But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. They also will not pay you until you ship the coins. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Soak the coins in the lemon solution for up to one hour. If you decide to clean your wheat pennies, make sure you start with the least invasive cleaning method first. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can also use just a touch of olive oil for polishing older coins that have become tarnished. If you are keeping them or do not care if they are damaged, you can use methods like vinegar, peroxide, baking soda, mouthwash or even, dare I say, ketchup! The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. You dont have to sacrifice the quality of your pennies just so you can have them looking good. Those are meant to clean items like antique silver vases and your wedding ring. There are chemicals within the tap water that can erode the coins over time. One of the most important aspects of cleaning old coins is to know the value first. This article was co-authored by Elias Weston. So, thinking about cleaning them is not wrong, and they can be cleaned in several ways. If you plan on cleaning off a lot of coins at once, use a bigger bowl and add more vinegar as needed. Just make sure that you gently apply the olive oil and you can help prevent tarnish over time. Drop your coins in a bowl and cover them completely with olive oil. If you have a collection of copper pennies, chances are that theyre not looking their best. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. These coins range in value from a few cents to a small fortune, if you are lucky enough! Your best bet is to keep them separate so they are not rubbing against eachother. In fact, it works so well that, like the other coin cleaning brews mentioned here, it can completely strip away the original patina and obliterate the value of the coin. Again, use small circular motions, scrubbing the entirety of the coin for a minute or so. There are many options for selling wheat pennies. Therefore, before cleaning old coins, consult an expert on the subject. How to clean a copper penny? 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The right materials will effectively clean your pennies and will also be safe for your hands. Start by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar, or lemon juice, into a cup or glass. 290K views 3 years ago In this video you will find a simple but very effective method of cleaning old coins. After WWII, the original metal composition was reinstituted and reigned until the wheat penny retired. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. If you are keeping them for sentimental value or for your own personal collection, you may certainly clean them. Add more baking soda and water as needed for larger batches of coins. If you use the right materials and carry out the process in a gentle manner, you can get the best of both worlds a set of cleaned shiny pennies that are also not damaged. There is no way to clean a coin without damaging its collectible value, even wiping with a cloth causes scratches that reduce the value in the eyes of professional collectors. Let them soak for a while. Lightly rub the ketchup into the coin with a soft toothbrush, then rinse off the ketchup. Collectors actively look for the tiniest flaws in pennies and they have all the necessary tools to find those flaws. If necessary, a little bit of gentle soap can be used, with Ivory soap being the preferred brand. If you have questions, always seek the help of a professional coin cleaner and coin grading service. Wet the penny with warm water until its thoroughly dampened (but not dripping). Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In fact, it would probably be extremely wise to do so, at least from a sanitary perspective. Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. (So before you start using baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or ketchup to clean your coins at. Copper, silver, nickel, and gold coins should strictly never be cleaned. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. 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. Split your coins into three categories: showing good detail, showing some detail, and showing no detail. Minelab CTX 3030 Review, on How to Clean a Copper Penny:10 Tips and Advices. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Rinse the coins with fresh water after 24 hours and let them air dry. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. The citrus juices are acidic, and mixed with salt, can remove corrosion and debris from wheat pennies. I like to use distilled water to clean coins if I decide to clean them. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Cleaning and polishing rare and old coins can devalue them. The presence of salt and vinegar as its ingredients explains why this method works. Anyone can use this simple technique. Coins / February 17, 2021 by Walt / Leave a Comment. Some are damaged by contact with other coins, general circulation, or being buried in the ground for many years. 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). Drop the pennies into the mixture for about 5 minutes. This way, you should not have to worry about cleaning them on a regular basis. Be gentle: A penny is a delicate coin and you dont want to scratch it up in the process of cleaning it. Repeat, as necessary. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide can prove effective in removing various materials, including organic material. Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. "Knowing how to safely clean copper is big time helpful. Last Updated: November 9, 2022 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Even more importantly, understand how the condition impacts the value. If the water is not enough, continue down the list and use dish soap. When a coin has evidence of cleaning, it is valued as Genuine-Cleaned. This means that despite the condition of the coin, it will be valued less than Fine range coins that have not been cleaned. Rinse off excess mustard under running water until all traces are removed from both sides before allowing them dry completely upside down so they wont lose any color fading away while drying out naturally overnight.. Fill up two plastic containers with distilled water and a tablespoon of mild hand 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! When you put your pennies in a vinegar and salt mix, the vinegar and salt react together and remove the copper oxide. Should the oil start to look discolored, change it out. Just remember to rinse the pennies thoroughly after all cleaning methods. Since we are also concerned about safety, it is important for you to know that the acidic substances that these rust removers contain could be harmful to your skin, so you should protect yourself with gloves and a mask when using them. Gently scrub them with either a soft toothbrush or your fingers. