Coin Cleaning

[Diver Dan87]

So, I'm new to this whole metal detecting thing and Ive only been out a couple of times with my 250. Im a rather young buck so I figured I would come here to ask you all for the infinite wisdom of the universe on how to clean a coin, without destroying it. Anything from cleaning it to use it at the store with regular clad to something that I plan to hang on to...which I have yet to find something like that(I cant get out that often).
I have been doing some research on this process of cleaning, and I'm reading everything from soaking in "olive oil" to WD40. I'm not sure which will work the best or work at all. I've also read about electrolysis. Not sure how that one works. Tonight I'm going to try a few things on some clad I dug up. Pennies really. Kind of a high school experiment if you will.
Carb and Choke cleaner
WD 40
Nail Polish remover
Olive Oil
Vinegar

All the pennies are about the same in terms of the way they look. Found most of them in the tidal area on the beach. Salt sure does its number. Any advice would be helpful.

I've also read about people using a rock tumbler to clean coins...seems rather destructive, but I guess It has a point if you want to clean a lot quickly. I assume for the clad you'd throw in the coin jar for that Disney Land vacation or something. Let me know

CHRIS
Hoo Yah Deep Sea

 

[Uncle Willy]

Cleaning clad and zincs is simple. Pick up a tumbler ( Harbor Freight often has them for $20.00 ) and some aquarium gravel. Put some gravel in the tumbler along with a little water, a shot of concentrated cleaner, half a brillo pad, dump the coins in and tumble them for a few hours. Don't mix pennies with the clad.

Bill

 

[lazyaussie]

Hi Chris for new coins a rock tumblers the way to go any thing else is not cost effective. i"m doing a load now i"ll take some pics today & hopefully put a post up today.
For old 9.25% silver electrolysis is the best this must be watched as it could put pitting on your coin. For 50% i use a lemon cut it in half whack the coin in & put it back together & i leave them for 30 min then check every 15 min after that. VERY IMPORTANT ALL THESE METHODS NEED TO BE WATCHED CLOSELY as you could wreck the coin or coins you are cleaning.
For old copper you"ll have to ask someone else as i"v not cleaned much successfully.
Hope this helps.
lazyaussie

 

[awhitster]

Shake em in a sand scoop, run them through a coin machine. Quick and easy.

 

[Diver Dan87]

Well my experiment didn't work out so well, the only one that might have done a little work was the vinegar. Nothing else fared well.
My next step is to wait and see what the pictures look like from using a tumbler, and I'm going to take a few to work and put them in the ultrasonic cleaner we have there and see what my next investment will be.
Well I thank you all for the info and the cleaning. Let me know if you have any other valuable tips!

Chris
Hoo Yah

 

[Uncle Willy]

Two things to keep on hand for coins, jewelry, etc. - bottle of TARN-X and can of Eagle One Never Dull.

Bill

 

[sleepsafe]

I would think aquarium gravel would be very hard on the surface of a coin. I'm new to this and I havent cleaned any coins yet. But I'm an old time shooter and reloader. When reloading we clean brass in a tumbler with various media. I usually use crushed walnut shells, and frequently leave the brass cases in a tumbler or vibratory cleaner overnight or for the day while Im at work. They come out looking better than new, and this is done several times over the life of the brass, so I think its safe to say that wear on the actual metal is negligible. It might work well with coins, ad since I already have the stuff to do it I probably will try it.