Now that the hoopla about baking soda is over ( I hope ) is there any safe way to clean zinc coins? I have a handful of German and a bunch of steel wheat's that are encrusted. Hate to toss them if I don't have too. Thanks in advance. Also, my apologies for my inappropriate post on that thread. It won't happen again, promise. Tom
interested in the response on this. Always thought that the problem with zinc was oxidation making "cleaning" impossible.
Years ago I purchased a 1943 S/S/S Steel cent. Thought it was a good deal until I got in the mail and saw that it had been cleaned. A couple years later the oxidation started again.
Don't know what to use to clean those coins, but zinc is plated on steel to prevent oxidation. It does so by oxidizing. The surface of the zinc oxidizes and this oxide layer is impervious to oxygen which prevent further oxidation. However, if you add water, the whole scenario breaks down.
I have used a very, very fine wire, Brass brush that is shaped like a toothbrush. And then wipe with a Q-tip wet with Naptha [lighter fluid]. then into a 2x2 flip, and marked accordingly. As with any coin you have to determine value loss or added. Some of these "Zincs" are quite valuable and I would not think of doing this to. Others are like 10¢ in Unc, so no great loss of value there. And Those coins you could "toss" now can be fillers, or at least study examples
Just found this neat website and they have some info. I want to share this website with you - http://www.metaldetectingworld.com/cleaning_coin_p19_zinc_tin.shtml
Very interesting write up but I'll stay away from sulfuric acid for the time being. The other methods are much more safe. Thanks my friend!
Hello, Cheap dirty zinc coins can be cleaned just leaving them all night long in vinegar. Then with a piece of cotton fabric and enough baking soda rub them. If the coin is too dirty just repeat the process. Rinse them with water, dry them and protect them with museum wax. They will look pretty good and all inscriptions and images will be readable.