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. One of the simplest ways to clean coins is by using distilled water and a soft towel. Believe it or not, you can clean copper coins using yet another household item: ketchup. The Garrett Ace Apex is one of my favorite metal detectors for coin shooting. Clean pennies with Vinegar and Salt NurdRage 664K views 10 years ago How to CLEAN coins HardCoreCopper 43K views 1 year ago Coin Collecting : How Do I Clean Dirty Coins?. % of people told us that this article helped them. Use a small plastic container full of hydrogen peroxide. The first step to cleaning a copper penny is soaking it in vinegar. The first step to cleaning a copper penny is soaking it in vinegar. If you had a rare coin you had cleaned too harshly, and wanted to have it valued, it would reduce the coins value. Step 5: Rub Away the Tarnish & Grime. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. In addition to the vinegar and lemon juice, ketchup can also be used to clean copper pennies. First, do not every use any type of jewelry cleaner or metal polish on coins. Other Ways To Clean Copper Coins Without Damaging Them 1. Or in layman's terms, by generating microscopic bubbles between a hard surface and a softer material, and allowing them to catastrophically collapse. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! It removes various materials including organic material. You can also opt for durable plastic holders, which can be square or round. Then mix gently until the salt totally dissolves in the lemon juice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For preservation purposes, most collectors recommend against treating collectible coins. Cleaning Copper With Ketchup: Ketchup can be used to clean a variety of copper products. [1] Start working on the coins that need the least amount of work. In 1943, the composition changed to zinc plated steel due to the need for copper during World War II. We hope you enjoy these tips and find the one that works best for you! Scrub low-value coins with baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice and salt, or ketchup to break apart tarnish. If youre using lemon juice, be sure that the penny is very well-cleaned beforehand and that its completely dry before applying the lemon juice. Acids wear away copper, so exposing a coin to vinegar and other products can cause permanent damage. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. Leave the pennies for around five minutes in the glass of vinegar or lemon juice. The key is to ensure that you dont use anything super abrasive, especially on older coins. CoinsForSale.com charges a 5 percent selling fee and no listing fee. Pennies are made from highly reactive metals like copper or copper alloys, so it is only normal for them to get corroded with time. For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Pennies are made from highly reactive metals like copper or copper alloys, so it is only normal for them to get corroded with time. What are ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to cleaning copper coins? From there, use your brush to gently get the grime off of the coins before putting them back into the water again. If you need to remove dirt from your coins, remove the worst of it with a tooth pick. Since all alcohol is neutral (having neither acidic or alkaline charges) it will only remove ceraint oil base soils. I know it sounds strange, but stay with me. It may take a few treatments, so work gradually and wash the coins off each time to avoid damaging them. From there, use your brush to gently get the grime off of the coins before putting them back into the water again. Then dip your coins in the solution and let them soak for an hour or twothe longer they soak, the more oxidation will come off. This makes it easier for copper atoms to join oxygen from the air and chlorine from the salt and form a blue green compound called malachite. Hold the coins under a little bit of running water to ensure all of the cleaning solution rinses off. Keep reading below for the best methods for safely cleaning your wheat pennies at home. Mouthwash not only helps with dental health but can help you clean up dirty coins. Get a corrosive resistant container, such as a glass, and soak your wheat pennies in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Different types of coins require different cleaning solutions, so ask an expert if you are not sure. If this does not bother, you and you simply want to restore the coin for yourself you can use a baking soda paste. Pull the coins out of the liquid and gently wipe them with a paper towel to break apart the tarnish and dark spots. If you do not sell your coin, you do not pay. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. [5] The salt and vinegar in the ketchup will remove tarnish from the penny. For many pennies, one tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1/2 cup (4 oz) of vinegar will get the job done. Start with two tablespoons of baking soda, mixing it with water into a bowl. % of people told us that this article helped them. Avoid rubbing where possible as they can scratch and damage the coins surface. Do not rub them or the dirt and debris on them can scratch them and ruin the value. Keep your coins in a stable, cool, dry location. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt. Coins Metal Detectors tb1234 Basic Penny Cleaning Warm water Dishwashing soap Plastic bin Toothbrush Paper towel tb1234 Clearing away the dirt now makes the coin look clearer once you add the oil to it. Water is less abrasive than other cleaning methods and should clean most of the dirt and debris off your wheat pennies. