How should I clean an inheritance of old coin to prepare them for storage and appraisal?

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 9:31AM

I have just inherited a huge collection of old valuable coins. I would like to clean them. Any suggestions on what to use? A lot of peace dollars and Morgan's.

Thanks so much.!.!

barberkeys · February 1, 2017 9:33AM

Don't clean them at all, they'll be worth much more as they are.

CascadeChris · February 1, 2017 9:40AM

@CyndieChildress said:
Do they clean them if you grade them?
Thanks!

Coin collectors praise originality. If you clean them that is lost and value plumits. Some coins can be conserved though which is a special way of acceptably cleaning them but that too can go wrong and destroy a coin. It is reserved for coins who's value would greatly improved if done right. The coin you are showing is a common 1921 Morgan. No need to clean it or conserve it. The value is around $25-30.

Can we get pics of the other coins?

AMRC · February 1, 2017 9:40AM

Stop thinking about cleaning in any way shape or form. What you need to understand is cleaning a coin, is like cleaning art, if it is not done by experts, often leads to lower value. Leave it to the experts and enjoy the coins they way they are.

jdimmick · February 1, 2017 9:41AM

clean them, and you will get a whole lot less!!!!

RichieURich · February 1, 2017 9:54AM

Think about valuable antique furniture. You wouldn't paint it, would you? And the reason you wouldn't paint antique furniture is that collectors pay more for antique furniture that looks original.

Similarly, people who collect old coins want them to look old! Therefore, please leave them as they are. Do not clean them with anything as it will almost certainly reduce the value significantly.

Coinlearner · February 1, 2017 9:56AM

DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COINS... . Learn some things about what you have. It takes time. Can search this forum and elsewhere on cleaning and value of what you have. That AU 21 Morgan is not that valuable $20-25 (Very common) but others may be.

ctf_error_coins · February 1, 2017 10:25AM

No cloth as that WILL scratch your coins.

Wmwood · February 1, 2017 10:43AM

Even a super kitten fur soft microfiber will scratch them. I know it sounds impossible, kitten soft microfiber against silver or copper. No way it will scratch, oh yes it will.

morgandollar1878 · February 1, 2017 1:28PM

Wiping them down with a cloth could even be detrimental, don't do anything to them at all. It will be more beneficial to you.

lcoopie · February 1, 2017 2:27PM

Hang around and you might get the bug.

oldgoldlover · February 1, 2017 4:18PM

I would look up the population and price for each coin on PCGS.com click on population reports and get a general idea what coins could be worth something. I would then post the dates and mint marks and get feedback from other collectors familiar with the coin in question. A picture of the obverse and reverse would help.

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 4:24PM

@oldgoldlover said:
I would look up the population and price for each coin on PCGS.com click on population reports and get a general idea what coins could be worth something. I would then post the dates and mint marks and get feedback from other collectors familiar with the coin in question. A picture of the obverse and reverse would help.

Thank you so much! Is PCGS better than the current Redbook?

oldgoldlover · February 1, 2017 5:10PM

@CyndieChildress said:

@oldgoldlover said:
I would look up the population and price for each coin on PCGS.com click on population reports and get a general idea what coins could be worth something. I would then post the dates and mint marks and get feedback from other collectors familiar with the coin in question. A picture of the obverse and reverse would help.

Thank you so much! Is PCGS better than the current Redbook?

Yes Especially for rare coins. The Redbook is a starting point but the rare coins values are every understated. I would not bother with a Redbook. Keep in mind if you have five 1921 S Morgan Dollars in collectible condition no two are worth the same. Both the PCGS and Redbook are not as accurate as the Heritage Auction archives. Google up ha.com, click on U.S. coins under the Department Tab, select the coin in question i.e. silver dollars. In the top of the home page type in the denomination date and mint mark. For a silver dollar type in $1 1921 S (if the coin in question is a 1921s dollar) and and hit enter, then scroll down to the tap to referred to at the bottom right that reads matches. Hit enter on the blue matches icon. If it a dime type in C10 date and mint mark. If you cannot find a mint mark type in P for Philly as Philadelphia coins have no mint mark. Then scroll down to the tab on the lower right of the page and click on matches. The matches and you will see what other coins i.e. (1921 S) dollar brought at auction. You can check all your coins but without a assigned grade compare your coin the the others shown to get an idea of grade. You have to register but it is free and easy, Good Luck

