But, if you are in doubt about how to clean your pennies, it is a good idea to leave them alone or consult a rare coin specialist before you begin the cleaning process. Believe it or not, you can clean copper coins using yet another household item: ketchup. For others, coins can be collected throughout the years, some of which become quite valuable. Passchal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.comSitemap | Contact | Privacy Policy. It can be frustrating, but hang in there! How to clean old coins without any damage - YouTube You dont have to sacrifice the quality of your pennies just so you can have them looking good. How do you clean old pennies without damaging them? Wheat pennies were made of different metals during different years depending on the need for metals. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There is endless information available on the Internet about cleaning pennies, and these ideas can also be used to clean nickels, quarters, dimes, or even specifically cleaning silver coins, etc. Ultrasonic cleaners work by microcavitation. Subscribe To Me: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TheBoxUnboxed https://twitter.com/TheBoxUnboxed Use Promo Code TBU for 10% off GFUEL http://www.gammalabs.net Use Promo Code TBU For 5% off Custom Pc's at http://lostlegionpcs.webs.com/ Use Promo Code tbu for NoScope Gaming Glasses or use the link below https://www.noscopeglasses.com/demon-glasses?tracking=tbu Newer coins, such as relatively shiny pennies, tend to dull a little when washed in acid. Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". By using our site, you agree to our. Soak your coins in a glass or other non-corrosive container for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, and then wipe with a clean cloth or scrub gently with an old toothbrush. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny. And if you're unsure of how to properly clean a coin and you want a second opinion, get in contact with a coin expert before trying any of the following methods. When you put your pennies in a vinegar and salt mix, the vinegar and salt react together and remove the copper oxide. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? How do you clean old coins without damaging them? With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. Soak your quarters in lemon juice. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. Like vinegar, ammonia has a strong chemical odor, so you may want to wear gloves when cleaning with this method. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,522 times. Gently scrub them with either a soft toothbrush or your fingers. There is something so magical and intriguing about looking through coins from the past. Make sure they are not directly on top of each other. This way, you can take any preventative measures necessary to clean the coins and retain their value. You can also seek the services of the Numismatic Conservation Services. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide left on them from handling before you start scrubbing them with toothpaste or soap. Heritage Auctions is an online consignment program with a 10 percent fee. Rare coins shouldn't be cleaned as doing so could remove the value Credit: Getty. Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent (like dish soap) to clean it. Metal Detector Reviews (for anyone), Garrett AT Pro Review Cleaning Copper With Ketchup: Ketchup can be used to clean a variety of copper products. If you do not rinse all the vinegar off your wheat pennies, they may turn green or bluish green. I would not do any cleaning at all. Use Water Sometimes the simplest methods are best. If you want to go with something that is both inexpensive and likely already in your home, olive oil is the right choice. How To Clean Pennies 1 Easy Trick - Crazy Science Experiment They will, in fact, devalue. There are various other methods to clean your pennies. Science Activity: Turn Old Pennies Bright and Shiny! | Exploratorium In 1943, the composition changed to zinc plated steel due to the need for copper during World War II. These cookies do not store any personal information. Use your soft cloth to dry them off gently in order to prevent any scratching. Some are damaged by contact with other coins, general circulation, or being buried in the ground for many years. The olive oil is good at separating the dirt from the surface of the coin for a thorough cleaning experience, though it takes substantially longer. WATER. For some of us, they just collect in a container until they are used or traded in. Add distilled water and a small amount of dish soap to your shallow bowl. Cleaning these will absolutely devalue them if they are not cleaned properlyso just be mindful of this. Your email address will not be published. Rinse off any excess liquid with water and set aside to dry. Make a bath using a cup of isopropyl alcohol combined with two tablespoons of salt. On average, a quarter-cup should be adequate. To prevent grime buildup, it is imperative that collectible coins be stored in a safe, secure, airtight place. Dont leave them in a bowl of water, since the vinegar solution and copper oxide will end up in the bowl and on other coins. White Vinegar One of the most recommended cleaning solutions for wheat pennies is white vinegar. Other coins are molded from different metals, so the solution may not work as well on them. After applying, give it a couple of minutes and then rinse using distilled water. Use sparing amounts of oil to avoid damaging coins. When a coin has evidence of cleaning, it is valued as Genuine-Cleaned. This means that despite the condition of the coin, it will be valued less than Fine range coins that have not been cleaned. If you are not worried about damaging the coins as much, you can continue down the list and use some of the more abrasive cleaning methods. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. ", "It is so amazing, the power of baking soda and vinegar.". Check back on them every few minutes, especially if you use a highly acidic substance like cola, to avoid damaging them. If possible, stick to water or dish soap for cleaning wheat pennies. Remember to not use tap water because the chemicals are bad for the coins. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Clean-Copper-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Copper-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Clean-Copper-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid5915095-v4-728px-Clean-Copper-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. First, gather your supplies. Lemon juice. Come Clean About Cleaning Your Coins - PCGS It works similarly to ketchup. It does not store any personal data. Over time, coins of all sorts can and will collect grime and gunk. Make sure that any cleaner you use is rated to clean pennies prior to 1982. You want something a bit more gentle for silver coins but you will need a heavier abrasive for your copper pennies. Something like a penny for example. In fact, it would probably be extremely wise to do so, at least from a sanitary perspective. LARISA NIEDLE You'll Need: Salt White vinegar (or fresh lemon juice) Shallow plastic container Cloth or paper towel Baking soda (optional) Toothbrush (optional) Dishwashing liquid (optional) 02 of 07 Step 1: LARISA NIEDLE In a jar, combine 1 cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. Baking Soda And Vinegar Great For Science Fair Volcanoes But Not For Enhancing Your Coins Value. It only requires rubbing the penny with a pencil eraser. Make sure that you continue to stir in the salt until it dissolves, then place the pennies in so that they are not stacked in any way. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. Beach Metal Detectors Most wheat pennies that are not extremely rare will sell for at least 3 to 5 cents at most coin dealers. Some of these have relatively sound science behind them, but they should be used at your own risk. Many professional coin collectors and coin valuers recommend leaving the coins as they are. If you dont have ketchup or another acid, try using a metal polish from a general store. This is a simple, inexpensive method that works well on pennies that arent too tarnished. So at the very least you need distilled water as a working medium. [2] 3 Now simply apply the paste to the penny wherever you want it to brighten up. Its found naturally in wine, and it works by breaking down the copper oxide coating on your pennies. They include: As you can see, these materials are very cheap and easy to find anywhere. Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Brighten old, dark pennies in seconds! Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. How To Clean Old Copper Coins Without Damaging Them Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber. Pennis that were made prior to 1982 had more copper in them, which can lead to a more intense reaction chemically while cleaning. Basically, it all depends on why you are getting your pennies cleaned in the first place. This way, you should not have to worry about cleaning them on a regular basis. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. 3. If necessary, a little bit of gentle soap can be used, with Ivory soap being the preferred brand. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. Pennies are normally made of copper, which is a shiny, bright metal, and more recently Zinc. But do notenothing is 100% safe or 100% fool proof. If they look clean enough, use a soft cloth to dry them. Microwaving 2 cups of water for 2-3 minutes should suffice and avoid boiling water. Safely storing your wheat pennies is critical for preserving and protecting them. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. One of the most important aspects of cleaning old coins is to know the value first. 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 teaspoon salt A clear, shallow bowl (not metal) 2 clean steel nails A clean steel screw or bolt Paper towels Put the salt and vinegar in the bowl. Repeat the treatment with more oil as needed. Split your coins into three categories: showing good detail, showing some detail, and showing no detail. Dump all the pennies into the liquid. How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For a stronger treatment, let the coins soak in oil for about a day, then scrub them with a soft toothbrush. Continue to slowly add water to the baking soda until it takes on the consistency of paste. Many people think that a shiny coin will be worth more than a tarnished, old looking coin. [1] Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the coins? Its a very interesting question and a great DIY project. Cleaning and polishing rare and old coins can devalue them. Gold Nuggets Metal Detectors In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. [1] Start working on the coins that need the least amount of work. Step 4: Add More Baking Soda & Hot Water. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Just make sure you keep the rubbing to a minimum. Cheap Metal Detectors How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? Add more baking soda and water as needed for larger batches of coins. When a coin is submitted to be examined by the experts at PCGS, signs of cleaning can be evident in many ways. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt. Gentle dish soap, like Dawn, is a good option for getting those wheat pennies shining again. So my suggestion would be to take a random corroded penny that you dont care about, and try this cleaning method. "What stood out was that very common household ingredients were used.". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Let us move on to how to clean wheat pennies you intend to keep or sell yourself without any type of professional grading service. Pull the coins out of the liquid and gently wipe them with a paper towel to break apart the tarnish and dark spots. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Once youve removed the coin from the coke, gently rinse it under cold running water. How to Clean a Copper Penny:10 Tips and Advices - Metal Hunting It may take a couple of applications, so dont be afraid to try this method a few times to get out those tough stains. How to Clean Copper Naturally So It Looks Brand-New - Real Simple Caution: blood plasma counts as a fluid. Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, rinse in warm water and dry the copper with a lint-free dishtowel. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Remember, you can always try cleaning a coin again, but you cant reverse mistakes. In many cases, cleaning a coin can lower the value of the coin as a collectors item. In addition to the vinegar and lemon juice, ketchup can also be used to clean copper pennies. For older, condition-sensitive coins, a gentle bath of water and mild hand soap will suffice. HCI works, but you get an orange look to the copper and still need to use your elbow grease to clean it. How to Effectively Clean a Penny and Other Old Coins - Real Simple Step 5: Rub Away the Tarnish & Grime. Allow the coins to air-dry on a microfiber or cotton towel. 1 How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? Dry them off with paper towels. Dip one penny halfway into the liquid. Using a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the baking soda into each coin, especially on the corroded areas. (So before you start using baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or ketchup to clean your coins at. When you handle your coins, wear cotton, Nitrile, or latex gloves, and handle the coin only by the edges. Again, if you have hard or corrosive water, go with distilled water. You should also rub the coin gently to remove debris, and rinse it under the tap to wash off the oil. In terms of valuable wheat pennies, while it can range vastly depending on the pennys condition, here are some best case scenarios in terms of value for a select few: If you happen to have one of these in your wheat penny collection, consider yourself incredibly lucky! Pat the coin dry. Your best bet is to keep them separate so they are not rubbing against eachother. Abrasive cleaning, using a brush and an acid or alcohol solution, can leave the coin with hair lines and discrepancies in the metal that may only be seen under the right lighting and magnification. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. Both can damage coins easily. Gently scrub the coin with an incredibly soft brush. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Ketchup. This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Rinse off excess mustard under running water until all traces are removed from both sides before allowing them dry completely upside down so they wont lose any color fading away while drying out naturally overnight.. Cleaning in small batches is a better option. How to clean a copper penny? I go from light cleaning, to using soap and water, to using olive oil. They will not pay you until you have shipped the coins. The effect is immediate and obvious. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The first step to cleaning a copper penny is soaking it in vinegar. Thanks. Your fingers contain oils, acids, and minuscule pieces of grit that will adhere to the surface of the coins and cause them to discolor or suffer microscopic scratching. That way, if the cleaning method damages the coin, youre not going to be upset about it. If there are stubborn stains that dont seem like theyre budging, try scrubbing them vigorously with steel wool while theyre still wet; this should do wonders when trying to remove stubborn grime from coins like pennies made out of zinc (which often have dark spots). Place your pennies at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other. Anyone can use this simple technique. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. So if you leave your hand in the ultrasonic cleaner long enough, it will "clean" the flesh from your bones. You may want to try using some non-abrasive cleaners (like vinegar) if youre worried about removing any patina on your coinand always keep in mind that these cleaners are only meant as a starting point! Abrasive cleaners, like using a brush along with an acid or alcohol-based cleaning solution, can leave minuscule hair line discrepancies on the metal that can only be seen under magnification and in the right lighting. You might have to use multiple methods or go back and forth between methods until you find the one that works best for you. Start with a mixture of warm, soapy water when cleaning silver coins. 2. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If you have a penny that has been cleaned with another method but still looks dull or dirty, try using the baking soda and salt method to bring back its shine. It is very gentle and can help reveal details on the coin surface you may not be able to see. Wheat pennys face value is 1 cent, but every single one of them is worth more than face value, regardless of condition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar. Kids Metal Detectors There will be times when you think your coin is clean, only to discover later that its still dirty. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its important to note that cleaning tarnish off valuable or rare coins can greatly affect their value. Last Updated: November 9, 2022 Step 1: Line Container With Aluminum Foil. But for coins that have collectible value, they are oftentimes worth more than their face value. There are many options for selling wheat pennies. There are a variety of suggested ways when it comes to cleaning coins, and cleaning . What are ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to cleaning copper coins? This eliminates the possibility of abrasions to your investment. Copper is a soft metal, so copper coins are prone to degrading over time. How to Clean Pennies with Vinegar: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean coins? Paper Towels This process can get a bit messy. They must all lie flat at the bottom of the container. What is the best solution to clean copper? Because the effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, this allows one to get creative with the contrasting features of the coin itself with your choice of different colored copper. Overall, cleaning a copper penny is not that difficult most of the time, and any of the methods listed above will be sure to get the job done right. This step is basically you leaving the pennies to soak inside the salt and lemon juice solution for 15 minutes. Soak your penny in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes. This article was co-authored by Alicia Sokolowski. If you are planning to keep the coins for your own collection, you may certainly clean them as you see fit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Then mix gently until the salt totally dissolves in the lemon juice. Rinse them off after soaking them in vinegar so they dont reabsorb any of that dirt onto themselves! You can also use baking soda and salt to clean your pennies. Shine the coins to make them look better. Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind that this is more of an abrasive than even the sand method and can do serious damage without the proper care. So, in this article, Im going to explain to you exactly how to clean wheat pennies safely and effectively! The best method for achieving that is with salt and vinegar. The right materials will effectively clean your pennies and will also be safe for your hands. If your penny is really important to you. Collectors actively look for the tiniest flaws in pennies and they have all the necessary tools to find those flaws. They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. If your pennies still dont get clean after the fifth step, you can mix baking soda with a tablespoon of water, then use an old soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. Step 6: Rinse Silver Coin With Cold Water. When they start to look cleaner, remove them from the bowl. Step 4 Now take out the pennies from that mixture, and wash them in water. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber, https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pennies/, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-copper-and-brass-with-ketchup-223741, Wie man Kupfermnzen sekundenschnell reinigt, Pulire le Monete di Rame in Pochi Secondi, . If you dont see any results after trying a method for a few minutes, move on to something else. Plain tap water is a good options, if you know your water is not corrosive or hard. Just make sure that you gently apply the olive oil and you can help prevent tarnish over time. How to clean copper pennies using vinegar and baking soda. Do not leave the coin in the ketchup for more than an hour or two as it will leave a green oxidation on the coin. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it will remove the copper oxide that's on your pennies. It removes various materials including organic material. We all enjoy the metal detecting finds we discover, and sometimes, even pennies fall into that category. The coins need to be submerged in the vinegar, so make sure the vinegar doesn't have too much space to spread out. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause damage to the skin if inhaled or spilled. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. So how do you safely store your wheat pennies? Next, soak the coins in the solution for 5 minutes, making sure theyre spread out so theyre all submerged. If you decide to clean your wheat pennies, make sure you start with the least invasive cleaning method first. The coins should be dipped in that bowl for at least five minutes. Clean at your . How to Clean Silver Coins Without Damaging Them in 7 Simple Steps Wipe down the surface of your penny with another clean cloth or paper towel until all dirt has been removed from its surface. Scrub low-value coins with baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice and salt, or ketchup to break apart tarnish. Acids wear away copper, so exposing a coin to vinegar and other products can cause permanent damage. Let them sit for a month though you may need to let them go for as long as six months. If you do have hard water or highly acidic water, try using distilled water. For coins that dont have collectible value, you can use sand, olive oil, and even isopropyl alcohol to get the job done. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. While you're grasping the coin firmly by its edges, use a clean toothbrush to lightly scrub the flat surfaces of the coin. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it will remove the copper oxide thats on your pennies. Repeat, as necessary. Different types of coins require different cleaning solutions, so ask an expert if you are not sure. Wheat pennies are a relatively common find when metal detecting. Approved. Coins made of nickel and silver will be easily cleaned; however, coins made out of copper will be harder to clean as copper reacts to more materials than other metals. Never rub or scrub coins which have numismatic value. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Place the quarter you want to clean into a small plastic bowl. At this stage, the corrosion on the pennies mustve reacted with the lemon and salt solution, so it is time for you to start removing them from the container. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There are many methods you can use at home to clean your wheat pennies, and other coins you have found, safely and carefully. In 1909, a new design featuring President Abraham Lincon was introduced. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Numismatists and some coin collector organizations may offer these services. You can also opt for durable plastic holders, which can be square or round. I hope you enjoyed this article and have learned more about how to clean wheat pennies! Ammonia works well for removing rust from copper pennies, but it can also damage the surface of the penny if not used properly. How to Clean Old Coins Without Devaluing Them: 15 Methods - Tool Guider They can clean your coin if it has PVC residue, dirt, debris, adhesive, tape reside, copper spots on gold, or toning issues. It is always at the discretion of the buyer whether the minute scratches and damaged caused by cleaning is an issue. For instance, use a small applicator to "paint" only the heads for an unusual "cameo" effect.