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. Ammonia works well for removing rust from copper pennies, but it can also damage the surface of the penny if not used properly. 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. After applying, give it a couple of minutes and then rinse using distilled water. In fact, I use dish soap to clean my wedding ring, necklaces, and other jewelry. For others, coins can be collected throughout the years, some of which become quite valuable. You might have to use multiple methods or go back and forth between methods until you find the one that works best for you. If the quarter is clean, rinse it off with distilled water. Distilled water is highly recommended as tap water since it contains chlorine that works perfectly in removing the unwanted substances. Youll be surprised at what works and what doesnt! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. We all enjoy the metal detecting finds we discover, and sometimes, even pennies fall into that category. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide . After 5 minutes, wash the solution off the coins with warm water, since if its left on too long it can damage them. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert certified, and EWG verified cleaning products. Place the quarter you want to clean into a small plastic bowl. This could mean going into tight corners with cotton swabs dipped in diluted vinegar solution or water; however, if there are no crevices left untouched by this step then this is generally enough for most coins because they wont have been exposed much during wear-and-tear over time anyway (if at all). So here's how to clean a penny with vinegar: Get a small glass (or another kind of non-corrosive container) and fill it with some white vinegar - just enough to submerge a coin below the surface. 3 What is the fastest way to clean copper coins? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. If your pennies still dont get clean after the fifth step, you can mix baking soda with a tablespoon of water, then use an old soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. Cool the copper: Leave the copper item in the solution until it is cool to the touch. Brighten old, dark pennies in seconds! Mix 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. These were 95 percent copper and 5 percent zing. Ensure you rinse all the vinegar off the coin once it is cleaned. The acid from the ketchup can help to deal with oxidation as it forms on your coins. Soak the Pennies in Vinegar. If you happen to find one of these while metal detecting, do not attempt to clean them yourself! This detector features multiple search frequencies and has 2 different coin modes: one for foreign coins and one for U.S. coins. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With your paper towel, clean the pennies carefully and watch how they start getting clean and shiny. The good news is that there is a solution available no matter what type of coin. Keep in mind that this is more of an abrasive than even the sand method and can do serious damage without the proper care. How to clean copper pennies using vinegar and baking soda. There are a variety of cleaning methods for wheat pennies. The effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, so ensure you cover the entire coin! Pennies get dull and dirty because the copper in the pennies reacts with oxygen in the air to form copper oxide. Let them air dry or wipe them with a soft, microfiber cloth. But, if you are in doubt about how to clean your pennies, it is a good idea to leave them alone or consult a rare coin specialist before you begin the cleaning process. Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. The vinegar poured into that bowl should be enough to cover those pennies. They will not pay you until you have shipped the coins. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Method 1 Using Simple Washing Download Article 1 Sort your coins. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. They may damage the surface of the wheat penny and devalue them. They can clean your coin if it has PVC residue, dirt, debris, adhesive, tape reside, copper spots on gold, or toning issues. You will want to use a soft-bristled brush, one that has been well worn in as well as a soft cloth. Place your pennies in the vinegar or the lemon juice. Garret ACE 400 Review A professional coin valuer will notice these minute scratches on the surface from cleaning. If they're extra dirty or if you're cleaning a lot simultaneously, give them a few more minutes for good measure. 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. If it can clean oil off baby ducks, it should be able to clean your wheat pennies with very little damage! Stir until the salt dissolves. 2 Pour a few ounces of vinegar into a shallow dish. Next, soak the coins in the solution for 5 minutes, making sure theyre spread out so theyre all submerged. Mix it together and add the coins into the bowl. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. Make sure that any cleaner you use is rated to clean pennies prior to 1982. You can also seek the services of the Numismatic Conservation Services. And if you're unsure of how to properly clean a coin and you want a second opinion, get in contact with a coin expert before trying any of the following methods. Pencil Eraser for Cleaning Pennies. Because the effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, this allows one to get creative with the contrasting features of the coin itself with your choice of different colored copper. If youre more of a do-it-yourselfer, try using a basic household cleaner to start. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If there are stubborn stains that dont seem like theyre budging, try scrubbing them vigorously with steel wool while theyre still wet; this should do wonders when trying to remove stubborn grime from coins like pennies made out of zinc (which often have dark spots). This service does not come with a grading protection guarantee. When in doubt, leave the coin as you found it. 