making up for newbie mistakes?

kellymac

OK, well, I've gone through most of my dad's coins (cents pulled from circulation mostly) now and am ready to narrow down a selection for possible grading (will take them to Baltimore this weekend in hopes of obtaining in-person expert opinion) or at least permanent storage in Whitman folders.

My question is, when I started this (before all the time spent here and reading books, web sites, etc.), I did not know anything about handling coins, so I'm sure my fingerprints are all over them. Having seen some coins where the fingerprint blackened (not sure why, but might have had something to do with a rubber band), I'd like to try to prevent similar damage on the "keepers." What is the best way to give these guys a bath?

I've seen mineral oil, acetone, and alcohol mentioned, and I'm leaning toward a quick alcohol rinse to remove any residual oils. Will alcohol do anything to the surface of the copper? Would it be better to leave them alone? I've also seen distilled water mentioned--do I have to wash off alcohol residue?

Thanks in advance!
Kelly

eyoung429

First off, we all learn from mistakes.....that's what makes us who we are.

secondly, unless you have the same problem with a "keeper" that you have with a coin of the same type and error, DON'T try and clean it........ie learning from mistakes.

Unless you are Russ or Marty and have ooooooodles of similar coins to "play" cleaning with, DON'T

Depending on the rarity or age of the coin, you may do more harm than good.

coinbuf

Copper coins do not respond well to any kind of dip or cleaning. Best to just leave them alone.

<<(cents pulled from circulation mostly) >>

These were touched long before you handled them so most likely no harm done; in the future always hold coins between your fingers on the edge, not the surface. Welcome to the boards.

Chris

vega1

Great advice so far.

1) In general, never attempt to clean your coins, ever
2) If you absolutely must clean them for some reason, see #1

Have fun in Baltimore