After applying, give it a couple of minutes and then rinse using distilled water. Rinse the coin very well under warm water. This makes it easier for copper atoms to join oxygen from the air and chlorine from the salt and form a blue green compound called malachite. Copper, silver, nickel, and gold coins should strictly never be cleaned. Test the ketchup on a small area of your penny first before applying it in more generous amounts. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The soap should help keep the coin safe while you gently scrub it. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Create a mixture using -cup vinegar of lemon juice and a teaspoon of table salt together into a bowl. If you do have hard water or highly acidic water, try using distilled water. Place the coins in a plastic container and cover with mouthwash. Whether its a regular penny or a wheat penny, hopefully youve found this article to showcase a helpful method on how to clean a corded penny. First, gather your supplies. Then mix gently until the salt totally dissolves in the lemon juice. Make sure that any cleaner you use is rated to clean pennies prior to 1982. Lightly rub the ketchup into the coin with a soft toothbrush, then rinse off the ketchup. SALT AND VINEGAR EXPERIMENTPulire le monete di rame in 1 minuto con sale e acetoMusic:"Fluffing a Duck" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creati. [1] The effect is immediate and obvious. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Get an appraisal before you clean themif you plan to sell them. Last Updated: November 9, 2022 How To Clean Coins Without Devaluing Them [DIY Hack] - YouTube If you do use an abrasive like vinegar or salt, make sure that you dont rub the abrasive in as it could scratch up the surface of the coin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The best way to clean pennies is to never ever clean them. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. If you are planning to sell your cleaned pennies, using chemicals or scrubbing methods for cleaning could leave marks on the coins and an appraiser could easily discover this, which will greatly reduce the market value of your pennies. When you have them totally clean, let them air dry and enjoy the bright sheen that your pennies have. The coins need to be submerged in the vinegar, so make sure the vinegar doesn't have too much space to spread out. Pencil Eraser for Cleaning Pennies. These became known as Lincon wheat pennies. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. With wheat pennies, you will want to fill a small dish with fresh water and some dish soap. Dry them off with paper towels. Wheat pennies were made of different metals during different years depending on the need for metals. Its found naturally in wine, and it works by breaking down the copper oxide coating on your pennies. Step 5: Rub Away the Tarnish & Grime. Use Water Sometimes the simplest methods are best. This article has been viewed 438,144 times. Looking to achieve that bright, orange-copper color? They can eliminate or reduce the effects of outside contaminates that have caused issues with your coins. So at the very least you need distilled water as a working medium. Admittedly, this one is hard to see working well, so I always suggest testing brand new coin cleaning methods on a coin you care absolutely nothing about. You should also rub the coin gently to remove debris, and rinse it under the tap to wash off the oil. So there is no need for you to buy harsh bleaching agents, because you want to clean corroded pennies, these simple ones can help you achieve your goals if you use them properly. Nearly all metal detectors will be able to find coins in the right conditions. There are a variety of cleaning methods for wheat pennies. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Put the coin in the bowl and slowly rub the coin with your finger from both sides. To clean a copper penny, squeeze out a small amount of tomato ketchup onto the face and back of the coin. I hope you enjoyed this article and have learned more about how to clean wheat pennies! Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. In addition to the vinegar and lemon juice, ketchup can also be used to clean copper pennies. If they look clean enough, use a soft cloth to dry them. It is definitely cheaper to clean it yourself, but there are occasions where it would be more prudent of you to allow professionals to handle it. So here's how to clean a penny with vinegar: Get a small glass (or another kind of non-corrosive container) and fill it with some white vinegar - just enough to submerge a coin below the surface. If you use the right materials and carry out the process in a gentle manner, you can get the best of both worlds a set of cleaned shiny pennies that are also not damaged. It can be frustrating, but hang in there! This detector works very well in areas with high soil mineralization. Hold it there for about 10 seconds, then pull it out. 5 Ways to Clean Pennies - wikiHow Fill the bowl with enough lemon juice to cover the quarter. Heritage Auctions is an online consignment program with a 10 percent fee. Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. You may even want to take the same steps you learned from here to help clean other dirty pennies that you come across in the future. Step 3 Now put those pennies into the bowl containing the mixture of vinegar and salt. How To Clean A Penny Without Damaging It (Detailed Guide) Be sure to check with a professional before cleaning a corroded coin that may have significant value. Mix it together and add the coins into the bowl. There are many methods you can use at home to clean your wheat pennies, and other coins you have found, safely and carefully. Water is one of the best and safest ways to clean your wheat pennies. 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. AspenCleans glass cleaner was voted Parents Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents magazine. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Step-2: Mix dish soap with water in a bowl. We will focus on the materials you need, how to use them, and most importantly, how to carry out the cleaning process in a safe way so that the pennies do not get damaged or lose their integrity. Something like a penny for example. 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. Rubbing or scrubbing a coin (even with non-abrasive liquids) will leave microabrasions on your coin and cause a severe reduction of value or elimination of any collectible value. The key is to first know what kind of coin you have. Aluminum Foil Any aluminum foil will do, what you have laying around in your kitchen will work great. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? The first step to cleaning a copper penny is soaking it in vinegar. That way, if the cleaning method damages the coin, youre not going to be upset about it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For preservation purposes, most collectors recommend against treating collectible coins. All items are affected by the passage of time, and coins are no different. But if you simply want to clean the coins for non-commercial reasons (for example, you just want a bunch of cleaned pennies youve found to become part of your coin collection), the vinegar/lemon juice method will be good enough. 6 Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean coins? References. 3 Ways to Clean Old Coins - wikiHow If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The baking soda isnt acidic like vinegar and citrus juice solutions, so leaving the paste in place for a while is safe. It can even be used as a metal polishing solution. You can also try using a damp cloth with baking soda, which will help loosen any stuck-on dirt without damaging the coins surface. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Start with a mixture of warm, soapy water when cleaning silver coins. Ultrasonic cleaners work by microcavitation. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. Warm distilled water can be used to clean coins. As for what is best to add and enhance the cleaning action, I'm not sure. This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. The acid from the ketchup can help to deal with oxidation as it forms on your coins. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. But before you start your timer, make sure none of the pennies are touching themselves. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. You just cant see them because they are microscopicbut your intended buyer will see them. Thats not necessarily to say the material so much as the purpose of the coin. So my suggestion would be to take a random corroded penny that you dont care about, and try this cleaning method. If pennies are collectibles, then cleaning them may reduce their value. For coins that dont have collectible value, you can use sand, olive oil, and even isopropyl alcohol to get the job done. You want something a bit more gentle for silver coins but you will need a heavier abrasive for your copper pennies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rare coins shouldn't be cleaned as doing so could remove the value Credit: Getty. By using our site, you agree to our. This may be true in certain aspects, such as uncirculated monies. That would be true if your plan was to only use vinegar to clean a corroded penny. How To Clean Old Copper Coins Without Damaging Them This way, you can take any preventative measures necessary to clean the coins and retain their value. It might seem like theres no hope for your tarnished coins, but fear not! While you're grasping the coin firmly by its edges, use a clean toothbrush to lightly scrub the flat surfaces of the coin. But if you do really want to get stuck in and have a go at cleaning some coins, we recommend that you experiment on some modern loose change instead. The right materials will effectively clean your pennies and will also be safe for your hands. In this video I clean three old worn large cents. With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. Different types of coins require different cleaning solutions, so ask an expert if you are not sure. Maintain your coins in great condition through proper care, handling and storage. Collectors actively look for the tiniest flaws in pennies and they have all the necessary tools to find those flaws. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Rinse off any excess liquid with water and set aside to dry. Simply hold your copper penny by its edges between your thumb and forefinger, then dip its entire surface into a small bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. "Knowing how to safely clean copper is big time helpful. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. In 1943, the composition changed to zinc plated steel due to the need for copper during World War II. % of people told us that this article helped them. Once theyve soaked enough, take them out and rinse them with clear water until all traces of acid are gone from their surfaces; finally dry them off with a paper towel before putting them back into circulation (or storing them). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. How to clean copper pennies - YouTube Before you begin cleaning, sort through the coins to determine which coins need the most work. Salt and vinegar combinations have been used to clean coins for many yearsthis method is actually on display in one of the earlier videos I shared above. Rinse them off after soaking them in vinegar so they dont reabsorb any of that dirt onto themselves! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause damage to the skin if inhaled or spilled. Soak for 24 hours. This article was co-authored by Alicia Sokolowski. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. Mix 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Experts can always tell if a coin has been cleaned improperly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Using a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the baking soda into each coin, especially on the corroded areas. Dab some yellow mustard onto a cotton ball or soft cloth and rub firmly over the entire surface of the coin until it starts turning darker than usualthis means that its working! How to clean old coins without any damage - YouTube How to clean copper pennies using vinegar and baking soda. The application of taco sauce is another simple method of cleaning these pennies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. Gold Nuggets Metal Detectors Modern Coin Mart is another site for selling coins. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This is the important part: rinse with distilled, not tap water. After WWII, the original metal composition was reinstituted and reigned until the wheat penny retired. Then, rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto each side of the coin to loosen stubborn dirt. 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. 2 Pour a few ounces of vinegar into a shallow dish. Its also an effective way to remove oxidation from copper and make sure that there are no stains left behind. The more contact the coins have with one another the more damage they take on. