Whatzit Forum

what is the best way to clean your coins u find

I'm not an expert at cleaning coins but......

If you are patiant you can soak them in virgin olive oil for a few days. It is not harmful to the coins but it works very slowly and it is mostly only useful for non-metallic matter like dirt that is stuck to the coins. I don't think it removes any corrosion as a direct result of the metal from the coin as in the green coating on pennies. After soaking for a day or 3 I remove the coin and very very lightly brush any buildup from the coin, but don't force the buildup off. If it is being stubborn then it is not ready to come off without harming the coin in the process, scratching, chipping the green copper tarnish, ect.

This is the only non-invasive method I have learned but there are certainly more professional ways to clean coins.

I would also like to learn better ways to clean coins with NO harmful affects to the coins like throwing coins into a tumbler with sand or walnut shell. <------------<<< NOT a way to clean old coins! LOL

Depends on the coin. I only rinse silver in water unless it is a non key and real messy then I may use a little paste. Copper depends on age and patina. Recently found a key indian and only needed to rinse with water and used a soft toothbrush after a good soaking (very lightly) it was green with patina and that doesnt come off. Electrolysis works with a dc converter but will do damage if left too long. When it comes to cleaning coins the less the best.

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i no less is best but they have to be cleaned enough to see date?!

I have read a lot from forums and magazines about cleaning finds, but I never seen anything about using an ultrasonic cleaner.

Anybody have any experience using one on finds?

m.....

They will work but have to be the high power units used in jewelry stores, the cheap ones used at home don't do a very good job.

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Bells and whistles are nice, but nothing will substitute for the basic understanding of the hobby.

CTX 3030, V3i, M6 W/Bigfoot coil, Cibola/modified