how to clean copper pennies without damaging them

After learning about how to clean a copper penny in this article, you should be able to do it well and keep your coin looking better for longer. Kids Metal Detectors Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar. Rinse with freshwater and let air dry. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Retrieve the coins from the vinegar and apply a few teaspoons of baking soda to each coin. This is the important part: rinse with distilled, not tap water. Thats not necessarily to say the material so much as the purpose of the coin. In fact, it works so well that, like the other coin cleaning brews mentioned here, it can completely strip away the original patina and obliterate the value of the coin. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it will remove the copper oxide that's on your pennies. If they're extra dirty or if you're cleaning a lot simultaneously, give them a few more minutes for good measure. Subscribe To Me: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TheBoxUnboxed https://twitter.com/TheBoxUnboxed Use Promo Code TBU for 10% off GFUEL http://www.gammalabs.net Use Promo Code TBU For 5% off Custom Pc's at http://lostlegionpcs.webs.com/ Use Promo Code tbu for NoScope Gaming Glasses or use the link below https://www.noscopeglasses.com/demon-glasses?tracking=tbu Cleaning and polishing rare and old coins can devalue them. When a coin has evidence of cleaning, it is valued as Genuine-Cleaned. This means that despite the condition of the coin, it will be valued less than Fine range coins that have not been cleaned. Water is one of the best and safest ways to clean your wheat pennies. With wheat pennies, you will want to fill a small dish with fresh water and some dish soap. Soak the coins in more salt and vinegar if they still look dirty. If you have questions, always seek the help of a professional coin cleaner and coin grading service. The advantage is it will not cause any decrease in numismatic value, but there are better options for cleaning materials. Numismatists and some coin collector organizations may offer these services. If you are planning to sell your cleaned pennies, using chemicals or scrubbing methods for cleaning could leave marks on the coins and an appraiser could easily discover this, which will greatly reduce the market value of your pennies. They will, in fact, devalue. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. It may take a couple of applications, so dont be afraid to try this method a few times to get out those tough stains. They include: As you can see, these materials are very cheap and easy to find anywhere. This way, you should not have to worry about cleaning them on a regular basis. So at the very least you need distilled water as a working medium. Step 2 Add a teaspoon of salt to the bowl full of vinegar, and stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved. Coins made of nickel and silver will be easily cleaned; however, coins made out of copper will be harder to clean as copper reacts to more materials than other metals. But, when you combine vinegar with other ingredients, it will become a cleaning agent, not a tarnishing agent. Newer coins, such as relatively shiny pennies, tend to dull a little when washed in acid. Cleaning Copper With Ketchup: Ketchup can be used to clean a variety of copper products. There is even a high chance that you have all of them in your kitchen right now. Tartaric acid is a weak organic acid, which means its not as corrosive to your penny as other chemicals. LARISA NIEDLE You'll Need: Salt White vinegar (or fresh lemon juice) Shallow plastic container Cloth or paper towel Baking soda (optional) Toothbrush (optional) Dishwashing liquid (optional) 02 of 07 Step 1: LARISA NIEDLE In a jar, combine 1 cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. Let us move on to how to clean wheat pennies you intend to keep or sell yourself without any type of professional grading service. Wash each coin gently with a soft toothbrush before rinsing and drying it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This eliminates the possibility of abrasions to your investment. Make sure to use small, circular motions. Brighten old, dark pennies in seconds! How to clean coins without damaging them - YouTube Place your pennies in the vinegar or the lemon juice. To clean a copper penny, squeeze out a small amount of tomato ketchup onto the face and back of the coin. Submerge the coins in a shallow bath of vinegar and let them soak for at least an hour. They can clean your coin if it has PVC residue, dirt, debris, adhesive, tape reside, copper spots on gold, or toning issues. Next, mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and rub this paste over the penny using your fingers. To clean your copper coins, start by adding some vinegar or orange juice to a small bowl, and stirring in 1 teaspoon of salt. Baking soda and vinegar have proven to be one of the most effective ways to clean tarnished coins. According to renowned numismatists, Ivory soap, and water is the safest way used in cleaning steel pennies. The effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, so ensure you cover the entire coin! They can eliminate or reduce the effects of outside contaminates that have caused issues with your coins. Again, use small circular motions, scrubbing the entirety of the coin for a minute or so. In addition to the vinegar and lemon juice, ketchup can also be used to clean copper pennies. References. For coins that are not terribly valuable, you can clean them yourself with little to no worry. Mix cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl that is non-metallic. You can also use baking soda and salt to clean your pennies. Where I live, we have acidic and hard water. For a stronger treatment, let the coins soak in oil for about a day, then scrub them with a soft toothbrush. Vinegar will remove any oxides formed on the coin surface. