Cleaning a coin can have a significant impact on its value and should be done carefully. In some cases, cleaning a coin can reduce its numismatic value significantly, while in others, it might actually increase the value.
The main reason why cleaning a coin can reduce its value is that it often removes patina, which can cause the coin to lose its original appearance—the very appearance that adds to its unique look, history and rarity.
The patina is a natural characteristic of the coin’s surface, and some coins have distinctive patina that can greatly affect their numismatic value.
It is important to note that coins that have been cleaned or altered from the original state are generally valued lower than those that are left in their original condition. In addition, when coins are cleaned, there is the risk of damaging the coin or wiping away details that make it unique.
This usually takes away from its value.
It is possible that cleaning could also increase a coin’s value. For instance, if the patina on a coin is obstructing details, cleaning it can actually make the details clearer, allowing for a more accurate grading and increasing its value.
Additionally, there are rare occasions when cleaning a coin can either make a difference between something being a common specimen and one that is rare and valuable—in these cases, you might be able to receive a higher price for a cleaned specimen than an uncleaned one.
The best way to determine the value of a coin is to have it assessed by a professional numismatist before deciding to clean it, especially if the coin is rare. Most collectors will advise not to clean any coins that you do not know much about.
Can you clean coins without losing value?
Yes, it is possible to clean coins without losing value, depending on the methods used. Care should be taken when cleaning coins to avoid damaging or degrading the coin, as this can have a negative impact on the value of the coin.
Gentle cleaning using a soft cloth and mild detergent can help preserve the coins and their value. If a coin needs more extensive cleaning, a professional numismatist should be consulted before attempting a more thorough clean.
Lightly brushing the coins with a soft brush and a solution of warm water and mild dish soap can be used to safely remove dirt and grime. Another option is to use an ultrasonic cleaner; this submerges the coins in a gentle cleaning solution and uses sonic waves to lift dirt particles away from the coins.
However, one should exercise caution when attempting to clean coins, as more aggressive methods of cleaning can lead to irreparable damage and decreased value.
Is it OK to clean valuable coins?
Yes, it is ok to clean valuable coins. However, it is important to note that by cleaning them you may reduce or even completely remove their collectable value due to the fact that you can actually damage the surface of the coin.
To reduce the chance of this happening, it is recommended to use a soft cloth and mild detergent, alcohol, or chemically produced solutions to clean the coins. For coins with more than 100 years old, it is best to avoid using any harsh chemicals as they can cause irreversible damage.
It is also important to remember to take precaution when handling valuable coins as they are also a type of currency and a valuable item.
What do professionals use to clean coins?
Professionals use a variety of techniques and products when cleaning coins. They can use physical cleaning methods, such as brushing the surface of a coin with a soft toothbrush and warm water to remove surface dirt, oil, and bacteria.
Other physical methods include using a cotton swab and cleaning solutions, such as rubbing alcohol and vinegar, to gently remove surface contaminants. In more serious cases, professional conservators can use specialized products specifically prepared for coin conservation, such as surface sealants and wax.
Generally, conservators reserve the use of chemical solutions for deeply corroded coins, as these treatments can remove surface patinas and irreversibly alter the coin. The exact method used depends on the type of material the coin is made of and the degree of corrosion.
How can I tell if a coin has been cleaned?
One way to tell if a coin has been cleaned is by looking at the details of the piece. Cleaned coins can appear to have sharper edges, raised features, and more defined details than those that are uncleaned.
In some cases, the details can look distorted or missing if the cleaning was too aggressive. Another indicator is the color of the coin. Coins that have been cleaned may have a brighter or shinier color than those that have not been touched.
Lastly, if the surface of the coin appears to be scuffed, scratched, or discolored it is likely that the coin has been cleaned.
What is the chemical for cleaning coins?
To clean coins, it is best to use a solution that contains a mild acid or a mild abrasive compound. Common household acids, such as white vinegar, diluted lemon juice, or citric acid, can all be used to remove dirt and oxidation.
You’ll need to mix the acid with 2-3 parts water and let the coins soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes before removing. For an abrasive compound, you can dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda or salt in 2-3 parts water and use an old toothbrush to gently rub the coins with the solution.
