Ok, a stated in my introduction post, I said I was sure I would have lots of questions (beginner here). And, I apoligize if these are in the wrong forum; or have been answered a million times before...I did try to search for the answers before I ask. #1- What causes the different colored toning effect on coins? #2- I've seen, not just here, that you're not supposed to clean coins, why is that? Thanks, Todd
The environment causes toning. Humidity, temperature, air pollution etc. When you clean a coin, you are removing a layer of metal from it and most likely lower value.
Collectors prefer coins with original surfaces. Cleaning can cause hairline scratches that are visible under magnification or by the naked eye. These scratches are considered damage and lower the value of the coin to a knowledgeable collector.
And if the coin is something of value, worth submitting to a TPG for grading and slabbing, the harsh cleaning is detectable and would be noted on the label of the slab, IMPROPERLY CLEANED, and may not grade.
Todd, coin collectors are a finicky bunch just like collectors of antique furniture. Just as refinishing can reduce the value of a centuries old Chippendale, cleaning coins will do the same for its value. In both instances, conservation is something completely different. Chris
OK, thanks everyone for the explanations, but it really wouldn't matter if it was something I wanted to keep for my collection, right?
Correct. You can do whatever you like to your coins. If you want to clean them, and know the consequences, then go for it. Heck, you can carve your initials in them if you like. They are yours!
It doesn't just hurt the coin, it makes it look ugly too. It's almost useless, because it doesn't improve the coin quality at all All true collectors on CT say to NEVER CLEAN YOUR COINS. I have cleaned coins in the past, and I regret doing it However, they're your coins. You can do anything you want with them. But we just want to give advice
Most collectors would agree on this. However, sometimes you have to clean them to help them. By clean, I mean dip, not wipe. I had to dip several Morgan dollars due to the fact the some toning on them was entering the terminal stage (black). The outcome was much better eye appeal, and when done right, it will actually help. Case in point: http://www.cointalk.com/t140858/ Some people call it conserving, some people call it cleaning...
I agree with gbroke, as long as you consider what, if any, consequences might arise do what you want with them.
might not be a problem for you to clean your coins, but what about after you are no longer here? Part of our job as numismatists is to preserve these coins for future collectors. They are not really ours, just ours to take care of and pass on. JMO