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. Simply hold your copper penny by its edges between your thumb and forefinger, then dip its entire surface into a small bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice. When you clean via any method, you are clearing off small parts of the penny surface along with the corrosion, so a slight change in the appearance of the pennies is actually inevitable. Aluminum Foil Any aluminum foil will do, what you have laying around in your kitchen will work great. Step 4: Add More Baking Soda & Hot Water. Remove tough tarnish on coins by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide or . If you are keeping them for sentimental value or for your own personal collection, you may certainly clean them. They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. Make sure they are not directly on top of each other. Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. Soak coins in warm water mixed with liquid dish detergent to clean off light dirt and grime. If possible, stick to water or dish soap for cleaning wheat pennies. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt. Cleaning them can be a daunting task. Any attempt at cleaning a coin can reduce its value. You just cant see them because they are microscopicbut your intended buyer will see them. % of people told us that this article helped them. So, in this article, Im going to explain to you exactly how to clean wheat pennies safely and effectively! If you are in a humid location, you can use desiccants to absorb atmospheric moisture. Both can damage coins easily. Wheat pennies are a relatively common find when metal detecting. It might even be a good idea to stay away from even hiring a professional service to clean them for you. Repeat the process as many times as you need in order to get the coins clean. One good option is the traditional 2 by 2 cardboard and mylar protective sheaths. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? Vinegar and salt. You can use lemon juice to clean copper pennies, but youll want to work in a well-ventilated area when you do. As an added precaution, you should only mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one gallon of water when using this technique; over-mixed solutions will damage your coins surfaces quickly. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. Apply the paste with a microfiber cloth and rinse it off with water. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If it can clean oil off baby ducks, it should be able to clean your wheat pennies with very little damage! If this does not bother, you and you simply want to restore the coin for yourself you can use a baking soda paste. Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda. (So before you start using baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or ketchup to clean your coins at. Soak them in vinegar or ketchup: If youve ever used ketchup on your penny, then you know that it can clean it up pretty quicklyand with very little effort on your part at all! Let them sit for a month though you may need to let them go for as long as six months. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. This article may contain affiliate links, How to Paint Concrete [From Preparation to Sealing], 14 Ways to Open a Stuck Jar A Helpful Guide, A Guide to Wood Finishes That Are Food Safe, How to Significantly Improve Your Charcoal Grill, How to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel, Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are Definitely a Thing You Need to Know About. Other coins are molded from different metals, so the solution may not work as well on them. One of the most important aspects of cleaning old coins is to know the value first. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Okay, so you have found some corroded pennies you want to clean and you have also gathered all the materials we listed above now its time for action. After brushing each penny, rinse with clean water and dry, it should be looking good as new by now. But if you simply want to clean the coins for non-commercial reasons (for example, you just want a bunch of cleaned pennies youve found to become part of your coin collection), the vinegar/lemon juice method will be good enough. These coins range in value from a few cents to a small fortune, if you are lucky enough! For many pennies, one tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1/2 cup (4 oz) of vinegar will get the job done. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Leave the coin to soak for about 5 minutes or so and then check on its condition. Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent (like dish soap) to clean it. This happens because the vinegar and salt dissolves the copper oxide layer of the penny. But for coins that have collectible value, they are oftentimes worth more than their face value. Well, the general rule is if you intend on selling your wheat pennies, you should not clean them. If necessary, a little bit of gentle soap can be used, with Ivory soap being the preferred brand. Make sure that any cleaner you use is rated to clean pennies prior to 1982. But, if you are in doubt about how to clean your pennies, it is a good idea to leave them alone or consult a rare coin specialist before you begin the cleaning process. You may also have luck selling them online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUbe88W78I0&feature=youtu.be&t=13, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8&feature=youtu.be&t=27, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHZSYR463uw&feature=youtu.be&t=41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS9-A1TO67c&feature=youtu.be&t=45, https://www.pennycollector.com/cleaning.html, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/shine-bright-like-a-penny/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7cfVkadI_A&feature=youtu.be&t=174, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7cfVkadI_A&feature=youtu.be&t=928, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUPuRLcm7WY&feature=youtu.be&t=516, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUPuRLcm7WY&feature=youtu.be&t=542. This could mean going into tight corners with cotton swabs dipped in diluted vinegar solution or water; however, if there are no crevices left untouched by this step then this is generally enough for most coins because they wont have been exposed much during wear-and-tear over time anyway (if at all). This detector uses 5 frequencies simultaneously or it can use them individually. Like vinegar, ammonia has a strong chemical odor, so you may want to wear gloves when cleaning with this method. Finally, dry your coins with a microfiber cloth to get rid of excess moisture. There are many methods you can use at home to clean your wheat pennies, and other coins you have found, safely and carefully. Make a paste: Use a lemon juice/salt or vinegar/salt paste and a sponge to scrub the copper. 