I know you are not supose to clean antic coins, But they have already been cleaned once ! Now they have a film on them. What would be the best way to clean them without getting the film?
2007-09-18 14:41:18 · 9 answers · asked by Jeffery R 1 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 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in either solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. 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!
2007-09-18 23:47:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the copper is just tarnished and dark, take a small bowl and pour in some vinegar, and a few shakes of salt, and swish the pennies around in that. It will brighten them up nicely. Be aware, however, that cleaning older coins destroys the numismatic value, if any.
2016-05-18 01:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try dipping them in acetone the pure kind from a hardware store. Then put in distilled water and let air dry. The film may be due to what they were cleand in, in the first place, that is why it is not wise to clean coins.
2007-09-18 15:11:56 · answer #3 · answered by Taiping 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would get an ultrasonic cleaner for that, since they have already been cleaned. It probably won't further affect the value of the coins. Don't buff or polish though.....
2007-09-18 14:49:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you go to a coin shop they sell a liquid you just dip the coin.it is good this way so you don't damage or scratch your coin.
2007-09-18 17:23:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a plastic cup and put ketchup in it and then put a dab of water and let the coin soak in the ketchup and then wash it off in water after like 5 minutes or so it works i promise
2007-09-18 14:49:36 · answer #6 · answered by lola c 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how about dipping them with a mixture of baking soda/vinegar and water..
2007-09-18 17:02:00 · answer #7 · answered by siryan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i was watching myth busters and they used coke to clean pennies
2007-09-18 16:04:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it would still be best to leave them alone. the more you mess with them the more their value will deteriorate.
2007-09-18 14:50:10 · answer #9 · answered by Tired Old Man 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