What happens if you boil a silver coin?

I was curious what happens if you boil a coin in water.

My first thought is it would clean it, quite well and with no harm done.

But maybe I am missing something.

Anyone know what happens? Before I possibly ruin this perfectly good 1964 quarter lol?

 

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Why would you boil what you say is a "perfectly good" 1964 quarter? I'd say the heat alone would cause damage, possibly not noticeable by the naked eye but under a loupe.

 

Coin soup?

 

I don't know try it and post before and after pictures, Use distilled water

 

It gets hot.

 

It still wouldn't be edible without the proper spices.

Chris

 

If you add beans and meat you'll get chili coin carne.

 

Make sure you season the water with some sea or kosher salt first.

Nothing I hate worse is someone who doesn't season the water before cooking something in it.

 

Someone here has mentioned "slightly" heating distilled water and/or acetone to help "preserve" coins before. I think it was Doug, so maybe he'll chime in with thoughts.

 

No matter how long you boil it, it'll still be tough. I recommend microwaving for tenderness.

 

Heat accelerates any reaction. Basically I can see of not much good coming of this unless the coin is physically dirty from being buried. What are you planning on removing with this treatment?

 

He's only trying to clean the coin not blow the kitchen up!

 

From what I've been told, there is no benefit to "cleaning" a 1964 quarter. If it's already in decent condition the value will not increase by enough to waist the time. Acetone is mainly for coins with glue, tape or some other adhesive I think? E-Z-Est coin cleaner is supposed to remove tarnish (oxidized metal) from coins.

 

Q: What happens if you boil a 1964 quarter in water?

A: It will be worth "melt"

. TC

 

Geez, OK-OK, I said "I think". Chill out old man or you'll have a heart attack.

 

My guess would be an Artificially Toned outcome...Dont quote me though. Make sure to put it on an absorbent cloth or towel an dry quickly

 

Q: What happens if you don't?

A: See above.

 

Humor. Get some.

 

I would expec it to remove dirt or oils from the surface, not affect any toning on the coin and not affect any corrosion on the coin. I would not expect it to do anything to the coin. Frankly 212 degrees is not likely to discolor the coin from heat. If done in distilled water you won't have chemical reactions between the water and the metal. Frankly I don't think boiling it will hurt it at all but other than removing simply "dirt" it won't do anything either.