In both cases, rinse the coins with clean water after cleaning and dry with a soft cloth before inspecting.
What liquid cleans coins the best?
The best liquid for cleaning coins is a simple solution of mild dish soap and warm water. The dish soap should be a non-abrasive type such as Dawn or Palmolive. To use it, mix a handful of the soap with lukewarm water until it forms a lather.
Then, take a soft-bristled brush and dip it into the solution. Use the brush to gently scrub off any dirt and grime from the coins. Rinse the coins off with clean water once you’re finished and lay them out on a dry cloth to let them air dry.
If you’re cleaning coins that contain a high amount of tough residue, you can try adding a bit of vinegar or baking soda to the solution to help loosen the build-up. Be sure to rinse the coins off thoroughly once they’re finished.
Can a cleaned coin be graded?
Yes, a cleaned coin can be graded, but the grade assessed will generally be lower than what it would have been had the coin not been cleaned. This is because cleaning a coin can affect its original appearance and cause damage or start to wear coins down, thus reducing its value.
Coin grading services will take the cleaning into account when assessing the grade of a coin. However, it is important to be aware that coin experts are generally strictly against cleaning coins, as the process can be very damaging and reduce a coin’s value.
Is a cleaned coin a damaged coin?
No, a cleaned coin is not necessarily a damaged coin. Cleaning a coin simply means that the tarnish, dirt, and/or other materials have been removed from the surface of the coin. It may have been cleaned in an effort to bring out its beauty, or to make it more attractive and easier to identify.
Cleaning a coin does not usually involve any alteration or damage to the coin – the only damage that may occur would be from the cleaning method used. For example, using a harsh polishing wheel or chemical treatments to clean the coin may cause some abrasions or can leave a “milky” surface on the coin.
That said, a coin collector should always take great care when cleaning coins for these reasons. This is why most coin collectors prefer to clean coins without damaging them and use methods such as wiping the coin gently with a soft cloth or using a mild detergent and a toothbrush.
If the coin is of high value, a professional cleaning service should be employed.
How much does it cost to grade a coin?
The cost of grading a coin depends on several factors such as the type of coin and the grading service used. Generally, third-party coin grading services charge a fee for evaluating and assigning a grade to a coin.
The cost typically starts around $20-25 and can go up to hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the value and rarity of the coin. Additionally, if you are targeting a higher grade, the cost will be higher in order to have the coin re-holder and re-graded.
Furthermore, grading fees may be higher for coins with special designations, such as Proof coins or Error coins. It’s important to note that grading coins is not an exact science, so it is best to consult multiple coin grading companies and compare their grading results and fees.
What happens if you clean an old coin?
If you clean an old coin, the details of the coin may become more clear, but it also has the potential to significantly reduce the value of the coin depending on how it is cleaned. The best approach to preserving the value of an old coin is to not clean it, but instead store it in a safe, acid-free environment for future preservation.
If you must clean the coin then use a cotton cloth dampened with only lukewarm water and mild soap to clean off the dirt and debris. Never use powerful detergents, steel wool, sandpaper, polishing agents, or any other harsh abrasives.
These materials may damage the collectible value of the coins, making them worth significantly less. Likewise, never dip the coin in acidic solutions or attempt to polish or alter it in any way.
By cleaning a coin too heavily or using the wrong materials, you may introduce scratches, corona, or discoloration which can severely reduce the value of the coin. If you are not sure about a particular form of cleaning, it is best to consult with a numismatist (coin collector expert) who will not only advise you on the best way to clean it, but may be able to tell essential information about the coin and its history.
Does vinegar damage coins?
No, vinegar does not damage coins. Depending on the type of vinegar, it can actually help to clean coins that have become tarnished or discolored over time. If you do decide to use vinegar, it is important to make sure that it is not a strong, acidic variety since it may cause oxidization and damage the surface of the coin.
Instead, try using a mild, white vinegar solution to soak the coins in for a few minutes. Afterward, gently scrub the coins with a soft, wet brush and then rinse off the remaining vinegar before drying them off.
However, it is still important to handle the coins carefully, using gloves to protect them from oils on the skin and avoid any damage.
