Dont make the mistake of using something meant for regular coins on something older and more condition sensitive. How do you clean old pennies without damaging them? How to Clean Corroded Pennies Safely and Effectively, How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any Damage, How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without Damage. If there are still some stubborn stains on your pennies after rinsing them with water, try using baking soda next time instead; this should help get rid of those stainsand if not then maybe some hand lotion would help soften up those stubborn spots too! These coins range in value from a few cents to a small fortune, if you, Read More How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without DamageContinue, ABOUT|AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE|PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS OF USE. Under Water Metal Detectors Its important to note that cleaning tarnish off valuable or rare coins can greatly affect their value. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. First, gather your supplies. Mix a teaspoon of salt into the liquid by stirring until it is dissolved. This is what gives some pennies their odd bluish hue. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The good news is that there is a solution available no matter what type of coin. There is something so magical and intriguing about looking through coins from the past. The key is to ensure that you dont use anything super abrasive, especially on older coins. Mouthwash not only helps with dental health but can help you clean up dirty coins. Where I live, we have acidic and hard water. Step 3 Now put those pennies into the bowl containing the mixture of vinegar and salt. All items are affected by the passage of time, and coins are no different. Gold Nuggets Metal Detectors How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? I go from light cleaning, to using soap and water, to using olive oil. Next, soak the coins in the solution for 5 minutes, making sure theyre spread out so theyre all submerged. The aluminum foil is key to the reaction which removes the tarnish. White Vinegar One of the most recommended cleaning solutions for wheat pennies is white vinegar. wheat pennies found can be worth a small fortune. If they're extra dirty or if you're cleaning a lot simultaneously, give them a few more minutes for good measure. You will not need to clean your coins repeatedly if you know the best way to clean pennies and how to preserve them properly. At this stage, the corrosion on the pennies mustve reacted with the lemon and salt solution, so it is time for you to start removing them from the container. One of the main reasons for pennies becoming dirty is their continual circulation among people. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Before you do anything, do your research to know the value of the coin. Dump all the pennies into the liquid. Again, cleaning corrosion off wheat pennies can harm the value significantly. When you put your pennies in a vinegar and salt mix, the vinegar and salt react together and remove the copper oxide. How to clean a copper penny? Place your pennies at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar. When a coin is submitted to be examined by the experts at PCGS, signs of cleaning can be evident in many ways. Apmex is a well-known auction site for coins. Listerine and other antiseptic mouthwashes can clean dirt, oil, and debris from old coins. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Ammonia is another option that can be used to clean copper pennies. These cookies do not store any personal information. For a stronger treatment, let the coins soak in oil for about a day, then scrub them with a soft toothbrush. If you had a rare coin you had cleaned too harshly, and wanted to have it valued, it would reduce the coins value. This method and those that follow are going to be for everyday coins. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The level of water in the container should determine when you stop adding pennies into it because they must all get totally submerged into the solution for this process to work. Be sure to check with a professional before cleaning a corroded coin that may have significant value. Garret ACE 250 Review For a safer way to remove stubborn debris and make a coin shine, rub it gently with a little bit of vegetable oil. This technique is an easy way to clean silver coins and zinc pennies without causing damage, too. They were initially made of bronze, a 95 percent copper alloy. Hold the coins under a little bit of running water to ensure all of the cleaning solution rinses off. With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. 1 How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? If you are not worried about damaging the coins as much, you can continue down the list and use some of the more abrasive cleaning methods. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If you dont have ketchup or another acid, try using a metal polish from a general store. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. You must remember to use these at your discretion. 7+ Useful Ways to Clean Copper Pennies - Tips Bulletin If this does not bother, you and you simply want to restore the coin for yourself you can use a baking soda paste. You can clean as many pennies you want with a single pencil eraser. "Knowing how to safely clean copper is big time helpful. Next, mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and rub this paste over the penny using your fingers. 10 Simple But Effective Ways to Clean Silver Coins - Tips Bulletin There will be times when you think your coin is clean, only to discover later that its still dirty. Anyone can use this simple technique. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. From there, use your brush to gently get the grime off of the coins before putting them back into the water again. I need advice on how to clean a coin without applying any damage to it (So before you start using baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or ketchup to clean your coins at. In 1943, the composition changed to zinc plated steel due to the need for copper during World War II. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelors degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto. Pennies have been around since the late 1700s in the United States. Step 4 Now take out the pennies from that mixture, and wash them in water. