Should you clean coins before selling?

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.

Can you clean coins without losing value?

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.

Is it a good idea to clean 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.

Can coins be cleaned 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.

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.

How to Clean a Coin Correctly

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.

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.

Why does cleaning coins decrease value?

They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins. Cleaning is a factor in coins not qualifying for grading.

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.

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.

Should I 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.

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 do professionals clean silver coins?

Soak the coins in warm distilled water and soap.

Add a few drops of mild soap (not detergent) to a glass of warm distilled water. Put the coins in gently and leave them to soak, turning them over every few hours. This is the only guaranteed safe way to clean silver-plated coins (though pure silver is a little hardier).

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.

What is the safest way to clean coins?

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 clean euro coins?

This kind of oxidation can not be cleaned with a simple toothbrush and a bit of water. To clean the 2 euro coins, like the 2 euro commemorative coins or even the 1 euro coins piece, you can try to immerse them in muriatic acid at 12%, stirring them for a few minutes in a closed container.

What cleans a coin the best?

Baking soda and vinegar have proven to be one of the most effective ways to clean tarnished coins. Submerge the coins in a shallow bath of vinegar and let them soak for at least an hour. If you don't have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute.

How do you clean coins without messing them up?

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.

Is alcohol good for cleaning coins?

You can clean your coins without damaging them by soaking them in a bath of isopropyl alcohol and salt. When combined, these ingredients are both abrasive and acidic and will clean any built-up dirt off your coins.

Should I clean vintage silver before selling?

Cleaning your silver and antiques doesn't have to be an expensive process, but you should be sure to take proper precautions. A clean and well-polished antique will look more valuable and is more likely to sell at an auction or estate sale.

Is silver worth more polished or unpolished?

The patina on a piece is best judged on a piece that has been properly cleaned. Overpolishing can reduce both the patina and its marketability; while mechanical polishing can reduce the value in a collector's eye. Silver should shine - always.

Do coin collectors clean their coins?

Most collectors rarely clean a coin as it can greatly reduce its value.