How do I clean old corroded coins?

Answer 1

Electrolysis.

I have had great results on old roman coins using a home made electrolysis device that I assembled using an old cell phone charger, some large washers, a small plastic food container, baking soda and water. HOWEVER - if the coin is truly corroded, the coins will be destroyed if left in too long. This is best for ENCRUSTED coins.

See: http://www.mycoincollecting.com/collecting/cleaning-coins-electrolysis.html

Answer 2

Coins should never be cleaned for it will greatly take away from there value. Ancient coins are cleaned, but usually by someone that knows how and has the time to do it right. You can use olive oil but it takes a very long time. It does the least damage. You can also boil them in a mixture of water and vinegar. One part vinegar to 4 parts water. Then put into baking soda mixed with water to stop the acid reaction. Then rinse with warm water and pat dry. If the coins are really corroded, when you remove the corrosion, the coin will have big pit marks on it, due to the metal being eaten away.

Answer 3

Cleaning Coins With Electrolysis

Answer 4

I use sand amonia water put in rock tumbler let tumble 4 hours take coins out take clean coins out reload canster lrt tuble 8 more hours clean coins well some trace of wear on coins but not enough to hurt value keep pennys seperate. this work well for heavily tarnished quarters dimes nickels. I been using this method for years. banks coin star will accept oins no problem, try it.

Answer 5

Before you attempt to clean them, take them to a coin dealer. In most cases, the value of the coins would go down if they have been cleaned.

If you are not interested in them for their value, you can clean them with vinegar and baking soda.

Answer 6

it works for me but get a small bottle of coke cola poor in a small cup put 1 to 3 coins in and have sit for about 2-3 days

Answer 7

Depending on the acidity(sp?) lemon or lime juice works and strangely so does ketchup.Use anything acidy but watch how much you use. Old coins are delicate.

Answer 8

Either get a rock tumbler, or a tumbler used in reloading for cleaning brass cartridges. Add some crushed walnut shells (yes, I AM serious!), which can also be bought where they sell reloading supplies.