callawayc7 · February 2, 2017 2:43AM

Welcome! A lot of good advice have already been given so no need for me to repeat it again. Are you interested in coin collecting or just how much you can sell them for (nothing wrong with either choice)? Since you have a lot of Morgan and Peace dollars, look for the key dates. For the Morgan, 1893-S is the key date and there are many semi-key dates like 1889-CC, 1895-O, etc.. For the Peace dollar, 1921 and 1928 are the key dates. For many coins, value is very much dependent on condition (wear, damage, cleaned or uncleaned, toning).
As an aside note, I (and I'm sure many here) would be interested in anything you can tell us about the person who you inherited the coins from. Think of it as a dedication to his/her memory. And I'm sure that person would also appreciate that his/her collection went to somebody who at the very least is interested enough in them to try to learn something about them by reaching out to the forum (rather then just bringing them down to the pawn shop and getting whatever is offered).
Again welcome and continue to ask questions.

davewesen · February 1, 2017 9:32AM

do not clean at all - if done wrong can lose over 90% of value

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 9:35AM

Do they clean them if you grade them?
Thanks!

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 10:20AM

I was only thinking of a cloth, kinda like what you use on a computer or eye glasses. So, i wont clean them. Thank you all so much.

Sonorandesertrat · February 1, 2017 10:30AM

Buy a copy of the latest Red Book to get an idea of what the scarcer coins in a series are. Solicit bids for your coins from several dealers, if possible. Do not send common coins to auctioned--they are raw (I assume) and all likely will need to be professionally graded and holdered, for which there is a cost in addition to auction fees.

BryceM · February 1, 2017 10:40AM

You've come to the right place for good advice. STOP!!!!! Don't clean them. Don't touch the surfaces (except the rim), don't soak them in anything, don't wipe them, don't dust them, don't polish them.

Maybe all you have is common, non-collectible silver. If so, all of the worry doesn't matter so much. Maybe you have some great rarity that is in uncommon condition. You can literally take a $5000 coin to a $500 coin if you clean it. It just takes a second to ruin it.

Can you post more photos?

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 10:43AM

@CascadeChris
@BryceM
Absolutely! I have a big box (banana) full of American Eagles, Bullionso, 50 State proof quarters set, half dollars, dimes, pennies, JFK (dedication to Whiskey town), etc, etc.
Will post some pics when home

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 11:50AM

@CascadeChris
@BryceM

Just a couple of pics I had already taken with my phone

ModCrewman · February 1, 2017 11:56AM

You came to the right place! I stumbled upon this sight about 7 years ago as I was trying to learn about the coins I had inherited. I have since taken my collection a way my father never would have anticipated...and am still here daily 7 years later!

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask, this board will give you free access to some of the foremost numismatists is the country (if not world).

KellenCoin · February 1, 2017 11:58AM

It's pretty simple-don't clean them.

1630Boston · February 1, 2017 12:43PM

The Red Book is a fantastic reference that everyone should have.

dpoole · February 1, 2017 12:51PM

The "Red Book," by the way, is "A Guide Book of United States Coins." R.S. Yeoman, Whitman Publishing. It comes out annually as a new addition; the 2017 is out now. It's ubiquitous, and can be found in most bookstores, on Amazon, etc.

mariner67 · February 1, 2017 1:13PM

The 1884 you posted appears to already have been harshly cleaned.....lots of hairline scratches.

ModCrewman · February 1, 2017 1:14PM

It is probably worth mentioning that the prices in the Red Book are generally on the high side and the book should really just be used as a guide to separate "common" coins from the "rarer/better date" coins and the grade/condition of each coin will usually have a big impact on value.

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 1:48PM

Thanks everyone so much.!.!

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 1:50PM

@mariner67 said:
The 1884 you posted appears to already have been harshly cleaned.....lots of hairline scratches.

