I know cleaning coins is a bad thing. I have 3 wheat cents though that are so bad that I can't tell what year they are. Well actually 2 I think I know what year they are. One I think is a 44 S and the other a 48 S. I'm not for sure though. The other I think is a 1920 but can't be for sure. It is in the 20's but definatly not sure of a mintmark. Should I do anything to it or just leave it alone? I also have a no date buffalo nickel. Leave it alone or what?
With the cents, if they are so bad that you can't tell what they are then IMHO they don't have much value so (since they can't be ID'd) so I would go for it. With the Buffalo, the first thing I would do is check the reverse to make sure it's not a type 1. If it is, it's obviously a 1913. If it's a type 2, I would use nic-a-date if you have access to some (or just throw it in vinegar) if you want to see what the date is. Dateless Buffalo's aren't worth more than a few cents unless they are type 1 coins.
Either experiment using solutions around the house such as Lemon Juice, Tomato Juice, Vinegar, baking soda and water solution, etc. Or do what I do and place them in a bag of coins you don't want and take to a bank. Eventually someone will find them in change and think they just struck Gold.
Actually, at today's commodity prices even striking copper is a good Since the cents sound like culls, their $0.01 value can't be hurt by experimenting and finding out just how badly most cleaning methods can affect appearance.
Never clean a coin, ubless what's on it is damaging it, but if you must, wash each coin separatly with hot water and one of the dishliquids. After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry with paper towels without rubbing (pat them dry). Clinker
I agree that one should never clean a coin...usually. In this case, these coins are so bad they are culls. You can't damage them anymore than they otherwise already are. I would experiment on them if you want.