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 teaspoon salt A clear, shallow bowl (not metal) 2 clean steel nails A clean steel screw or bolt Paper towels Put the salt and vinegar in the bowl. 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. The Mabnol : How to Clean Coins Cool the copper: Leave the copper item in the solution until it is cool to the touch. If you happen to find one of these while metal detecting, do not attempt to clean them yourself! What is the fastest way to clean copper coins? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The soap should help keep the coin safe while you gently scrub it. If you have a penny that has been cleaned with another method but still looks dull or dirty, try using the baking soda and salt method to bring back its shine. How do you remove green corrosion from copper coins? Gentle dish soap, like Dawn, is a good option for getting those wheat pennies shining again. Soak your coins in a glass or other non-corrosive container for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, and then wipe with a clean cloth or scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Since we are also concerned about safety, it is important for you to know that the acidic substances that these rust removers contain could be harmful to your skin, so you should protect yourself with gloves and a mask when using them. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Use sparing amounts of oil to avoid damaging coins. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How to clean rare & old coins without damaging them - The Sun Garret ACE 400 Review If it's a very thin coin, don't clean it as the vinegar can scorch through it. How to Effectively Clean a Penny and Other Old Coins - Real Simple Very old or dirty coins require the extra effort. They also will not pay you until you ship the coins. Continue to slowly add water to the baking soda until it takes on the consistency of paste. Metal Detector Reviews (for anyone), Garrett AT Pro Review They include: Fresh lemon juice Salt White vinegar A toothbrush Baking soda A small container A paper towel. Hold it there for about 10 seconds, then pull it out. Clean them off using distilled water and soap, using an old toothbrush to scour them clean. Gold Nuggets Metal Detectors Copper, silver, nickel, and gold coins should strictly never be cleaned. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Required fields are marked *. Pencil Eraser for Cleaning Pennies. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Follow these steps to make your pennies completely clean: Step 1 Pour a small quantity of vinegar into a bowl. That is because ketchup has vinegar in it, which is naturally acidic. 2. This means distilled water. 1 1/2 cups olive oil. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You must remember to use these at your discretion. When they start to look cleaner, remove them from the bowl. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. If you are planning to keep the coins for your own collection, you may certainly clean them as you see fit. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. There is endless information available on the Internet about cleaning pennies, and these ideas can also be used to clean nickels, quarters, dimes, or even specifically cleaning silver coins, etc. This technique is an easy way to clean silver coins and zinc pennies without causing damage, too. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Once theyve soaked enough, take them out and rinse them with clear water until all traces of acid are gone from their surfaces; finally dry them off with a paper towel before putting them back into circulation (or storing them). You can always put them on other websites like Facebook market, but you may not reach the intended audience with that forum. Just remember to rinse the pennies thoroughly after all cleaning methods. Let them air dry or wipe them with a soft, microfiber cloth. For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This natural acid can be used to clean coins, pots and pans, and more. PCGS offers a restoration service that can aid in cleaning your coins professionally. You might have to use multiple methods or go back and forth between methods until you find the one that works best for you. The coins should be dipped in that bowl for at least five minutes. For others, coins can be collected throughout the years, some of which become quite valuable. Paper Towels This process can get a bit messy. How to Clean Coins - Teachpedia Soak the coins in the lemon solution for up to one hour. Monitor coins carefully and rinse them with clean water as soon as possible. An alternative is to use vinyl erasers, but they do not contain abrasive, which is typically found in pencil erasers. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. I usually DO NOT use water or oil, b. My dad has collected coins my entire life. No scrubbing necessary at all. Start with two tablespoons of baking soda, mixing it with water into a bowl. Place the coins in a plastic container and cover with mouthwash. Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. Test the ketchup on a small area of your penny first before applying it in more generous amounts. