So, I keep hearing/reading don't clean the coins! But what uf I just use a little water and a soft cloth.? I have a couple that are a little dirty and i want to see whats underneath the grime. Could make all the difference in its importance. What do you guys think? I am going to my first coin show this weekend! I am super excited! So, I am taking a few coins to ask questions about. Questions that I have to help me come to a better understanding of things. I want to make sure I bring the right coins with the right questions. Thanks!
Hey, have fun. Don't be in a big rush, but if you see something you just HAVE to have be careful about waiting till you come back Think about a coin (except really worn ones and most ancients) like a new car or a new stainless steel appliance with a shiny finish and be careful about any "wiping" and avoid rubbing. Soap and water in most instances won't do much if any damage as long as you rinse carefully. A soft toothbrush would probably do the least damage if used after a few rinses to remove the grit or dirt that would leave scratches.
Depends on the kind of coin you are talking about. Silver? Just don't. Grimy common 1 cent coins? Experiment and find out what works best
Loose grime can be cleaned off with water and a soft cloth. The main thing is that you don't want to disrupt the coin's patina. Removing loose dirt is OK. And you can even gently rub a coin to do so, but don't polish it, because then you're messing up the patina. Here's my pro tip if you're talking about copper: Vaseline. You can rub petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or mineral oil on a grimy copper coin, then wipe it all off with a soft cloth or paper towel, and it will take the grime off without changing the coin's patina and natural color. (Unless you rub it too hard.) A wooden toothpick or bamboo skewer can be used to work crud out of the crevices, since the wood is not hard enough to scratch the metal. The "don't clean" advice basically means, "don't alter the coin's surfaces". It doesn't mean you can't remove dirt or grime or other scuzz that might come off while still leaving the metal surfaces intact. If you used certain chemicals or mechanical means, it would affect the patina. See what I'm getting at? That's "bad" cleaning.
Kristine, when it comes to "cleaning" a coin, you can get a hundred different responses, but anything you do to alter the surface of the coin, can being down the value. If the coin is only worth a few cents, then go for it. Maybe practice on coins in similar condition, that you know have no collectors value, and learn from them. Acetone will generally take off the smudge on the surface and not damage the coin, but I have heard some say that copper can turn an undesirable color, while others say it doesn't happen. Here again, practicing and experimenting with uncollectible coins will provide you with better schooling than most. Don't forget to take your loop to the coin show, and of course keep CT on speed dial if you need help. LOL Be good, and have fun.
Conserving vs cleaning. Review the options. Also, you might be amazed at a soak in distilled water. Start with the least harsh methods and materials. Graduate to next levels through experimenting with common coons vs something of potential importance. You can’t undue…so progress slowly.
Thanks for all the advice! I will try the different methods/techniques that all of yall have mentioned. Stay tuned for more newbie stuff. And i didnt even think to bring my eyepiece with me !
