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Message:: [QUOTE="Oldhoopster, post: 3975482, member: 84179"]If you are a new collector, DO NOT clean your coins using any type of eraser!!  Even if [USER=108656]@bruthajoe[/USER] can't see the difference, if you rub a coin with something abrasive (yes erasers are abrasive, that's how they work) you will remove metal from the surface.  No ifs, ands, buts, or doubts. On uncirculated coins, you will damage the microscopic flow lines that impart luster.  On toned coins, including brown cents, you are removing the surface layer of metal on the coin. In reality, it probably doesn't make a difference if you clean a common wheat cent or damaged coin, but new collectors need to be aware that cleaning, especially abrasive cleaning will be detectable and will diminish the value of your coin.  It is possible to properly clean a coin so that it isn't noticeable, but that is usually done by experts with lots of experience and knowledge of chemistry/metallurgy as well as the minting process. I have no problem with [USER=108656]@bruthajoe[/USER] experimenting.  That's a good way to learn.  I just want to make it clear to new collectors that running and abrasive cleaning will be detectable in your coins[/QUOTE]