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 438,144 times. If pennies are collectibles, then cleaning them may reduce their value. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber, https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pennies/, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-copper-and-brass-with-ketchup-223741, Wie man Kupfermnzen sekundenschnell reinigt, Pulire le Monete di Rame in Pochi Secondi, . Rubbing the surface of a coin can damage it, even if you cannot see it. If you use the right materials and carry out the process in a gentle manner, you can get the best of both worlds a set of cleaned shiny pennies that are also not damaged. Use distilled water because chemicals in tap water may cause discoloration. This is a simple, inexpensive method that works well on pennies that arent too tarnished. How To Clean Old Copper Coins Without Damaging Them Let them soak for a while. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. The presence of salt and vinegar as its ingredients explains why this method works. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. How to Clean Copper Naturally So It Looks Brand-New - Real Simple Take them out, setting them on the cloth. Step 3: Add Tarnished Silver Coins. If youve ever discovered gold jewelry in the woods or beach before, then you likely stumbled upon jewelry that was quite dirty and in need, Read More How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any DamageContinue, Wheat pennies are a relatively common find when metal detecting. For this reason, only clean coins that have little value, such as standard pennies. This may be true in certain aspects, such as uncirculated monies. Enjoy! There will be times when you think your coin is clean, only to discover later that its still dirty. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Believe it or not, you can clean copper coins using yet another household item: ketchup. Some wheat pennies found can be worth a small fortune. This should be enough to get them clean. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ammonia is another option that can be used to clean copper pennies. To clean using this method, place your coins in a small plastic container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, and soak for 24 hours. This article was co-authored by Elias Weston. For a safer way to remove stubborn debris and make a coin shine, rub it gently with a little bit of vegetable oil. Then, rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto each side of the coin to loosen stubborn dirt. This makes it easier for copper atoms to join oxygen from the air and chlorine from the salt and form a blue green compound called malachite. [1] 1 How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? If you want to go with something that is both inexpensive and likely already in your home, olive oil is the right choice. This detector features multiple search frequencies and has 2 different coin modes: one for foreign coins and one for U.S. coins. Hydrogen peroxide can prove effective in removing various materials, including organic material. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause damage to the skin if inhaled or spilled. Some of these have relatively sound science behind them, but they should be used at your own risk. The best thing about using rubbing alcohol is that it will remove the tarnish from your copper coin without damaging its surface. Because the effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, this allows one to get creative with the contrasting features of the coin itself with your choice of different colored copper. If you decide to clean your wheat pennies, make sure you start with the least invasive cleaning method first. Pat the coin dry. You may even want to take the same steps you learned from here to help clean other dirty pennies that you come across in the future. How to Clean Pennies with Vinegar: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow If you dont have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute. Rinse the coins with fresh water after 24 hours and let them air dry. Get an appraisal before you clean themif you plan to sell them. As a result, the shiny bright metal develops an external layer having a dull green color. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Aside from white vinegar, there may not be a more versatile household cleaning agent than baking soda. Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Those are meant to clean items like antique silver vases and your wedding ring. Soak your penny in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes. The aluminum foil is key to the reaction which removes the tarnish. It may take a few treatments, so work gradually and wash the coins off each time to avoid damaging them. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. One of the most recommended cleaning solutions for wheat pennies is white vinegar. 3 What is the fastest way to clean copper coins? Start by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar, or lemon juice, into a cup or glass. Finally, take the pennies out and rinse them off using distilled water. If you are not worried about damaging the coins as much, you can continue down the list and use some of the more abrasive cleaning methods. You do not want to leave behind any residue that may further degrade the pennys condition! But do notenothing is 100% safe or 100% fool proof. Patience is key: The best way to clean a copper coin is by using patience and not being afraid to try new methods until one works well enough for you without scratching up your penny too much while doing so. Looking to achieve that bright, orange-copper color? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. HCI works, but you get an orange look to the copper and still need to use your elbow grease to clean it. tb1234. Removing the copper oxide by cleaning will give your penny a brand-new look. Soak the Pennies in Vinegar. Wearing gloves will help protect your skin from the cleaning solution.