catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

How do you clean coins

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

How do you clean coins? If it's not done right, it can cause severe damage

How do you clean coins? If it’s not done right, it can cause severe damage

Many numismatists agree that coins are true treasures. Perhaps it is their appearance, shape or history, but whatever the reason, they should be taken care of with extreme care, even when being cleaned. If you’re wondering how do you clean coins, knowing the proper way can prevent you from causing damage to the currency and allows you to enjoy them even longer.

Handling

Before you learn how to clean your valuables, you should first make sure you handle them properly. Environmental conditions such as air and moisture can wreak havoc on your collectibles. Therefore, you want to store them in a protective object, such as a coin box. This device helps to keep the conditions ideal for your coin collection, which can prevent damage.

Before you continue reading about the How do you clean coins there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Additionally, never hold the currency by placing your finger on its face. Fingerprints are full of moisture, which can cause rust. Instead, only handle the object by placing your fingers on its outer rim. Wearing lint-free gloves is also ideal, as it prevents your prints from forming, which can keep damage to a minimum.

Washing

Some numismatics argue that bathing your valuable coin collection will only cause damage, instead of improving its appearance. Others, however, believe that keeping your currency clean is helpful and necessary. Both are right in their own ways, but you can decide on how you want to take care of your objects.

If you think that washing them is the way to go, you must do so with extreme care and use the appropriate products. Tap water typically contains chlorine, which can damage your keepsakes. Nail polish remover is also thought to work because of its acetone, however, the product’s other ingredients can destroy the finish on the collectibles.

You may think that using a metal wash is a good idea, as well, since the objects you intend to tidy up are made out of the same material. This wash typically contains ingredients that will eat through the surface of your valuable, destroying it and its worth. Products of this nature often destroy coins from any era, even those made from pure gold and the like.

If you are concerned about causing irreversible damage to your collection, hire a professional to do the job for you. If you feel confident in performing the task yourself, however, you can usually do so safely, as long as you follow certain precautions.

The best method for washing your collection is to use a weak soap. Different from detergent, soap typically removes the grime and dirt from your collection. However, you shouldn’t use the soap at full-strength; you’ll need to dilute it with distilled water.

Use a soft cloth to gently wash away the contaminants from your keepsake. Rinse off the soap with distilled water, when you are done, then pat the object dry with a soft towel. Never rub, as doing so can scratch the surface.

~

If you have found a collectible that is heavily encrusted, you can soak it in pure olive oil for several months to remove the contaminants. The oil shouldn’t cause damage; however, this process may be more trouble than it is worth, as heavily encrusted metal isn’t always salvageable. If you feel you want to try, use this method, as the oil will help to dissolve the grime.

If you have any concerns about damaging your valuables, allow a professional to do the job for you. People who perform these tasks for a living often know what will and will not work, and if the process is even worth performing. You may have to spend a few bucks, but doing so could prevent heartbreak and stress.

References:

Numismaster.com: How to Handle and Clean Your Coins

 

Popular Savings Offers

 

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.