Is it ok to clean dirty coins? If so, what is a safe way to do so?
2006-06-17 14:17:44 · 11 answers · asked by photofemale810 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
What about toothpaste, its works on jewelry?
2006-06-17 14:23:50 · update #1
It depends on the coin. But for almost all cases ABSOLUTELY NOT! It will ruin the value of a collectable coin.
Some ancients coins are acceptable to clean but american coins are not (There are however some exceptions with conservation).
The there are many different metals used in coins and each type of coin has its own specific composition with those metals. The cleaning method is dependent on this.
I am pretty knowledgeable in this subject so if you like you can e-mail me for a more specific answer. (You will need to tell me the country, year, denomination, etc)
PS - don't listen to the guy who suggested toothpaste. He has no idea what he is talking about.
2006-06-17 14:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by Steve R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's safe or not, but I do know I have a number of old coins, and the best thing I have found to use is Taco Bell Fire sauce. Don't ask me why it works, it just does. Kind of scary since I really like the taste.
2006-06-17 21:22:11 · answer #2 · answered by Oilfield 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personally dont clean tem cause that ruins the whole point. I think it looks coler the way it is. I have a rusty coin from 1914 and is erally cool and think all that history behind it if you just cleaned it away.
2006-06-17 21:21:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I first started collecting I was told and have since heard from other collectors not to make any attempts to clean them it just puts more wear on them.
2006-06-17 21:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by wishorstish 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is not a good idea to use any chemicals as it takes away for the metal. I have silver polishing cloths that I use for jewelry that would probably work its a very soft cloth .
2006-06-17 21:22:05 · answer #5 · answered by thomas p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't, but vinegar (any type except balsamic...lol) and/or lemon juice works the best. Coins lose their value if you do.
2006-06-17 21:45:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its probably not safe but you can polish them with any polisher. im a coin collector myself
2006-06-17 21:21:02 · answer #7 · answered by kevin w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is ok to clean coins but they lose their value
2006-06-17 21:21:42 · answer #8 · answered by alexa_lynelle06 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i collect old coins too....i only cleaned the pennies i used copper cleaner they came out looking almost new...
2006-06-17 21:23:52 · answer #9 · answered by Starbright 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i clean mine with some lemon juice and baking soda...it's natural and it doens't ruin the coin at all
2006-06-17 21:21:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