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Message:: [QUOTE="EdwardJ, post: 759784, member: 20518"]Cleaning: Uncirculated vs Circulated I would still like to hear some more especially regarding circulated copper and bronze etc. I've got a pretty fair collection of Canadian Pre-Confederation tokens. Some just look dull. As to uncirculated coins I would be afraid to attempt cleaning one of them because there is so much more which can be damaged.  So far it seems like soaking in hot water is the only safe method of cleaning even circulated coins that probably everybody will agree with. That is if the coin is allowed to air dry using the heat from the hot water. Yet we have respected members suggesting that it is 40% or 80% of coins which have been cleaned. Some dealers even had huge tanks filled with chemicals to clean multiple coins. So it is acknowledged as a common practice. Just how common is what the argument seems to be about.  GDJMSP or someone else: Can you give a more complete explanation of why soap with complete hot water rinsing action is harmful. What is the potential damage which can come from olive oil to copper? Compounds which are acidic (vinegar, lemon juice) or abrasive (Baking Soda) are obvious corrosive problems. Too Hot to handle for me.[/QUOTE]