Should I clean my old coins 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.

Can you clean coins without losing value?

It is best not to clean rare coins as removing the patina can significantly reduce the value of them. For this reason, most coin hobbyists almost never clean their coins. In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them, but many will be greatly devalued.

Does cleaning coins affect value?

Since oil and dirt cannot be removed without cleaning, a small touch can cut a coin's value in half or even more because, again, numismatists would rather have an oxidized but untouched coin than a shiny but damaged one. The bottom line for anyone looking to sell coins from a coin collection: don't clean your coins.

How do you clean old coins without damaging them?

Baking soda and vinegar have proven to be one of the most effective ways to clean tarnished coins. Submerge the coins in a shallow bath of vinegar and let them soak for at least an hour. If you don't have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute.

Should you clean old valuable coins?

There is no benefit to attempting to clean a collectible coin. Copper never re-tones to its original color and look anyway. Put down the polish before you destroy something historical and throw away a fortune.

Should You Clean Your Coins? NO, NO, NO! Here's Why:

Why is cleaning coins important?

Coin cleaning is the process of removing undesirable substances from a coin's surface in order to make it more attractive to potential buyers. The subject is controversial as no consensus exists among the numismatic community whether cleaning is necessary.

How do you safely clean coins?

Take the coins out and sprinkle some baking soda over them; then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them clean. Rinse them out thoroughly with hot water; using tongs or gloves to hold them to avoid burning your fingers. Place them on a soft, cotton towel and leave to air dry.

How do you tell if a coin has been cleaned?

When the coin leaves the mint after just being struck, it has a shine or luster. The original mint luster is gradually destroyed as a coin circulates through commerce. Cleaning a coin will also remove the luster thereby destroying the original surface characteristics.

Will vinegar damage coins?

First, if you think your coins might be of any value, do not clean them at all, since you can possibly damage them by soaking in cleaners like vinegar. If you want to clean the coin for some other reason, vinegar should work fine.

What coins are worth a lot of money?

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).

Are old pennies worth anything?

For most pennies, those minted in recent years are worth, well, a penny. Most wheat cents (wheat pennies were minted between 1909 and 1956) are worth about 4 to 5 cents. Those in better condition can have double-digit value. Special examples (especially those in near perfect condition) can be worth much more.

What do you do with old coins?

Can Coke clean coins?

Coke and off-brand colas will quickly remove the tarnish. Just don't drink the coke afterward. Coke contains phosphoric acid that cleans the oxides. Try a variety of citrus juices to see which works best or simply let your pennies soak in lemon juice.

Should you clean silver coins?

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.

Should I clean my Indian head penny?

Never Clean a Proof or Uncirculated Coin

No matter the circumstance, there's never a good reason to clean an uncirculated or proof coin. Even if there is adhesive residue stuck to it, fingerprints, stains or discoloring, leave it alone! Bring it to a professional to remove anything.

How do I sell coins?

Selling your coins at auction makes sense

Extensive advertising in numismatic magazines and promotion via social media and online. Combine live auction with internet and phone bids to achieve best price. You'll generally get a price which is closer to the coin's 'retail' value.

What does PCGS use to clean coins?

PCGS Restoration will remove contaminants that are determined to have been deliberately and artificially applied, including putty, grease and other substances used by "coin doctors." Restoration also will remove contaminants on the coin's surface caused by improper care or storage, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ...

How do you clean silver coins without losing value?

What years of coins are worth money?

What liquid cleans coins the best?

Vinegar (or Lemon Juice) and Salt

This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny.

How much does polishing a coin decrease its value?

Now, here's what cleaning can do to the value of a coin. If an MS-63 is worth about $7,250, that same coin, polished, is worth between $1,200 and $4,200, depending upon the degree of damage.

What penny is worth $1000000?

1943-S Lincoln Cent Sells for $1 Million.