i have some steel pennys some silver coins and some wheat pennys and indiana head pennys that are copper does any one know how to clean them??????
2007-04-04 09:24:54 · 14 answers · asked by fdffhhjyuj 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Goggie's answer is probably as good as any you'll get but...
Please understand that your coins will be more valuable WITHOUT being cleaned. I've been a coin collector for more than 40 years and I've read repeatedly that you should not clean coins. Cleaning can etch the surface and it makes a coin look unnatural. If there are gobs of crud stuck to a coin, then scrape those off with a fingernail or plastic scraper. However, the normal darkened color of coins is more desirable than one that has been unnaturally cleaned.
Keep that in mind if you hope to increase the value of the coins by cleaning them.
2007-04-04 09:35:11 · answer #1 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The people here that said don't clean then, get an A in coin collecting 101. Your coins will lose value and you can damage the coins even more. Only real rare coins should be what is called "conserved", this is done by a professional company and is not cheap.They know their limitations also. The copper cents if cleaned with some of the items suggested here, will turn a strange color and no one will want them as a collectible.
2007-04-04 13:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless they are only worth the face value, do NOT clean them. Refer to a coin collecting book or magazine which can be found in any bookstore or library to determine value.
If you truly just want shiny looking old coins, then use any silver cleaner for the silver (just a very small amount and wipe clean quickly) and any copper cleaner for the copper pennies (again use a very small amount, do not soak!)
The steel coins will never look good again since any effective cleaner will reduce the features on the coin and may even dull it further.
2007-04-04 13:54:51 · answer #3 · answered by Crimson C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a coin dealer/collector, and if you cleaned your silver coins, I would pay you for the scrap metal, and nothing else. Never clean a coin, those of us who have been dealing with coins for years can spot any attempt you make at cleaning a coin.
I am not trying to be rude, though many from the Yahoo brigade will want to jump me anyway, but do not listen to anybody who is advising you on how to clean a coin, they are obviously not knowledgeable on the touchy tactics of the coin market.
2007-04-04 17:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by coindude49801 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just to add my 2 cents worth (pun intended) it is generally not a good idea to clean coins unless you really know what you are doing. In toady's market an improperly cleaned coin is devalued by collectors. Copper coins are particularly difficult to do properly as the metal is very sensitive to its environment. A coin dealer would be able to advise you if a particular coin would be worth the risk of cleaning and he would be able to sell you products that are considered safe by the hobby. Otherwise leave them as they are.
Enjoy your collection.
2007-04-04 11:24:14 · answer #5 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't clean them until you have them looked at - sometimes cleaning them will reduce the value. A coin expert can tell you what they're worth and if they should be cleaned and how.
2007-04-04 09:35:58 · answer #6 · answered by Elizabeth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In some cases, it's better NOT to clean them.. first have them looked at and appraised, and check to find out what the rule is..
Good luck..
2007-04-04 09:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by chuckufarley2a 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put them in a bowl with oxyclean and water and it will come out sparkling clean
2007-04-04 09:28:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vinegar and salt...let them sit in the bowl for a while
2007-04-04 09:32:40 · answer #9 · answered by Love always, Kortnei 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put them in coke for a day- dat was ma science fair experiment 2 yrs b4!-lol!!!
2007-04-04 09:33:43 · answer #10 · answered by huh? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