Coins can get downright dirty. After all, they live their lives in pockets or on the pavement for decades at a time. It’s only natural that they may become discolored and tarnished over time.
However, cleaning collectible coins is a different story. Many cleaners and methods you would use on run-of-the-mill coins can easily damage a collectible coin, lowering its value or even rendering it worthless. Before hopping into spring cleaning mode, learn how to clean your coin collection correctly.
1. Use Mild Soap and Warm Water
In general, you’re not supposed to clean coins. Discoloration from aging is one of the important value factors in coin collecting. So just because a coin is discolored doesn’t mean you should clean it. When in doubt, ask other collectors or get the opinion of someone at a coin shop.
If you get the green light for cleaning the coin, never use abrasive cleaners. Instead, use a mild soap like a dish detergent and warm water. This will loosen grime without damaging or scratching the coin itself. Use only your fingers to loosen the dirt, as brushes and heavier towels can scratch the coin and instantly devalue it.
2. Dry With a Microfiber Towel
Once you’ve cleaned the coin to your liking, dry it with a microfiber towel. The plush surface of a microfiber towel is much more forgiving than other materials. This ensures that the coin dries without damaging its surface.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Area
Once the coin is clean and dried, keep it in a cool, dry area. Coins can change color for the worse if exposed to sharp changes in humidity and temperature, so avoiding these situations is the best plan to keep your coins in tip-top condition.
How To Clean Non-Collectible Coins
Not every coin you find is going to make you wealthy. But cleaning regular coins to keep them free of grime and germs is also important — especially with coins you find on the ground or as change.
To clean non-collectible coins, follow these steps:
- Fill a glass or plastic bin with a cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of salt.
- Dump the coins into the mixture and try to spread them out so none touch each other.
- Let the coins rest in the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes depending on how dirty they are.
- Use a non-abrasive brush to scrub away any excessive grime. You may also want to add baking soda or dish detergent to the mixture if necessary.
- Dry each coin, lay them on a towel, and let them dry completely before storing them.
Get the Best Value for Your Coins
Whether you’re new to coin collecting or you’ve been doing it for years, don’t let gold shops, pawn shops, or other collectors lowball you for your coins. At London Coin Galleries of Newport Beach, you can sell your coins and precious metals at the highest value possible.
We’ve helped collectors and the public alike for multiple decades, we always put our numismatic experience to work whether we’re buying or selling coins. We are here to help, contact us to book an appointment today.
