According to many coin collectors, cleaning coins may cause them to depreciate in value. And you might have heard or known that using chemical cleaners or scrubbing coins could leave scratches and marks on the coins.
But do you know that there are cleaning solutions that work perfectly for cleaning coins? Without devaluing them.
That’s what this article is all about, so gather all those your old coins and get ready to clean them up!
Cleaning solutions that work best for cleaning coins include the following:
- Classic Coin Conditioner
- TT-Fantastic
- Divine Light Jewelry Cloth
- Wright’s Silver Cleaner and Polish
- Cassida CleanPro Cleaning Swab
- Wright’s Silver Cream
- Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream
- MS 70
- BU Plus
- E-Z-Est Coin Cleaner
- Light house coin cleaning fluid
Coin Care
If for any reason you want to clean your coins, then you should choose one of these coin cleaning solutions. And one of the major reasons you should clean your coins is if they are circulating coins as these coins can carry germs and be filthy.
- This cleaner is designed for proof, mint state, and almost uncirculated coins
- Works on gold, silver, copper, nickel brass coins
- Not designed for heavily tarnished or dirty coins
Classic Coin Conditioner
Classic Coin Conditioner’s proprietary formula was developed by a coin collector for coin collectors. Classic Coin Conditioner leaves slight lubricant for protection on the coin after use.
- It does not contain harmful chemicals like TCE, 1.1.1. or CFC113. It will not change the surface makeup of the coin, it leaves the coin in its natural state.
- It conditions without polishing.
- It evaporates fast and it is non-flammable and non-hazardous.
- It does not contain harmful chemicals or abrasives that damage coins.
- Coin Conditioner
- Coin Preservative
- Direct replacement for Harco Blue Ribbon
TT-Fantastic
This cleaning solution is actually used in cleaning jewelry but it can also be used in clearing coins as it is terrific with metals.
TT-Fantastic utilizes a convenient and easy cleaning system wherever you are; at home or at travel time. This quality cleaning solution will clean, polish, buff to provide a high luster and will add an anti-tarnish barrier to all your coins
The two-ply advanced microfiber soft flannels cloth is the best and safest to use. It won’t scratch any surface.
Divine Light Jewelry Cloth
Made with microfiber suede fabric. It is suitable for cleaning and polishing jewelry, watches, and coins. It safely removes scratches and tarnishes.
And it is convenient to clean and polish your coins with a large cleaning cloth. No need for brushes or harsh chemicals.
Wright’s Silver Cleaner and Polish
The finest ingredients keep silver & other metals beautiful for many years to come. It rejuvenates dull & tarnished silver by removing tarnish, & polishing it to a brilliant shine.
It is a unique, non-scratch formula that brilliantly cleans, shines & restores silver. The anti-tarnish formula leaves behind a protective coating that delays tarnish from re-forming.
Cassida CleanPro Cleaning Swab
CleanPro swabs are perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach parts in coin and currency counters. Lint-free, non-abrasive, and pre-saturated with 99.7% IPA (isopropyl alcohol), the foam tips will thoroughly but gently clean delicate parts like sensors and print heads, leaving no residue. Suitable for all brands of counters and great for any electronic device.
Wright’s Silver Cream
A gentle, all-purpose polish for silver that removes tarnish while leaving an even and brilliant shine. Works great on chrome, porcelain and much more.
It provides a protective coating that prevents tarnish and keeps silver and metals beautiful for years to come.
- Rub polish directly onto silver using the enclosed sponge or a clean cloth.
- Rinse with water then dry and buff using a clean soft cloth.
Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream
Blue Magic metal polish cream performs its magic on every metal surface. It restores a showroom shine to chrome and aluminum wheels, bumpers, and all automotive, truck, and motorcycle chrome.
It removes tarnish & oxidation and provides a lasting protective coating. BlueMagic Metal Polish Cream polish works on all metal surfaces and is non-abrasive.
Lighthouse Coin Cleaning Fluid
It is for coins of all metals without oxidation. This is one of the best choices you will make.
