How do you tell if a coin has been cleaned?

Judge the age and consistency of the color, its depth and evenness. The underlying luster should be undisturbed and in a perfect cartwheel pattern, this being especially visible about the obverse stars. Look for hairlines or other imperfections that may indicate the coin was cleaned at some time in its past.

Are cleaned coins worth anything?

Most coin experts have since come out against cleaning coins, as doing so can negatively affect them both in grade and value. If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended.

What is considered cleaning a coin?

This is a process where you dip the coin in a mildly acidic solution for a brief time and then wash it off. This method is one of the least damaging since it usually just strips a layer or two off the coin's surface. Unfortunately, this includes the fragile flow lines which give the cartwheel effect.

Can a cleaned coin be graded?

Unfortunately, a cleaned coin and coins certain types of detrimental surface conditions can't be described with a numerical grade. The grading scale used by NGC accords with the appearance and surface quality of a coin.

Do coins lose value when cleaned?

According to coin experts, cleaning any potentially collectible coins might cause them to lose value. Using chemical cleaners or scrubbing the coins could leave scratches and marks that will be easy for a skilled appraiser to pick up on.

3 WAYS TO TELL A COIN WAS CLEANED OR POLISHED

How do you clean coins without ruining their value?

Place your coins in a bowl and pour enough white vinegar to cover the coins. Let the coins soak for at least 30 minutes but no longer than overnight. Remove the coins and gently scrub the residue with the toothbrush. Rinse the dirt off with water and dry with a cloth.

Will PCGS grade a cleaned coin?

PCGS Restoration will not remove original toning simply to make a coin white. PCGS Restoration will never add toning to a coin. In cases where PCGS determines that removing toning is necessary and desirable and will not detract from the coin, it may be done.

What happens if you clean an old coin?

Cleaning an old coin would remove the patina or toning that helps make it even more unique and visually appealing. Removing this effect can significantly reduce the value of the item. The other main reason you shouldn't clean old coins is that you can easily damage them.

How do you restore a cleaned coin?

Dip the coin in the warm, soapy solution and continue rubbing away loose dirt with your thumb and index finger. Use an old, soft-bristled toothbrush to brush away any hardened dirt/stains. Rinse the coin out thoroughly under running water. Air dry or pat dry with a soft towel.

What are cleaned vs uncleaned coins?

Circulated coins have a patina that comes from reaction with the elements and contact with skin oils. Cleaning removes most, if not all, of it, giving the coin an unnaturally clean metallic look. Old copper coins should look medium to dark brown with no shine at all.

How much does it cost to have a coin cleaned and graded?

Coin Grading Costs

Grading prices vary according to the maximum value per coin. For instance, modern coins that are worth a maximum of $300 will cost from $17 to $22, depending on the company of your choosing. Coins with a maximum value of $10,000 can be graded for $65 to $80 dollars.

Can coins be cleaned before selling?

Don't clean your coins! Not only does this cut their value by as much as half (or possibly even more), but it will be an immediate deal-breaker for many dealers who would've otherwise wanted to buy your coins if only they were left in their original condition.

Why should you not clean old coins?

The abrasive product can leave scratches or hairlines on the coin, as well as destroy the luster of the coin; in many cases a coin that has lost its luster will rarely be worth more than half its original uncleaned value.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean coins?

Step-by-Step Walkthrough. First, you will want to remove any dirt or oil from your coin's surface using warm water and soap. Use some hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part water/3 parts hydrogen peroxide) and rub vigorously over both sides of the coin until they are completely clean.

Why do Coin collectors not like cleaned coins?

Most Cleaning is Destructive: It Can Literally Change the Surface of a Coin. Any cleaning that requires rubbing leaves microscopic scratches. They are not apparent to the naked eye, but a collector will see them. A collector will look for them.

Why does vinegar clean coins so well?

Why did the vinegar and salt clean the pennies? Copper oxide dissolves in a mixture of weak acid and table salt-and vinegar is an acid. You could also clean your pennies with salt and lemon juice or orange juice, because those juices are acids, too.

What liquid cleans coins the best?

Vinegar and Salt

Make a solution of vinegar and salt and let the pennies soak. The acid in vinegar, like in citrus, is what really takes the tarnish away.

Do professionals clean coins?

The Professionals: Numismatic Conservation Service and Professional Coin Grading Service Restoration. There are two services that can more often than not clean your coins properly. First, there is Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS), which operates with Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

How do PCGS clean coins?

Our experts use a non-abrasive cleaning method and cleaners, designed specifically for PCGS, which will not diminish the coin's aesthetic value. More importantly, each coin is treated separately. The conservation required for one coin may differ from that which is needed on the next.

How can I get my coins graded for free?

PCGS Photograde Online is free, and provides detailed close-up photo images for 25 types of 19th and 20th century U.S. coinage issues in up to 12 different grades.

How do you tell if a coin has been whizzed?

A whizzed coin has swirl marks from the brush strokes. Tilting a coin into the light reveals brush marks. Collectors and unscrupulous dealers whiz coins to improve the appearance of a coin or sell the coin for a higher grade, such as BU.

Is it OK to clean a silver dollar?

It's largely a matter of personal preference. The tarnish or toning that naturally forms on coins over time isn't harmful and won't negatively impact the value of your piece, if its value is in the precious metals only. However, do not clean numismatic coins.