Should I clean old coins before selling them?

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.

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.

How do you clean old coins without ruining value?

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 Your Coins? Coin Restoration Versus Coin Cleaning Facts

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.

Are coins worth more clean or dirty?

Only if the coins have more sentimental value to you and you don't plan on selling them. Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them.

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 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.

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.

How do you clean old silver coins without damaging them?

Why does Coke clean coins?

Who would have thought that your favorite soda is also a great cleaning agent? Yes, that refreshing can of Coke that you like to drink by the pool can also clean coins. Coke's phosphoric acid can clean the oxides that cause tarnish and corrosion.

What do you do with old coins?

What coins are worth a lot of money?

Is a 1964 nickel worth anything?

A 1964 nickel is worth approximately 5 cents on today's market. However, if the coin is rare, uncirculated, or in mint condition, it can be worth as much as $225–$275!

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 does ketchup do to a penny?

Ketchup contains vinegar, a weak acid, which breaks down the copper oxide on the surface of the penny. The salt in the ketchup goes on to add dissolved chloride ions to the mix. These ions bond with the copper, forming copper chloride. The copper chloride helps the vinegar further break down the copper oxide.

What happens when you soak a penny in vinegar?

The vinegar made its penny shiny. Pennies become dull over time as copper on the surface reacts with oxygen from the air. The two elements combine to form dark chemicals called copper oxides. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves these chemicals and leaves the copper surface of the penny looking shiny.

Can vinegar clean coins?

Ordinary vinegar can be used to rid old coins of the gunk they've gathered over time. To restore pennies to their original luster, simply plop them into a solution of vinegar and salt, let them sit for a few minutes, then rinse them off and watch them shine like new.

How much is a 100 year old silver dollar worth?

The relatively high-mintage 1879 Philadelphia Mint Morgan dollar is worth perhaps $15 to $30 in well-circulated grades, while the low-mintage 1928 Philly-minted Peace dollar can take $200 or more in the same condition.

Should you remove tarnish from silver coins?

Add a few drops of mild soap (not detergent) to a glass of warm distilled water. Put the coins in gently and leave them to soak, turning them over every few hours. This is the only guaranteed safe way to clean silver-plated coins (though pure silver is a little hardier).

What is a 1971 silver dollar worth?

The standard 1971 silver dollar is worth around $15 in MS 63 choice uncirculated condition. In MS 65 gem uncirculated condition the price rises to around $26. The 1971 proof silver dollar is worth around $15 in PR 65 condition. There were 4,265,234 proof coins minted.

What penny is worth $1000000?

A 1943 Lincoln penny that soared in value because it was made from the "wrong" material reportedly has sold for $1 million. The penny was erroneously made of bronze instead of zinc-coated steel at the San Francisco Mint, according to UPI news agency. Texas Rangers co-chairman Bob R.

Why is the 1941 penny worth so much?

The most valuable variety of the 1941 wheat penny by far is one in which the obverse face has been struck twice, an error known as a doubled die. Depending on the color (red being worth the most), lower grades of this coin can be worth over $80, and this increases dramatically in higher grades.