When to clean coins

When to clean coins
This could be a fun thread. We’ve all recoiled when someone mentions cleaning coins, but there are times when it is right and good, or at least acceptable to clean coins. Here are some examples. Add your own!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm652ErRuIs
http://thehappynewslady.blogspot.com/2012/03/pennies-from-heaven-by-diane-ogden.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgsNqsykI4w fast forward to 2:40

Have fun - - Got any others?

 

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I agree sometimes a cleaning is needed.
However, since cleaning is a voodoo word in the coin world, let's go with "conserving".

Here are some example of when a conserving was necessary and achieved desirable results.

http://www.cointalk.com/t140858/


http://www.cointalk.com/t205567/

 

I had a dog eat money once... it was only 1 dollar and I did get it back.

 

Depends if I use to much bleach.

 

C'mon Doug - let lose - have some fun with this one

 

Cleaning properly is fine, the problem is EVERY SINGLE NEW COLLECTOR who cleans does it improperly. Untold millions of coins have been destroyed numismatically by new collectors thinking they are "improving" a coin.

My rule of thumb, until you know WHAT to do, HOW to do it, and most importantly WHY you are cleaning a coin, just stop. Put the chemicals down, put the coin away, and wait 10 years until you know what the heck you are doing.

If you are an old fart like a lot of us here, and a coin is in danger of damage unless you clean it, then its perfectly acceptable.

 

Much has been discussed about coin cleaning, but now I am unsure (and I do not want to be unsure). I would like clean coins, but not damaged coins.

Therefore, what is an acceptable method to clean copper coins?

 

What coin? Modern US or ancient? What is wrong with it? Why do you think it needs cleaned?

Your answer to this will change my answer.

 

I would like to clean large cents and Lincolns if they are dirty, grimy, or encrusted.

 

Copper is tough for "modern" coins. Acetone really will not harm it, and can remove some of that stuff, if used correctly. Doug has written about acetone use before if you wanted to search for it.

 

Is soaking overnight alright?

 

In response to the last video, "I want one!".

 

Another time it's acceptable to 'clean' coins. (R-rated - not for sensitive viewers)
edited After being disgusted, it make me laugh so hard.

 

I think it is alright to clean coins if the choice is between that or leaving something on the coin that can cause damage. I know someone said they found a coin wih a booger on it, I think that is alright to wash off and soak in alcohol if you want to keep it. If it is something you want to just sell, just flick the booger off and send it to the buyer and let them deal with it. Speaking of which. I brought a few coins to a show to have them appraised. A dealer took out a half cent and then put it back and I noticed later some large strange flake stuck to it along with some sticky stuff. I am not sure if the sticky stuff was already there but it thorougly ticked me off.

 

A rose, by any other name, is still.......aw heck, never mind.

 

I bought a couple of slabbed coins a few months ago that had some funk on them that definitely looked removable. Anyways, when people leave their slabbed coins in their car overnight, they don't realize that in a hot car and a cold night, it can sometimes create moisture which accumalates and leaves a film on the coins, it's like morning dew on coins. With one of the slabs, I washed the coiins in dish soap and that did the trick.

 

OK, because 2 reputable people have recommended xylene and distilled water, that is what I will go with from now on. Thank you.

PS What are some examples of problem coins (for my future reference).