How do professionals clean coins?

These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin's surface diminishing its value.

What does PCGS use to clean coins?

Our experts use a non-abrasive cleaning method and cleaners, designed specifically for PCGS, which will not diminish the coin's aesthetic value. More importantly, each coin is treated separately. The conservation required for one coin may differ from that which is needed on the next.

How do you clean coins like a professional?

Take the coins out and sprinkle some baking soda over them; then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them clean. Rinse them out thoroughly with hot water; using tongs or gloves to hold them to avoid burning your fingers. Place them on a soft, cotton towel and leave to air dry.

How do you clean coins without ruining their value?

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.

How much does cleaning a coin devalue it?

Since oil and dirt cannot be removed without cleaning, a small touch can cut a coin's value in half or even more because, again, numismatists would rather have an oxidized but untouched coin than a shiny but damaged one. The bottom line for anyone looking to sell coins from a coin collection: don't clean your coins.

How to Clean a Coin Correctly

How can I 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.

What substance cleans coins the best?

Copper oxide dissolves in a mixture of weak acid and table salt-and vinegar is an acid. You could also clean your pennies with salt and lemon juice or orange juice, because those juices are acids, too.

Should I clean very old coins?

This is never advised for the general public. There is no benefit to attempting to clean a collectible coin. Copper never re-tones to its original color and look anyway. Put down the polish before you destroy something historical and throw away a fortune.

Does cleaning coins increase value?

It is best not to clean rare coins as removing the patina can significantly reduce the value of them. For this reason, most coin hobbyists almost never clean their coins. In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them, but many will be greatly devalued.

Are cleaned coins worth less?

Most coin experts have since come out against cleaning coins, as doing so can negatively affect them both in grade and value. If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended.

Does Coca Cola clean coins?

You can soak coins in Coca Cola to clean coins but it is not recommended. Many people claim doing this will make copper coins clean and shiny and restore the lustre.

How much does it cost to grade a coin?

Coin Grading Costs

Grading prices vary according to the maximum value per coin. 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.

How do coin dealers clean coins?

These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin's surface diminishing its value.

Does NGC grade cleaned coins?

Many coins have surface conditions that preclude numeric grading from NGC. Coins that have been improperly cleaned, are holed, have scratches or certain other issues cannot be assigned a numeric grade from 1 to 70. These coins, however, are eligible for NGC Details grading.

How do you clean heavily encrusted coins?

A weak soap (not detergent) solution in distilled water will remove dirt and grease from an encrusted coin without damaging it, even if the coin is one of those grimy specimens found at the beach. City tap water has chlorine in it, which will discolor the coin. Use distilled water, and rinse with distilled water.

Can isopropyl alcohol clean coins?

A great way to clean coins without damaging them is by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and salt. These two ingredients are coarse and acidic, which is an effective way to target built-up dirt. Combine one cup of isopropyl alcohol and two tablespoons of salt in a medium bowl.

Will vinegar damage coins?

First, if you think your coins might be of any value, do not clean them at all, since you can possibly damage them by soaking in cleaners like vinegar. If you want to clean the coin for some other reason, vinegar should work fine.

Does baking soda damage coins?

You can clean most coins using baking soda and water alone; however, you should note that cleaning old coins may decrease their value. If you suspect a coin may be valuable, consult with a professional coin dealer before attempting to clean it.

How much is a wheat penny worth?

“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.

Why is Coke good for cleaning coins?

Our cola contains phosphoric acid which is why cola is acidic. The acid reacts with the oxide rusty coating that has covered our coins and returns them back to almost as good as new.

Why does ketchup clean pennies the best?

Ketchup contains vinegar, a weak acid, which breaks down the copper oxide on the surface of the penny. The salt in the ketchup goes on to add dissolved chloride ions to the mix. These ions bond with the copper, forming copper chloride. The copper chloride helps the vinegar further break down the copper oxide.

Why does Coke clean pennies?

The soda cleans the pennies because it contains phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid breaks down the copper oxygen compound and causes a new layer of the copper to be exposed.

Is a cleaned coin considered damaged?

When the coin leaves the mint after just being struck, it has a shine or luster. The original mint luster is gradually destroyed as a coin circulates through commerce. Cleaning a coin will also remove the luster thereby destroying the original surface characteristics.

Can you grade coins yourself?

There are four major professional grading services: PCGS, NGC, ICG, and ANACS. While collectors are certainly welcome – and encouraged – to grade their own coins, these four services are typically used to grade high-end examples of older or rarer coins.