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. How To Clean A Penny Without Damaging It (Detailed Guide) How to Clean Copper Coins in Seconds: 4 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow Rinse off any excess liquid with water and set aside to dry. How do you remove green corrosion from copper coins? One of the most recommended cleaning solutions for wheat pennies is white vinegar. Steel pennies were abandoned the following year, and brass pennies were introduced. I would not do any cleaning at all. This is a simple, inexpensive method that works well on pennies that arent too tarnished. Remove the coins and dump out the lemon solution, and then pour the olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice into the container. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. Aluminum Foil Any aluminum foil will do, what you have laying around in your kitchen will work great. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. Leave the pennies for around five minutes in the glass of vinegar or lemon juice. If necessary, a little bit of gentle soap can be used, with Ivory soap being the preferred brand. In fact, it would probably be extremely wise to do so, at least from a sanitary perspective. Water is less abrasive than other cleaning methods and should clean most of the dirt and debris off your wheat pennies. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. Remember to not use tap water because the chemicals are bad for the coins. Cleaning them can be a daunting task. This article has been viewed 60,522 times. In many cases, cleaning a coin can lower the value of the coin as a collectors item. Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent (like dish soap) to clean it. After applying, give it a couple of minutes and then rinse using distilled water. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. As an added precaution, you should only mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one gallon of water when using this technique; over-mixed solutions will damage your coins surfaces quickly. Soak your coins in a glass or other non-corrosive container for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, and then wipe with a clean cloth or scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Soak the coins in more salt and vinegar if they still look dirty. 3 Ways to Clean Old Coins - wikiHow With wheat pennies, you will want to fill a small dish with fresh water and some dish soap. Ketchup is also effective at cleaning copper jewelry, so keep this tip in mind next time you need an emergency polish job for your favorite necklace or bracelet! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A great way to clean coins without doing damage to them is using a bath of salt and isopropyl alcohol. Copper is a soft metal, so copper coins are prone to degrading over time. Other Ways To Clean Copper Coins Without Damaging Them 1. Drop the pennies into the mixture for about 5 minutes. Ketchup can restore the copper glow of a penny. You can visit a local coin dealer if you have one nearby. For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! Copper coins often turn a muddled brown color, and these marks can be cleaned off with salt and a mild acid like white vinegar. Be gentle: A penny is a delicate coin and you dont want to scratch it up in the process of cleaning it. To clean softer or more valuable coins, your best bet is to lightly rinse them in warm water, then pat them dry with a microfiber cloth. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber. Dip one penny halfway into the liquid. Everyday change can be cleaned in just about any type of way. It is easy to just use any cleaning agent for this, but you need to understand that there are many cleaning materials that will potentially damage the penniesand even hurt your skin in the process. This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. Hello internet and today i will be showing you how to clean your old coins without damaging them and I'll be cleaning my rare 1886 type 2 Indian head cent ju. As you will come to find out, there are different methods for cleaning different types of coins. Some are damaged by contact with other coins, general circulation, or being buried in the ground for many years. Or in layman's terms, by generating microscopic bubbles between a hard surface and a softer material, and allowing them to catastrophically collapse. Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Get a corrosive resistant container, such as a glass, and soak your wheat pennies in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The first step to cleaning a copper penny is soaking it in vinegar. How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without Damage, How to Clean Corroded Pennies Safely and Effectively, How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any Damage. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Dont leave them in a bowl of water, since the vinegar solution and copper oxide will end up in the bowl and on other coins. No scrubbing necessary at all. This works well because the dish soap will loosen dirt and grim, and gently lift it from the surface of the metal object. Apply the paste with a microfiber cloth and rinse it off with water. For many pennies, one tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1/2 cup (4 oz) of vinegar will get the job done. So, in this article, Im going to explain to you exactly how to clean wheat pennies safely and effectively! [2] 3 Now simply apply the paste to the penny wherever you want it to brighten up. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. On average, a quarter-cup should be adequate. Modern Coin Mart is another site for selling coins. Many professional coin collectors and coin valuers recommend leaving the coins as they are. Wash each coin gently with a soft toothbrush before rinsing and drying it. There are countless things that it can be used for, cleaning old coins and even jewelry among them. NEVER drink the solution that was used to clean the pennies. tb1234. How to clean rare & old coins without damaging them - The Sun Get an appraisal before you clean themif you plan to sell them. Tartaric acid is a weak organic acid, which means its not as corrosive to your penny as other chemicals. Very old or dirty coins require the extra effort. In this video, I'm showing you the 2 safest methods to clean coins without devaluing them. Looking to achieve that bright, orange-copper color? Overall, cleaning a copper penny is not that difficult most of the time, and any of the methods listed above will be sure to get the job done right. