Tips on Cleaning Coins

Collecting coins requires any coin collector to know how to protect their investments. Most coins are made up of metals that will fade or tarnish as they're exposed to elements such as air, water, dirt and a wide array of other conditions. Most coins have a mix of copper and silver and maintaining the coins appearance and luster is often hard if you don't have them protected.

Most coin collectors use coin holders to protect their coins from harsh elements. Enclosed coin protectors are the most common way to keep the coin safe and sound. If coins are found in dirt or if you feel that the coin can be cleaned without damage there are certain products and methods that can be used to not only clean the coin, but protect it from becoming damaged while cleaning. The product MS70 is great for removing grit and surface dirt on a coin. Remember, you should always wear rubber gloves when cleaning coins. Another great tool to have in a coin collector's cleaning kit is a soft toothbrush, which allows for a non-abrasive way to remove dirt from a coin. However, the most preferred method of cleaning any coin is a soft cloth and some soap and water.

After removing the surface dirt either by soap and water or an approved coin cleaner you may want to utilize a product called Blue Ribbon, which is specifically designed for cleaning coins. You can apply this cleaner to the coin and allow it to sit a few days before removing the cleaner. This will help preserve the coin and bring out the true luster of the coin.

If the coin is still discolored after utilizing the above methods you want to use Dellars Darkener. This may help the coin regain its natural colorization while still maintaining the value of the coin. Using any of the combinations above will help protect the coin and bring back its original shine. Just remember, use the soap and water along with a soft cloth as the starting point before adding any chemicals to the mix. Don't use any acidic chemicals on a coin because it will ruin the coin as well as the potential value.

Once you have a coin cleaned to your satisfaction you want to keep in mind the following maintenance tips such as keeping the coin protected from any exposure and this is where a hard coin protector comes into play. Encapsulate the cleaned coin as soon as possible to avoid scratches and smudge marks from your hand. If you decide to take your coins out of their protector to clean you should only use water, vinegar, ammonia, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice. These specific chemicals will not harm your coin when doing routine maintenance on your coin collection.

Most people will tell you not to attempt to clean your coins because of the potential risk of damage. However, by utilizing the tips above you can increase the value of your coin as well as preserve the coin back to a satisfactory condition. If you're a metal detector addict you're guaranteed to run across a variety of coins that will be covered in dirt, so you must decide if you want to clean it as best as you can or simply wash it off with water and accept the coin as is.

Coin collecting is not only fun in having a gem, but caring for the coins are an important part of maintaining your investment. So don't be afraid to try the cleaning tips discussed in this article. Following the tips you'll be able to increase your coins value as well as have a story behind each and every coin you own.

Source:

www.thequarterstore.com

Personal Experience