My older brother was finally deployed and I took the liberty of cleaning out his room. I came across the coin collection he started as a kid, completely covered in dust, mold, and an unknown sticky substance. Is there a safe way to clean them up? Some of them look pretty old (can't see the dates because of the muck) and I don't want to risk damaging them. Would it decrease their value if I cleaned them?
The first question is are they worth anything to begin with? If you've got a great treasure in there I believe certain tpg services can restore coins. If they're sticky and nasty like that and you aren't ruining a key date or error try a little dish soap and water. Don't scrub them, just let them soak, run fresh water over them, and leave them on a towel ( I recommend microfiber cloth) to air dry. I believe most people would recommend acetone (pure acetone not nail polish remover) as the next step, but don't use acetone with copper, it can radically alter the finish. Before you do ANYTHING the best thing you could do is list what coins exactly you have here so a member can help you identify valueable coins. If you're having difficulty with that and can't post a decent picture then take them to a coin shop to be appraised. DO THAT FIRST!
I doubt they're really worth anything, he bought most of them at flea markets and the like with his allowance, lol. Is there another board I should list them at or can I do it here?
"My older brother was finally deployed and I took the liberty of cleaning out his room." Do you have his permission to go through his coins just because he's been deployed? Also, if you don't know anything about coins, then don't clean them. Post a few images to this thread first and follow tips from the others like the ones you've been getting so far.
No worries, I checked with him first! I'm not that much of a bratty little sister. So no cleaning yet, gotcha. Let me snap some pictures and figure out how to post them...
I am eagerly awaiting your photos. I am glad to help with any questions you may have. (By my replying to your thread, I should get an automatic Email notice from CT when you post your photos). Very best regards, collect89
Real Question is, What are the coins?? What are the years and the types of condition's? We need more specific details if possible.
