That fact makes a dirty or grimy coin worth more to most collectors. In fact, they are generally considered more attractive than a shiny coin in mint condition. But to a large extent, a coin’s value is driven by how the market (collectors) perceives it.Ĭoins that are well worn are not regarded as “dirty” by most collectors. There are of course tangible aspects of every coin, like the raw materials used to make it, or how rare it is. How it is perceived is driven by other collectors and ratings organizations. The value of a coin is largely based on perception. A coin minted during World War II that is life-worn looks more legitimate than one that is mint condition shiny, even though both coins have the same face value. Credibility And CollectabilityĪlong the same lines, dirty coins have an air of authenticity. They want the grime and dirt because it illustrates the coin has lived and was not stuck in a wrapper on a shelf somewhere. Many collectors want their coins to reflect the history of the coin in question. While it might seem counterintuitive, not all coins should be cleaned. There are a few things to consider in that debate. The average coin collector wonders if they should clean up their coins for presentation purposes or leave them be. When a collectible coin is filthy, however, the situation changes. In most cases, dirty coins just get cast aside or used in commercial transactions. After years, the grime can be so thick that the coin’s imagery is obscured. Every place it touches, it leaves a little and takes a little. Coins get left in drawers, on the floor, in pockets and dozens of other places. Coins change hands with thousands of people and pick up all their oils, dirt and germs. Important Considerationsįrom a cleanliness perspective, coins are fairly gross. Below, we discuss each step in more detail, and when you shouldn’t clean your coins with hydrogen peroxide. If not done properly, it is ineffective and can damage the face of the coin. Place the coins in a disposable plastic bowlĬleaning coins in hydrogen peroxide requires almost constant attention. Dry them off and remove any oil residueģ.
The 11 steps to clean coins with hydrogen peroxide are:Ģ. This means there are very specific steps to clean coins with hydrogen peroxide.
One method involves using hydrogen peroxide, but it must be done correctly to be effective.
Cleaning valuable coins how to#
So, again… here is how NOT to clean coins! Experts Can Tell A Coin Has Been CleanedĪ true coin collector would rather have a deep, chocolate brown-colored penny that is 100 years old than a penny of the same age that has been cleaned to look new.Many people wonder how to clean their collectible coins. However, in coin collecting, numismatists tend to take the “old, fine wine approach.” That means, collectors value and appreciate coins that show their age. Many times, you will hear of old paintings and linens on “The Antiques Roadshow” that appraisers say would fetch a higher price if holes were repaired and grime was washed away. Yes, it is often the case that a cleaned and newly restored 1957 Chevy may get a higher price than a junked version of the same car. It is true that, in many hobbies, a “cleaned” or “restored” item usually fetches a higher price than an unkempt version. Coins Should Be Treated As Delicate Collectibles Why? Again, most coin collectors prefer coins that possess natural color - regardless of how “ugly” it might look. However, if a coin is bright and shiny because it was just dipped in vinegar and baking soda or was scrubbed with an abrasive like toothpaste, then coin collectors will shy away. If a coin is bright and shiny because it was well preserved or just came from the Mint, that is a good thing! While that may be true to a certain extent, what is also true is that coin collectors prefer coins that display normal, natural color. It seems logical to some people that a bright and shiny coin would be favored by coin collectors. Questions like “Which way is the best way to clean my old penny?” or “How do I brighten up my tarnished silver dollar?” normally lead to one, impassioned answer from me: “Don’t clean your coins!” People entering the hobby of coin collecting (and those who’ve found a coin that might be valuable) usually want to know how they can clean their coins. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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