Have the old coins you collected been coated in rust? You can use a special metal cleaner to remove rust on coins. Acidic liquids such as vinegar, lemon water or soda can also be used to remove rust. Something to note: if you plan to sell old coins, removing rust or corrosion on the coins can significantly reduce the value of the coins.
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Method 1 of 3: Selecting Coins to Clear
Step 1. If you plan to sell the coin, or if the coin has potential value, do not clean the coin
Cleaning the coins will greatly reduce the value contained in the coins. Don't remove corrosion (such as rust), additives (such as impurities), and other impurities adhering to old coins if you want to sell them at a high price. If the coin is part of a numismatic collection, don't try to clean it. Such a thing would greatly reduce the antique value of the coin. Leave this precious coin cleaning matter to the experts.
Step 2. Treat coins with care
Any type of coin that is valued as valuable should not be treated empty-handed. Put on gloves and store coins in plastic. Let the coins be assessed by a professional in the field before you move on to the next step. For other types of antiques, the same thing should be observed: do not clean, paint, or scrub anything that might be valuable until it has been assessed by a professional.
Step 3. Do not clean copper coins (eg coins) together with non-copper coins
Copper can leach the surface of other coins when immersed in the same place. In the context of American currency: separate penny coins from nickels, dimes, quarters, and others.
Do not allow coins made of copper to soak together with coins made of steel. The copper substance can react with the cleaning chemical so that the copper substance will dissolve in the soaking water. The copper substance dissolved in the soaking water will stick to the metal coins and damage them
Method 2 of 3: Using Coin Cleaning Products
Step 1. Use a metal polishing soap
Try using “S100 Polishing Soap” to remove rust and other types of damage to coins. You will be surprised at how great this soap is at removing rust from the surface of coins. This soap can also be used to clean silver coins. This soap is used by German silversmiths to clean jewelry made of silver. Cleaning silver with a cotton swab or upholstery product can often help, as materials such as wool and cotton lint can clean uneven areas of the coin's surface. Products such as “Weiman” metal polishers and other brands can work well.
Step 2. Purchase a metal cleaner at a vehicle supply store
Find a variety of metal polishers and cleaners for vehicle parts at your local supermarket. These metal polishes and cleaners can be used to clean metal coins. You can use silver cleaner, copper cleaner, or metal cleaner. However, the results will be better if you use a cleaner that is suitable for the type of metal.
Step 3. Use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner
This can be done if the coins are not cleaned with the intention of being collected, for example in a coin collection that emphasizes monetary value. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations whenever using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Coins with Home Appliances
Step 1. Wash the coins under cold running water
Hold the tip of the coin: holding the surface of the coin directly can damage the surface of the coin. Do not rub the surface of the coin if you want to protect the surface of the coin.
Step 2. Let the water run over the coin for one minute
The higher the water pressure, the better. Be sure not to use a high-powered water pump that can penetrate coins.
Step 3. Gently brush the coin
If the dirt on the coin has not been removed, gently scrub the coin using a toothbrush and dish soap. Let the warm water run over the toothbrush to smooth the bristles. Rinse the toothbrush and coin several times to avoid scratching the coin. Do not apply too much force, and only clean the dirty area of the coin.
The bristles on a toothbrush have different levels of softness. You can choose the one labeled fine or extra fine. If you use a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff, it is feared that it will damage the coin
Step 4. Clean on the rusty point
After soaking and brushing, there may still be stains left on the coins, especially on old coins. To remove them, use a small, sharp object such as a toothpick or precision screwdriver. Clean the dirt on the coin carefully and do not scratch the surface of the coin. You can do this better if supported by bright light. You can use a microscope or magnifying glass to clean coins.
Step 5. Pour some vinegar on the coin
Wait about 10 minutes, then clean the vinegar from the coin using a toothbrush. This will make the coin look more shiny. You can also use other types of liquids that contain acids: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and even soda are believed to remove rust on old coins.
Add salt to the vinegar/citric acid/soda solution. A mixture of acid and hydrochloric solutions can have a strong effect when cleaning coins
Step 6. Rinse the coin again
After soaking, rinse the entire surface of the coin under warm running water. If the coin is clean enough, proceed to the drying stage. Make sure that there is no acid residue on the coin, or the acid will remain and produce an unsightly greenish coating of the copper salts.
Step 7. Dry the coins
Pat the coin dry with a lint-free cloth. Then, place the coin on a soft, dry cloth as the final step of drying. Do not wipe the coin to dry it.
Warning
- Don't let the coin soak in the vinegar or rub it too long. Doing so can fade the contour or engraving of the coin.
- Do not clean valuable antique coins, especially with acidic or abrasive liquids. This can reduce the value contained in the coin.
