Do you know how many times each coin exchanges hands? The average U.S. quarter stays in circulation for30 years. That could mean thousands of people have touched the money that is currently sitting in your piggy bank. There are more germs on your money than a toilet seat, so every time you dig through your car seats for coins, you’re basically touching a public bathroom.
Is there a right way to clean old coins?
Dig out that old coin collection you had as a kid. Some of those valuable coins may be darkened with patina, the green or brown film that is commonly found on gold coins. Removing the patinafromrare coins can degrade their value because small bits of metal can be etched away during a thorough cleaning process. Even professional coin experts agree that cleaning old coins is a big no-no.
Some coin collectors prefer their coins to retain their natural patina because the resale value is higherand it’s more realistic for coins to clearly show their age. It’s fine—and better—to leave that rare 1943 copper penny out of the cleaning solution.
Can you clean everyday coins?
Thankfully, you can still clean your everyday change and it won’t degrade their value. Coins spend much of their lives in pockets, purses, couch cushions, cash registers, and even wishing wells.Theybecome covered in germs from exchanging hands, and oxidation and dirt can build up on the surface. Luckily, there are many items in your cleaning closet and fridge that work wellfor cleaning your coins.
How to clean coins with baking soda
Materials needed:
- Two bowls
- Water
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
Pour your coins into one bowl and fill with cold water until the money is well covered. In the other bowl, pour about 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Dip the toothbrush into the bowl of baking soda and scrub the coins. The baking soda should remove any dirt and grime and won’t scratch the metal. Rinse the coins thoroughly with water and dry with the soft cloth.
How to clean coins with co*ke
Who would have thought that your favorite soda is also a great cleaning agent? Yes, that refreshing can of co*ke that you like to drink by the pool can also clean coins. co*ke’s phosphoric acid can clean the oxides that cause tarnish and corrosion.
Materials needed:
- One bowl
- Can of co*ke
- Water
- Soft cloth
Pour your coins into the bowl and fill with co*ke. Let the coins soak in the soda for about5 minutes, then check to see if the corrosion has washed away. If the coins still feel grimy, then you can return them to the bowl for up to 15 minutes. If left much longer than 15 minutes, the soda can dissolve the metals. Rinse the coins thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth.
How to clean coins with hydrogen peroxide
Has a cashier ever given you your change and you cringed at the grimy and oily feel of the coins? Hydrogen peroxide will fix that. Hydrogen peroxide will dissolve the years of dirt on the coinsand sterilize them.
Materials needed:
- One bowl
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Soft cloth
Placecoins in a bowl and pour enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the coins. Let the coins soak for 24 hours. Rinse them with water, then dry with a cloth.
How to clean coins with vinegar
Vinegar may have a very strong smell, but its strong acidity is great for disinfecting and brightening money. When coins are clean from dirt, oils, and corrosion, it allows their natural luster to shine.
Materials needed:
- One bowl
- White vinegar
- Water
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
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 nolongerthan overnight. Remove the coins and gently scrub the residue with the toothbrush. Rinse the dirt off with water and dry with a cloth.
How to clean coins with ketchup
Forget dipping your fries and hamburger in ketchup. Did you know that you can use it to clean coins? The combination of the salt and acidic tomatoes can break down the years of grime thathas built up on your money.
Materials needed:
- One bowl
- Tomato ketchup
- Water
- Soft cloth
Place your coins ina bowl and squirt enough ketchup to cover the coins. Let the coins soak for at least 30 minutes but no longerthan overnight. Remove the coins and gently scrub the residue with the toothbrush. Rinse the dirt off with water and dry with a cloth.
How to clean coins with lemon juice
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade—and an acidic concoction to clean your pennies. That’s right. Just like tomatoes, the acidity in lemons will dissolve dirt. This method is perfect for pennies because it will remove the brown oxidation that can dull their copper shine.
Materials needed:
- One bowl
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- Water
- Soft cloth
Place coins ina bowl and pour 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to cover the coins. Let the coins soak for at least 5 minutes but not more than 15 minutes. Remove the coins and gently scrub the residue with the toothbrush. Rinse the dirt off with water and dry with a cloth.
It's not hard to find tools and supplies to clean your coins. Don't let your coinscarry germs and grime. Keep them safe and shiny with our tips and guidelines.
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As a numismatic enthusiast and coin collector with a deep understanding of coin history, preservation, and cleaning techniques, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Coin Circulation and Germs
The article emphasizes the longevity of coins in circulation, stating that the average U.S. quarter remains in circulation for 30 years. This is a testament to the durability of coins and their ability to withstand the wear and tear associated with frequent exchanges. The mention of coins harboring more germs than a toilet seat draws attention to the hygienic aspect of handling money.
Patina and Coin Cleaning
The article discusses the patina, a green or brown film commonly found on gold coins, and highlights the potential degradation of value when attempting to remove it. Patina is a natural tarnish that forms over time, contributing to a coin's character and age. Professional coin experts advise against cleaning old coins extensively, as this can lead to the loss of small bits of metal and diminish their historical value.
Cleaning Methods
Baking Soda
The article suggests using baking soda to clean coins, emphasizing its effectiveness in removing dirt and grime without scratching the metal. The step-by-step guide involves creating a solution with water and baking soda, using an old toothbrush for scrubbing, and finishing with a thorough rinse and drying.
co*ke
Surprisingly, the article introduces co*ke as a cleaning agent due to its phosphoric acid content. The acid helps clean oxides responsible for tarnish and corrosion on coins. The method involves soaking coins in a bowl of co*ke for a specific duration, followed by rinsing and drying.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is recommended for dissolving dirt and sterilizing coins. The article outlines a process that includes soaking coins in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours, followed by rinsing and drying.
Vinegar
The strong acidity of white vinegar is highlighted as beneficial for disinfecting and brightening coins. The method involves soaking coins in vinegar, scrubbing with a toothbrush, rinsing, and drying.
Ketchup
The article suggests using ketchup, with its combination of salt and acidic tomatoes, to break down grime on coins. The process is similar to other methods, involving soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is recommended for cleaning pennies, specifically to remove brown oxidation. The process includes creating a solution with salt and lemon juice, soaking the coins, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying.
Conclusion
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of keeping coins clean and provides a list of various cleaning methods and materials. It encourages readers to maintain the shine of their coins while also keeping them free from germs and grime.
In summary, my expertise in numismatics allows me to endorse the article's information on coin preservation, patina, and the recommended cleaning methods.
