Good afternoon, I hope this finds everyone doing well. I was on here reading some posts when the topic was broached about buying foreign coins and receiving them through the mail. Another member said that they could wipe down their coins with antibacterial sanitizer that would be fine. I enjoy going through rolled coins and pocket change looking for possible errors or hidden gems. Honestly, I have not done much searching since a case of COVI-19 has been found in the city I reside in. It has long been said, that simply rubbing a coin with with ones fingers and distilled water is considered cleaning and therefore the coin is no longer of numismatic value. With what is happening with this virus, is wiping coins down with hand sanitizer considered cleaning? Hand sanitizer is definitely more harsh than distilled water. I hope I am not opening a can of worms I am simply looking for a little guidance in this matter.
That's a terrible idea. The member who said that was saying it in jest. Don't wipe your coins with hand sanitizer.
It read pretty genuine to me I am trying to find it again, in case I was asked about where I had seen it.
Considering that the virus can live on surfaces for up to three days, you probably don't need to worry. It probably took longer than 3 days to ship in the first place. If you're worried, I would recommend leaving them out in a garage, or some other place far from people for three more days. That would give you about a week or more for the virus to die. Unless the coins are humid and wet the whole time I think the virus will die out pretty well. You can also soak the coins in pure thyme oil, which is a highly effective anti viral oil. But then you'd need a way to get the oil off...
Honestly don't care where you read it, it's BS. If you are unsure, soak/rinse your coins in rubbing/isopropyl alcohol. The whole myth about cleaning damaging coins comes from people rubbing or scrubbing them or using corrosive chemicals. Water or alcohol will NOT damage the coins.
I forgot to say thank you for responding so fast with your first response. Was trying to find where I had read it.
Or we could bake them.... we need Julia Child ....she could mix up a batch of cookies and save a barber collection.....you know she was a spy in Ww ll!
Don't wipe your coins with anything. a soak or rinse with alcohol won't hurt, but don't wipe it dry, let it air dry.
Thank you for posting this at 5:39 PM. Had I been reading it earlier in the day, I probably would have spewed coffee across my computer keyboard.
