Do coins lose value when cleaned?

According to coin experts, cleaning any potentially collectible coins might cause them to lose value. Using chemical cleaners or scrubbing the coins could leave scratches and marks that will be easy for a skilled appraiser to pick up on.

Does cleaning a coin devalue it?

Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.

How much value does cleaning a coin devalue it?

However, as a coins value becomes more and more dependent on rarity, the effect of cleaning on the market value increases exponentially. I would personally say that under $500, you can expect anywhere from 25%-50% of the coins value to be lost due to cleaning.

Why do coin collectors not like cleaned coins?

Most Cleaning is Destructive: It Can Literally Change the Surface of a Coin. Any cleaning that requires rubbing leaves microscopic scratches. They are not apparent to the naked eye, but a collector will see them. A collector will look for them.

Is it OK to clean coins?

Some types of coin cleaning might very well improve a coin's appearance, while most other methods may actually damage the coin's surface, appearance and–most importantly–the value. If I could offer just one piece of advice to you today, it would be this: Do not clean your coins under any circumstances.

Should You Clean Your Coins? NO, NO, NO! Here's Why:

How do you clean old coins without losing value?

Place your coins in a bowl and pour enough white vinegar to cover the coins. Let the coins soak for at least 30 minutes but no longer than overnight. Remove the coins and gently scrub the residue with the toothbrush. Rinse the dirt off with water and dry with a cloth.

How do you tell if a coin has been cleaned?

Judge the age and consistency of the color, its depth and evenness. The underlying luster should be undisturbed and in a perfect cartwheel pattern, this being especially visible about the obverse stars. Look for hairlines or other imperfections that may indicate the coin was cleaned at some time in its past.

Do professionals clean coins?

If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended. Commonly found coins are mentioned as ideal candidates for any attempted cleaning experiments.

Should I clean coins before selling?

Don't clean your coins! Not only does this cut their value by as much as half (or possibly even more), but it will be an immediate deal-breaker for many dealers who would've otherwise wanted to buy your coins if only they were left in their original condition.

Are dirty coins worth more?

Doing so will remove luster and patina from the coin's surface and will reduce the value. Just because a coin looks dirty doesn't make it any less valuable.

Why shouldn't you clean coins?

The abrasive product can leave scratches or hairlines on the coin, as well as destroy the luster of the coin; in many cases a coin that has lost its luster will rarely be worth more than half its original uncleaned value.

How much does it cost to have a coin cleaned and graded?

Coin Grading Costs

For instance, modern coins that are worth a maximum of $300 will cost from $17 to $22, depending on the company of your choosing. Coins with a maximum value of $10,000 can be graded for $65 to $80 dollars.

What is an improperly cleaned coin?

When a coin is improperly cleaned, surface metal has been forcibly removed from the surface by either mechanical or chemical means. Once this metal has been removed, sadly this cannot be replaced.

How do professionals clean old coins?

Destructive cleaning uses abrasives or acids to clean (and alter) the coin surfaces. Non-destructive cleaning uses solvents that are harmless to the coin's metal, whether that coin be silver, gold, or modern clad composition. Destructive coin cleaning will reduce the collector value as much as 50 percent or even more.

Should you clean old silver coins?

It's largely a matter of personal preference. The tarnish or toning that naturally forms on coins over time isn't harmful and won't negatively impact the value of your piece, if its value is in the precious metals only. However, do not clean numismatic coins.

Is it worth getting your coins graded?

In nearly all situations, key date coins in uncirculated condition are worth having professionally graded. This is especially the case if you have multiple coins to submit, as this will help reduce your overall expense per coin when factoring in shipping and insurance expenses.

What year coins are worth keeping?

All quarters minted before 1965 are worth their silver value. All Standing Liberty quarters have a premium above that value, except for well-worn coins. Among Washington quarters, only the 1932-D and 1932-S have a significant premium over the silver value. The 1955-D also carries a premium.

Are wheat pennies worth anything?

“There are millions and millions of wheat pennies and most commonly they trade for three-to-five cents a piece. If you're looking for a particular date, it can be much, much more than that. The rarest is the 1909 VDB. Those can be worth anywhere from $700 to $1,500 depending on the coin's grade.

What quarter is worth keeping?

1963-D Washington Quarter

This gem that the mint released in 1963 is worth a great fortune in the eyes of most miners. Collectors love it because it's the rarest of the versions of the 1963 Washington quarters.

What coins are worth holding onto?

Where is the best place to grade coins?

If you want the certification of your coin to be universally accepted you may want to stick to the two most trusted services, Numismatic Gaurunty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). NGC and PCGS are trusted around the world because of their consistent and reliable grading.

Are graded coins traceable?

For really expensive coins, it is recommended that the coins are graded through PCGS Secure Plus Service. This way, if the coin is ever lost or stolen or even altered to change its appearance, the coin can always be traced if resubmitted through PCGS Secure Plus.

Can you get a coin graded for free?

PCGS Photograde Online is free, and provides detailed close-up photo images for 25 types of 19th and 20th century U.S. coinage issues in up to 12 different grades.

Why should you not handle the cleaned pennies with your hands?

Note: Do not handle the clean pennies with your hands. The oils from your skin may interfere with the zinc-plating reaction.