How to clean your coins?

That's why some people steer clear of blast white 150 year old coins.

 

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And "that" makes the world go around...

 

GDJMP: Where did you get those stats? I find it hard to believe 80% of coins, whether they're modern or classic, have been cleaned. Every coin collector I know has had it drummed into their heads, "don't clean a coin".

I've been collecting since I've was a kid and I wouldn't dream of dipping a coin myself. A local dealer, who's had years of experience, will do it, but even he warns that it could come out wrong.

 

Actually @GDJMP may be a little low; but 80% is definitely close. Some dealers I know "prepare" every coin (CLEAN THEM) in some way before sending them to be graded.

As for you, and everyone else that lacks experience cleaning coins, it is best to do as you do and don't touch them. Even an application of acetone can put hairlines on a coin if you don't know what you are doing.

 

Cleaning coins has gone out of style just within our lifetimes, in the last 50-75 years.

 

BS ALERT! I am on this " expert's" ignore list. Hope someone he can "see" also refutes his opinion.

OMG...Absolutely 100% and misinformed post. Cleaning, whizzing, etc. was at it's zenith during "his" time period and is still the rage.

Since cleaning is going out of style (BS) I guess the fact that the four major TPGS's clean coins for a fee (ICG does not charge for the service) proves (?) collectors/dealers don't support cleaning. Brian S. teaches an ANA course on coin conservation, and most of the folks I know clean them to. I LOVE TO CLEAN COINS and do it every day! BTW, even rainbow toned coins can be made more attractive with a little conservation! What?

 

I still believe that the odds of cleaning a coin (again, I don't count acetone) correctly are against the average collector. We just had a State Fair that lasted for 10 days and our Coin Club had several displays. The number one question was, "the coins look so nice, how did you clean them?" The average person and beginning collector needs to be educated. I still go by the mantra "don't clean!".

Apparently some members of this forum think that everyone has the same skill sets that they do and give advice that can cost a new or uninformed collector a lot of money. If you really think cleaning will help your coin, ask a trusted local coin store owner for their opinion. I did this and he, as a customer service will dip a coin for me at no cost, he has over 50 years experience doing this and still warns that things can go wrong. If you don't have a local then there's always the TPGS "Conservation" service.

 

Some members of this forum know that there are different "skill levels" for everything. So as I already posted: @TheMont has given all of us, who are not skilled, some great advice which I'll paraphrase - Don't clean your coins if you are ignorant of the proper techniques.

 

EXACTLY!!!

 

That's Why we keep you around!
only a joke.

It just puzzles me.

 

I have seen many a coin that look great with Gunk in the letters, Around the profile.
I think that Daves, IHC is testament to that.
Doctors should be removed from the equation. But,
AS, much as I know, They are only Practicing!

 

What puzzles you? I'll try to be more clear.

 

Sometimes only, More than words.

 

True. You must pat the coin with a towel to dry it. Rubbing it with the towel can cause hairlines.

 

What? Well, if you can be specific I may be able to help. Will pictures help?

 

I am Just learning, And alway's hope to be!

 

Well, detecting improper cleaning can be difficult and even the TPGS missed all types of altered surfaces at first. Once you know what to look for the task becomes easy. Looking at pictures on CT is not the best way to learn. You'll need to see actual coins.

 

That's, why I am here.
Also waiting on a pizza.

 

I've recently gotten interested in restoring old silver, silver plate, aluminum and copper kitchenware. I'm currently working on a beautiful Rogers silver tray and coffee set.

I've been trolling various silver and metal forums looking for the best/safest way to clean the various metals--and nearly every answer I've gotten has started with the words "and that's what my husband uses to clean his coins."

I was starting to wonder if I was the only one to never clean my coins.....