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. The concept is the same as white vinegar and salt. Like vinegar, ammonia has a strong chemical odor, so you may want to wear gloves when cleaning with this method. These cookies do not store any personal information. An easy way to clean copper pennies and coins to remove the build-up of grime is with soapy water and a little elbow grease. Just make sure you keep the rubbing to a minimum. Soak your penny in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes. Using a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the baking soda into each coin, especially on the corroded areas. An alternative is to use vinyl erasers, but they do not contain abrasive, which is typically found in pencil erasers. Soak your quarters in lemon juice. Leave the coin to soak for about 5 minutes or so and then check on its condition. Step-2: Mix dish soap with water in a bowl. You just have to put a thin but uniform layer of sauce on the penny and then rinse it off with water after some time. In fact, there are a lot of people who may suggest that using vinegar will hurt the integrity of your penny by making it tarnish. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The more contact the coins have with one another the more damage they take on. Soak the coins for 12 hours. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. AspenCleans glass cleaner was voted Parents Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents magazine. Thanks. In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them. 1 How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Use Water Sometimes the simplest methods are best. Grab some past with your thumb and forefinger, rubbing it gently onto both sides of the penny. For a safer way to remove stubborn debris and make a coin shine, rub it gently with a little bit of vegetable oil. These cookies do not store any personal information. You can always put them on other websites like Facebook market, but you may not reach the intended audience with that forum. On average, a quarter-cup should be adequate. That is because ketchup has vinegar in it, which is naturally acidic. I go from light cleaning, to using soap and water, to using olive oil. There are various other methods to clean your pennies. After 24 hours of drying time (72 hours if you live in humid conditions), use a soft cloth like an old T-shirt or washcloth to buff up all sides of your penny until it has regained most of its original shine! Have them professionally cleaned or sell them as is. If you have recently gone metal detecting and found several wheat pennies, what do you do with them now? Thats not necessarily to say the material so much as the purpose of the coin. They can eliminate or reduce the effects of outside contaminates that have caused issues with your coins. Clean them off using distilled water and soap, using an old toothbrush to scour them clean. Simply run the water over the coin, or let it soak in the water. This fact makes it all the more important for you to know how to clean corroded pennies, especially if youve found a few wheat pennies from metal detecting. The effect is immediate and obvious. This natural acid can be used to clean coins, pots and pans, and more. Rinse the coins thoroughly with water to remove the baking soda and vinegar solution. Approved. Many people think that a shiny coin will be worth more than a tarnished, old looking coin. This method and those that follow are going to be for everyday coins. If possible, stick to water or dish soap for cleaning wheat pennies. The baking soda isnt acidic like vinegar and citrus juice solutions, so leaving the paste in place for a while is safe. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Remove the coins and dump out the lemon solution, and then pour the olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice into the container. With -cup of ketchup, just dip your old toothbrush in and scrub the surface of the coin. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause damage to the skin if inhaled or spilled. 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. The Nokta Makro CF77 Coin Finder is another great detector for coin shooting. When you have them totally clean, let them air dry and enjoy the bright sheen that your pennies have. So our advice is that if you have found some valuable pennies (and have hopes of selling them for big money), it is actually safer to not clean them at all. Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean coins? Dip one penny halfway into the liquid. Pat the coin dry. According to renowned numismatists, Ivory soap, and water is the safest way used in cleaning steel pennies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. There will be times when you think your coin is clean, only to discover later that its still dirty. Be sure to check with a professional before cleaning a corroded coin that may have significant value. Fill the bowl with enough lemon juice to cover the quarter. Rinse with freshwater and let air dry. 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. Some of these have relatively sound science behind them, but they should be used at your own risk. 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. How To Clean Old Copper Pennies. If the coins still look a little dull, try treating them with more paste. It might seem like theres no hope for your tarnished coins, but fear not! Press ESC to cancel. If you dont have ketchup or another acid, try using a metal polish from a general store. Vinegar and salt are the best methods of cleaning your pennies. If it's a very thin coin, don't clean it as the vinegar can scorch through it. Vinegar is most effective for cleaning copper. As a result, the shiny bright metal develops an external layer having a dull green color. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. If your penny is really important to you. This may be true in certain aspects, such as uncirculated monies. The aluminum foil is key to the reaction which removes the tarnish. Dab some yellow mustard onto a cotton ball or soft cloth and rub firmly over the entire surface of the coin until it starts turning darker than usualthis means that its working! It does not store any personal data. Under Water Metal Detectors
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