Why should you not clean old coins?

Most coin cleaning products are abrasive, and could damage the coin. Non-abrasive chemicals can still react with the other metals found in some old coins. The physical act of scrubbing or polishing can also wear down the design, destroying one of the most important factors in deciding a coin's grade.

Is it OK to clean old coins?

This is never advised for the general public. 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.

Can you clean coins without losing value?

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.

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.

Why should you not clean silver coins?

Tarnish on silver coins is called "toning," The coin is worth more with the toning intact. Removing it will damage the coin's surface and significantly reduce its value. In other words, you should never use dips, polish, or chemical solutions to clean your coins.

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

Do professionals clean coins?

If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended. Commonly found coins are mentioned as ideal candidates for any attempted cleaning experiments.

Can 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.

Is a cleaned coin damaged?

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.

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.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean coins?

You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove tarnish from copper, zinc, silver, or nickel coins. However, you should only use it in its diluted form, not the concentrated one. If a coin is severely tarnished, then you should use a toothbrush to scrub the stain away from the coin gently.

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.

How much is a 1965 quarter worth?

The higher the grade, the higher their value. Current data shows that the regular 1965 Quarter in the circulated condition can be worth between $0.30 and $0.85. However, a 1965 Washington Quarter in mint state can be worth around $5250.

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.

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.

How do you clean old silver coins without devaluing 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.

What can destroy a coin?

Can you ruin coins?

It is not illegal to melt, form, destroy, or otherwise modify US coins, including pennies, unless the objective is fraudulent or with the intent of selling the raw materials of the coins for profit. Projects that use coins as materials are entirely legal in the United States.

What cleans a coin the best?

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.

What is a whizzed coin?

Whizzing. Whizzing is the process of cleaning a coin with a brush and water. 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 junk silver coins?

Junk silver or bullion coins are generally safe to keep clean if you love the brilliant sheen of pure silver.

How much is a 1921 Morgan silver dollar worth today?

1921 MORGAN Morgan Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of February 2023, a Morgan Dollar from 1921 in circulated condition is worth between $29 and $45.

How much is a 1923 Liberty silver dollar worth?

1923 Peace Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of February 2023, a Peace Dollar from 1923 in circulated condition is worth between $29 and $38. However, on the open market 1923 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3750.