I have old nickels just covered in copper-brown oxidation.
I"ve tried all kinds of things - lemon juice, coke, olive oil, distilled water, and on and on and nothing works.
Before you get all over me about the possibility of messing up the numismatic value - coins covered in rust colored guck don't have near as much numismatic value as you would think - even if they are XF in detail - how is the person going to see the coin through the stuff? I can tell that the coin has detail but if you put it on ebay - you woudn't get many more bids.
it might just be best to leave them as is, because it seems that most methods are just too harsh on the coins. I dont' want to ruin them.
most are V nickels - and most are xf details but covered in rust colored oxidation - quite heavy.
a few flying eagle cents also xf details, and a few 3 cent pieces. The flying eagles may be higher grade, but have the heaviest corrosion.
what should I do with these?
thanks
2007-09-17 23:05:39 · 9 answers · asked by art_flood 4 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.
When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.
Your best bet is to leave the coin alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.
If you absolutely must must must clean your coin do not use any of the methods described above as they will react with the metal in your coin. Use either 100% alcohol or 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). Both of these must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin. Place your coin(s) in either solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!
I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.
Good luck!
2007-09-17 23:43:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing you can do, the oxidation is now into the metal and the only way to get it off is with an acid, or wire brush and with that you can say goodbye to the nickels. By the way the olive oil may work some what, but it will take months to happen, maybe a year. Nickel is a very hard metal and it took the mint a long time to get it right. They did it for the 5 cent coins, but is you noticed the Flying Eagle and the early Indian head cents made of copper-nickel were not minted for very many years 1856-1864. They went to bronze in 1864 for cents. They had a very hard time with nickels from 1866 to 1883 and V nickels were used so much, that few are in top condition. They also had striking problems with them. Even today it is hard to find a full step Jefferson nickel and they too don't like being in water. You can try www.ncscoin.com for they are a professioal service on problem coins. I don't know if they give free advice or not. You can also try answerman2@aol.com, he writes a column called Coin Clinic for Numismatic News the weekly coin paper. I fear he may say the same thing I did, that there is really no way, without more damage. Hope this helps some.
2007-09-18 15:31:26 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think part of the advice to not clean is correct and part is BS. Some cleaning methods leave the coin discolored and change the hue / tint of the metal. Others seem to enhance the coin.
The one factor I think everyone should ponder is > How often do you see a coin for sale from a dealer that has so much silver oxidation that the coin is black and almost impossible to make out the detail. How often do you see a nickel or penny for sale in the same condition?
You almost NEVER - EVER do.
2016-03-05 06:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How To Clean Nickel
2016-10-05 23:53:34 · answer #4 · answered by correia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If tooth paste doesn't work grab some concentrated lemon juice out of the fridge and some aluminum foil. Place the aluminum foil in a tub and dump in the lemon juice. Toss your coins in and forget about them for awhile. This will help remove oxidation without scratching or causing any further damage ot your coins. Works great with pennies too.
2016-03-18 08:01:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try liquid ammonia. Dilute three parts ammonia with one part distilled water. Smell's not good but it cleans nickel stains. Or use electrolysis to separate the non-metallic particles off the coin.
2007-09-18 20:24:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try cola. I know it sounds weird but you should try cola. The acid in the cola will break down all of the things on the coins. If this doesn't work try CLR. It's Calcium Lime and Rust. They also make the same thing called Lime Away.
2007-09-18 03:12:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Well, the way I clean brass cartridges for reloading is a rock tumbler, filled with crushed walnut shells (yes, I AM serious!).
Makes them come out looking shiny and new.
2007-09-18 03:43:58 · answer #8 · answered by strech 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Try a pencil eraser.
2007-09-17 23:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by Max 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