My son and I are collection the state quarters and nickles, we have a few quarters that look kinda rough. Can someone tell me how to properly clean the coins to a nice sheen?
2007-10-20 18:03:06 · 3 answers · asked by Fee-Fee 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The state quarters and, I'm assuming you mean, the westward series nickels can be found easily in good condition. If you have some that you are not pleased with go get some better ones from the bank (you can get boxes or rolls to search through) or from a coin dealer.
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 coins 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 coins do not use the method described above as it 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 the 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.
2007-10-21 06:11:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you clean the coins the collection will have no future value. There are enough of all the state quarters as well as modern nickles out there to just look for better ones and replace the damaged ones. Part of the fun of collecting is upgrading. When you find a better one replace the old one. There is no proper way to clean a coin available to the general public and is only done by pros on real rare coins to save them.
2007-10-21 13:42:53 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't clean them. It will reduce the value and the condition will be badder.
2007-10-22 01:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by Big Ben 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