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Copper coins often turn a muddled brown color, and these marks can be cleaned off with salt and a mild acid like white vinegar. Its also an effective way to remove oxidation from copper and make sure that there are no stains left behind. Wheat pennys face value is 1 cent, but every single one of them is worth more than face value, regardless of condition. The effect is immediate and obvious. The concept is the same as white vinegar and salt. There are also various commercial cleaners available in the market to clean your pennies, but they may prove a bit expensive if you have lots of pennies to clean. There are a variety of suggested ways when it comes to cleaning coins, and cleaning . If you do use an abrasive like vinegar or salt, make sure that you dont rub the abrasive in as it could scratch up the surface of the coin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Split your coins into three categories: showing good detail, showing some detail, and showing no detail. Mix cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl that is non-metallic. Once theyve soaked enough, take them out and rinse them with clear water until all traces of acid are gone from their surfaces; finally dry them off with a paper towel before putting them back into circulation (or storing them). Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. You can clean a dug copper coin by removing layers of dirt, gently, with a toothpick, piece of wood, or your fingernail until getting down to the patina. Add distilled water and a small amount of dish soap to your shallow bowl. Remember, you can always try cleaning a coin again, but you cant reverse mistakes. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide left on them from handling before you start scrubbing them with toothpaste or soap. One not so common cleaning method I found is using ketchup. When in doubt, refrain from cleaning anything older than those. The Garrett Ace Apex is one of my favorite metal detectors for coin shooting. Pennies are made from highly reactive metals like copper or copper alloys, so it is only normal for them to get corroded with time. One of the most important aspects of cleaning old coins is to know the value first. Over time, coins of all sorts can and will collect grime and gunk. This happens because the vinegar and salt dissolves the copper oxide layer of the penny. By using our site, you agree to our. They will, in fact, devalue. It only requires rubbing the penny with a pencil eraser. Collectors actively look for the tiniest flaws in pennies and they have all the necessary tools to find those flaws. Abrasive cleaners, like using a brush along with an acid or alcohol-based cleaning solution, can leave minuscule hair line discrepancies on the metal that can only be seen under magnification and in the right lighting. How To Clean Old Copper Coins Without Damaging Them Should the oil start to look discolored, change it out. After WWII, the original metal composition was reinstituted and reigned until the wheat penny retired. [5] The salt and vinegar in the ketchup will remove tarnish from the penny. If you do not sell your coin, you do not pay. But for coins that have collectible value, they are oftentimes worth more than their face value. That way, if the cleaning method damages the coin, youre not going to be upset about it. 5 How do you remove green corrosion from copper coins? Again, use small circular motions, scrubbing the entirety of the coin for a minute or so. Rinse the coin very well under warm water. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. For older, condition-sensitive coins, a gentle bath of water and mild hand soap will suffice. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber, https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pennies/, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-copper-and-brass-with-ketchup-223741, Wie man Kupfermnzen sekundenschnell reinigt, Pulire le Monete di Rame in Pochi Secondi, . Pennies get dull and dirty because the copper in the pennies reacts with oxygen in the air to form copper oxide. Its best to wear rubber gloves when handling the ketchup and penny because they can both leave your hands stained red if you arent careful! Safely storing your wheat pennies is critical for preserving and protecting them. 6 Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean coins? Make sure to use small, circular motions. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Make sure they are not directly on top of each other. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. You should also rub the coin gently to remove debris, and rinse it under the tap to wash off the oil. How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? Ammonia works well for removing rust from copper pennies, but it can also damage the surface of the penny if not used properly. Rinse the coin very well under warm water. Wait about five minutes and check your pennies. This article was co-authored by Elias Weston. You dont have to sacrifice the quality of your pennies just so you can have them looking good. Cleaning these will absolutely devalue them if they are not cleaned properlyso just be mindful of this. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Rubbing or scrubbing a coin (even with non-abrasive liquids) will leave microabrasions on your coin and cause a severe reduction of value or elimination of any collectible value. The vinegar poured into that bowl should be enough to cover those pennies. To clean a copper penny, squeeze out a small amount of tomato ketchup onto the face and back of the coin. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny. If it's a very thin coin, don't clean it as the vinegar can scorch through it. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it will remove the copper oxide that's on your pennies. Therefore, before cleaning old coins, consult an expert on the subject. This article may contain affiliate links, How to Paint Concrete [From Preparation to Sealing], 14 Ways to Open a Stuck Jar A Helpful Guide, A Guide to Wood Finishes That Are Food Safe, How to Significantly Improve Your Charcoal Grill, How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel, Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are Definitely a Thing You Need to Know About. Retrieve the coins from the vinegar and apply a few teaspoons of baking soda to each coin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This article has been viewed 438,144 times. This detector works very well in areas with high soil mineralization. You must be gentle. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We will focus on the materials you need, how to use them, and most importantly, how to carry out the cleaning process in a safe way so that the pennies do not get damaged or lose their integrity. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How to clean old coins without any damage - YouTube First, do not every use any type of jewelry cleaner or metal polish on coins. For others, coins can be collected throughout the years, some of which become quite valuable. The best method for achieving that is with salt and vinegar.