How To Clean Coins
The Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Coins Serious coin collectors advise against cleaning your coin collection, as they value the "natural look" that uncleaned coins retain. Unless you have no intention of selling the coins and don’t mind losing their value, you should avoid cleaning them. Why Cleaning Coins Is Discouraged Detectability : Professional coin dealers and collectors can easily spot cleaned coins. Cleaning often leaves visible marks on the surface, significantly reducing the coin's value—sometimes by 25%, 75%, or even 90%. False Improvement : While cleaning may seem like an improvement, it typically damages the coin's natural finish and appeal. Exceptions to the Rule In certain cases, such as coins recovered from the ground (e.g., ancient Roman coins), cleaning might be necessary to identify them. If you must clean a coin, consider gentle methods: Soak the coin in trumpet valve oil for 2–3 days. Gently brush the coin with a firm, soft toothbrush. Repea...