Others include:
- E-Z-Est Coin Cleaner: It is one of the most widely used agents for brightening coins and removing grime, discoloration or unsightly blemishes.
- MS 70 – Industrial strength coin brightener for gold, silver, nickel, copper, brass, or bronze. Contains no acid.
- BU Plus – Marketed by the manufacturer as a stronger version of MS-70, BU Plus can be used as a rinse on coin surfaces to remove residue and brighten the coin. This non-acid formula utilizes a strong caustic base additive. It can be used on silver, gold, copper, nickel, bronze, or brass and coins that are circulated, uncirculated, or proof.
Coin Care:
Coin Care was designed to be used on a mint state or proof coins and is efficient on AU and slightly used coins. Coin Care restores the luster and removes the tarnish, environmental, and petroleum contaminants that have accumulated. Coin Care can be used on gold, silver, nickel, copper, brass, and bronze and does not give your coins that “dipped” look.
Coin Care does not change the color of your coin but does remove oxidation contamination and tarnish. Coin Care will restore the natural aesthetic of the original substrate.
Coin Care is not a dip-based product and will not work by dipping your coin. Apply Coin Care directly to the coin or use a Q-Tip in Coin Care and gently apply to the coin.
Allow a few seconds for Coin Care to penetrate the contamination of the coin the gently “massage” the surface of the coin with the Q-Tip which has been soaked in Coin Care.
Allows doing a few “test coins” to become familiar with how the product works and make sure you like the results. Coin Care leaves a residual protective film. Any excess may be removed with a dry cloth.
CAUTION:
Never use metal polish or acid dip to clean your coins! Using these chemicals will cause abrasions or chemical reactions with the metal which will permanently damage your coin. This damage can never be fixed or undone. Additionally, these chemicals can be caustic and cause injury or even death.
How To Properly Clean Dirty Coins
As stated earlier, do not use acid dip or metal polish to clean your coins. These products are too harsh for your old dollar coins, buffalo nickels, copper wheat pennies, or your other collectible metal currency. Only use them if you do not really care about the monetary value of your metal currency, and you are only interested in making those pennies, dimes, and quarters shine brightly.
Here are some ways you can get your coins clean and shiny again without the need for an acid dip or metal polish:
- Water
The least damaging way that you can clean your coins is through the use of water. If you suspect your house’s water is hard or corrosive, consider using distilled water rather than the water from your faucet.
- Soap
Cleaning an old coin with gentle dish soap and water can cleanse some of that built-up dirt. To carry this out, just fill up a small plastic container with warm water, add a few drops of mild soap, immerse the coins, and rub with your fingers or a soft toothbrush to clean. Do this a number of times till you get the desired result.
- Vinegar
White vinegar contains an acetic acid that can help wear away the contamination on your coins. To effectively use this, soak your coins in a glass or other non-corrosive container for at least 30 minutes or at most leaving it overnight. After this, wipe the coin with a clean cloth or scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has proven to be effective in removing dirt from various materials, and this includes organic material as well. To clean using this method, place your coins in a small plastic container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, and soak for 24 hours. After you have let your coins soak in the hydrogen peroxide bath, rinse the coins off with water and let them air dry for a while.
- Mouthwash
I know, it is weird using this as a cleansing solution for your dirty coins, but trust me when I say that it works. In addition to cleaning your breath, Listerine and other antiseptic mouthwashes can be used to safely clean dirt, oil, and debris from old coins. To do this effectively, put the coins in a small plastic container, pour in the mouthwash, and soak for 12 hours. The quantity does not matter as long as the coins are submerged in the mouthwash.
How To Clean Corroded Coin
Baking soda is the safest method to use if you want to clean corrosion off of your old coins. Wet the affected coin with clean tap or distilled water, roll in baking soda, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the baking soda and debris off with more clean water, and repeat the steps if necessary.
Note that, if the wrong procedure or harsh cleaning materials are used, it can lead to the removal or ruin of the patina that fellow coin collectors enjoy and devalue the coins in the process.
