and methods that work and are acceptable. Copper versus silver. Olive oil, boiling, sonic cleaners and other non-destructive types.
I have looked online, but it always seems to be the same old "Yes!" "No!" argument, and rarely anything useful or definitive.
Somebody knows this stuff.

 

I would never clean any coin of value. Clean junk ones to see results and for learning. Just don't clean anything of value. Just don't do it no matter what you read.

 

Thanks for this info. I learn everyday and by no means am I an expert. Just have seen so many coins ruined. Appreciate the knowledge GD.

 

That's why when I look at a coin, I never say "It's never been cleaned." I say "I don't see any evidence of cleaning." Proper methods don't leave evidence other than the brighter than expected surface from dipping.

 

According to many people, use of any soap, detergent, etc. will leave some residue on the coin which can get funky with age. If rinsing is done, I think that surfactants like soaps, etc. will not do damage and will not leave residue. JMHO

 

Wow this is getting deep. Ok SO, let me ask these questions. say for example you have an older coin of some value, it may or may not grade well, OR it might. You do plan on selling it. Just for Example proposes the coin may be worth $1000.00 Don't even so much as blow the dust off of it? Say I want to send the coin to get graded. Should I ask them to clean it 1st? Or do they kinda do that anyway? Or take all things into consideration. ? thank you all.
Charles