What does PCGS use to 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.

Will PCGS grade cleaned coins?

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 do coin collectors use to clean coins?

These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin's surface diminishing its value.

What is the best chemical to clean coins?

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.

What does PCGS genuine cleaning mean?

PCGS defines cleaning as: "Surface damage due to any form of abrasive cleaning. 'Cleaned' covers a wide range of appearances, from a grossly polished coin to one where faint hairlines can be seen only at a particular angle or in only one area on an otherwise perfectly normal coin.

Restore the Beauty of your Coins with PCGS Restoration

How can I 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.

Is isopropyl alcohol good for cleaning coins?

A great way to clean coins without damaging them is by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and salt. These two ingredients are coarse and acidic, which is an effective way to target built-up dirt. Combine one cup of isopropyl alcohol and two tablespoons of salt in a medium bowl.

How do you clean coins without devaluing them?

If your coins are still dirty, you can fill the plastic container with a 1-inch layer of warm water. Next, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and agitate the water to create bubbles. Add the coins, and rub each one until the surface looks shiny. Rinse with warm water, then dry.

How do you clean a coin without ruining it?

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.

Does baking soda damage coins?

Since it was first produced and sold in the United States in the mid-1800s, baking soda has been a popular product with many useful purposes. One of these is to clean certain valuable items in a safe, effective way. As for whether or not baking soda damages silver coins, the short answer is typically no.

How do professionals clean ancient coins?

Let your coins sit in distilled water for 24 hours. Note: distilled water is not the same as tap water. You can purchase distilled water at your local grocery store. After letting them soak, rub them gently with a soft bristle toothbrush.

Will ultrasonic cleaner clean old coins?

Cleaning Coins with an Ultrasonic Device

If you prefer to see your coin collection or your Euro coins in your wallet shiny and hygienically clean, you can clean them easily and in a time-saving matter using an ultrasonic bath.

Is it worth more to not clean old coins or clean 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. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.

How much does cleaning a coin devalue it?

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 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.

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.

Is it OK to clean coins with vinegar?

Here's our surefire way to clean tarnished coins: In a plastic container like those for storing your leftover foods or a small child sized bucket, add 1 cup of white vinegar and soak 4-5 coins in it. The longer you leave them to soak, the better the effect of the vinegar will be.

Does Coca Cola clean coins?

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.

Are cleaned coins worth less?

They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins. Cleaning is a factor in coins not qualifying for grading.

Why does cleaning old coins reduce their value?

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.

Will alcohol damage coins?

A great way to clean coins without damaging them is by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and salt. These two ingredients are coarse and acidic, which is an effective way to target built-up dirt.

Is acetone good for cleaning coins?

Acetone won't hurt a silver or gold coin and it will dissolve many impurities that are sitting on the surface, like dirt and PVC residue. It will not affect toning (patina) or remove metal from the coin. You only need to rinse the coin in cool, clear water after briefly soaking the coin in acetone.

Does toning hurt coin value?

It is considered perfectly normal, but extreme cases of toning can either help or hurt a coin's value. Vibrant and color toning is considered tremendously desirable, but unattractive toning will almost always diminish a coin's value.