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. This is what gives some pennies their odd bluish hue. Keep reading below for the best methods for safely cleaning your wheat pennies at home. 1 1/2 cups olive oil. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thanks. How do you clean old pennies without damaging them? How To Clean Pennies 1 Easy Trick - Crazy Science Experiment Please do not clean collector coins, I don not take responsibly of any damage done. [1] 2 Add enough acetic acid (vinegar, white vinegar is most recommended) to moisten the salt into a paste. How to clean coins without damaging them - YouTube HOW TO CLEAN COPPER COINS - PENNY EXPERIMENT - YouTube 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 438,144 times. Patience is key: The best way to clean a copper coin is by using patience and not being afraid to try new methods until one works well enough for you without scratching up your penny too much while doing so. They may damage the surface of the wheat penny and devalue them. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Metal Detector Reviews (for anyone), Garrett AT Pro Review Like vinegar, ammonia has a strong chemical odor, so you may want to wear gloves when cleaning with this method. This method you will help you to clean old coin properly without any damage to. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. {"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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. After 24 hours of drying time (72 hours if you live in humid conditions), use a soft cloth like an old T-shirt or washcloth to buff up all sides of your penny until it has regained most of its original shine! Ammonia works well for removing rust from copper pennies, but it can also damage the surface of the penny if not used properly. 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). Next, soak the coins in the solution for 5 minutes, making sure theyre spread out so theyre all submerged. Wearing gloves will help protect your skin from the cleaning solution. How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Clean Coins Get a corrosive resistant container, such as a glass, and soak your wheat pennies in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Grab some past with your thumb and forefinger, rubbing it gently onto both sides of the penny. Enjoy! Keep in mind that adding more salt to the solution makes it stronger. Basically, it all depends on why you are getting your pennies cleaned in the first place. How to Clean a Copper Penny:10 Tips and Advices - Metal Hunting Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent (like dish soap) to clean it. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Gentle dish soap, like Dawn, is a good option for getting those wheat pennies shining again. If you have a collection of copper pennies, chances are that theyre not looking their best. If you dont have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute. One not so common cleaning method I found is using ketchup. For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! Let them soak for about two hours or so, though if they are extremely dirty, you may want to let them sit for up to a week. You can use lemon juice to clean copper pennies, but youll want to work in a well-ventilated area when you do. Other coins are molded from different metals, so the solution may not work as well on them. Vinegar solutions are effective for removing dark spots on coins, but they also tend to make coins look a little dull. Before we go into the process of bringing corroded pennies back to life, let us look at the cleaning materials you must have. only use vinegar to clean a corroded penny, Metal Detecting in Massachusetts: Laws, Tips and Beaches, Metal Detecting in Pennsylvania: Tips, Tricks, and Laws to Know. Well, the general rule is if you intend on selling your wheat pennies, you should not clean them. Lemon juice. However, with old coins you have found while metal detecting, you may want to refrain from cleaning. Just make sure you keep the rubbing to a minimum. Try not to rub the coin too much with your fingers or the dirt, silt, and other residue on the surface can damage the coin. It has 3 search coil options, all are waterproof. The amount of vinegar used to clean the pennies depends on the number of coins you wish to clean. It removes various materials including organic material. The best thing about using rubbing alcohol is that it will remove the tarnish from your copper coin without damaging its surface. Use your soft cloth to dry them off gently in order to prevent any scratching. Once youve removed the coin from the coke, gently rinse it under cold running water. How to Clean Silver Coins Without Damaging Them in 7 Simple Steps Soak them in vinegar or ketchup: If youve ever used ketchup on your penny, then you know that it can clean it up pretty quicklyand with very little effort on your part at all! This eliminates the possibility of abrasions to your investment. Again, cleaning corrosion off wheat pennies can harm the value significantly. Rinse with freshwater and let air dry. EBay, one of the most popular online auction sites, charges a 10 percent fee plus listing fees. In this article well take a look at the top 10 tips for cleaning a copper penny. A great way to clean coins without doing damage to them is using a bath of salt and isopropyl alcohol. "What stood out was that very common household ingredients were used.". Use distilled water because chemicals in tap water may cause discoloration. Mix equal parts distilled water and lemon juice into a container. After learning about how to clean a copper penny in this article, you should be able to do it well and keep your coin looking better for longer. In fact, it would probably be extremely wise to do so, at least from a sanitary perspective. 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. Step 4 Now take out the pennies from that mixture, and wash them in water. Come Clean About Cleaning Your Coins - PCGS Mix cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl that is non-metallic. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Add distilled water and a small amount of dish soap to your shallow bowl. Youll be surprised at what works and what doesnt! NEVER drink the solution that was used to clean the pennies. The Mabnol : How to Clean Coins Water is less abrasive than other cleaning methods and should clean most of the dirt and debris off your wheat pennies. In a small container, place a small amount of table-salt (1 gram is plenty). Mix in extra salt if you wish, but keep a close eye on the coins to avoid damaging them.