Is cleaning coins good or bad? I have alot of old coins and want to know if i clean them will it hurt the value?
well, that depends on who you ask, what the coin is and what you want to clean off of it what coins are you talking about?
That coin doesn't need cleaning. So how is your coins different? Corrosion, dirt, heavy toning ? Cleaning ranges from a rinse with distilled water to sandblasting or using a wire brush. If you can get a photo, I am sure you will get informed suggestions. Without them, it is a failsafe situation to just say ~~Don't try to clean them! It is almost certain more bad things will happen than good things. And welcome!! Jim
Some people just don't like old, cleaned things. If you ever watch the Antique Roadshow on TV you would here them say many times that if this item hadn't been cleaned it would be worth double, triple or more. Not cleaning coins is the same as not cleaning an Egyptian Mummy. If you go to a museum you'll notice no one ever cleaned the Mummys. Same with old coins I guess except no wrappings. Of course cleaning a car should be done. Same with your feet. But usually, not coins.
Well, that brings up the unpleasant need to think about the personal hygene practices of old coin collectors trying to maintain their original patina....
i am just going to leave them alone i put a new pic of all the coins i have n the other thread.Just want to sell them for what they might be worth.