Haven't touched any of them. I'm buying a stronger magnification to see them better as I am old. Lol

derryb · February 1, 2017 2:08PM

@KellenCoin said:
It's pretty simple-don't clean them.

And don't put your fingerprints on them, hold them by the edge.

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 2:11PM

@derryb said:

@KellenCoin said:
It's pretty simple-don't clean them.

And don't put your fingerprints on them, hold them by the edge.

Thank you

golden · February 1, 2017 3:37PM

Never ever clean them!

Wabbit2313 · February 1, 2017 4:23PM

I am wondering if everyone is being buffaloed by this person. Anyway, here is the best way to clean them:

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 4:26PM

@Wabbit2313 said:
I am wondering if everyone is being buffaloed by this person. Anyway, here is the best way to clean them:

Nope, just joined the end of January 2017 and trying to get some more knowledge.

Rob85635 · February 1, 2017 4:50PM

Another tip (that I learned the hard way) is to remember if you have coins that are sealed in something make sure you research what the holder is before you open in. I made this mistake with a GSA 1883 CC morgan. Not a huge issue, it is still slabbed but does not have the "GSA" designation.

hchcoin · February 1, 2017 5:00PM

Good luck. Sounds like a fun adventure for you.

CascadeChris · February 1, 2017 5:52PM

@Rob85635 said:
Another tip (that I learned the hard way) is to remember if you have coins that are sealed in something make sure you research what the holder is before you open in. I made this mistake with a GSA 1883 CC morgan. Not a huge issue, it is still slabbed but does not have the "GSA" designation.

I'm all for cracking 82-84 gsa's!

Outhaul · February 1, 2017 6:00PM

I think she should let Rachel have a go.

Cheers

Bob

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 6:41PM

@hchcoin said:
Good luck. Sounds like a fun adventure for you.

Thank you

CyndieChildress · February 1, 2017 6:47PM

@oldgoldlover said:

@CyndieChildress said:

@oldgoldlover said:
I would look up the population and price for each coin on PCGS.com click on population reports and get a general idea what coins could be worth something. I would then post the dates and mint marks and get feedback from other collectors familiar with the coin in question. A picture of the obverse and reverse would help.

Thank you so much! Is PCGS better than the current Redbook?

Yes Especially for rare coins. The Redbook is a starting point but the rare coins values are every understated. I would not bother with a Redbook. Keep in mind if you have five 1921 S Morgan Dollars in collectible condition no two are worth the same. Both the PCGS and Redbook are not as accurate as the Heritage Auction archives. Google up ha.com, click on U.S. coins under the Department Tab, select the coin in question i.e. silver dollars. In the top of the home page type in the denomination date and mint mark. For a silver dollar type in $1 1921 S (if the coin in question is a 1921s dollar) and and hit enter, then scroll down to the tap to referred to at the bottom right that reads matches. Hit enter on the blue matches icon. If it a dime type in C10 date and mint mark. If you cannot find a mint mark type in P for Philly as Philadelphia coins have no mint mark. Then scroll down to the tab on the lower right of the page and click on matches. The matches and you will see what other coins i.e. (1921 S) dollar brought at auction. You can check all your coins but without a assigned grade compare your coin the the others shown to get an idea of grade. You have to register but it is free and easy, Good Luck

Awesome! I just joined PCGS and lots of good information.
Didn't know that heritage had that available. I have some graded and slabbed.

I cannot thank you enough!

Rob85635 · February 1, 2017 7:02PM

@CascadeChris said:

@Rob85635 said:
Another tip (that I learned the hard way) is to remember if you have coins that are sealed in something make sure you research what the holder is before you open in. I made this mistake with a GSA 1883 CC morgan. Not a huge issue, it is still slabbed but does not have the "GSA" designation.

I'm all for cracking 82-84 gsa's!

I have another GSA still in its holder. This one is an 1884 CC that I think will grade 64 and has a chance at PL. A small chance but a chance. I will have to send that one it. The first one I cracked out years ago when I was a real newbie.

ricko · February 2, 2017 5:08AM

@CyndieChildress....Welcome aboard.... You have received great advice above, the key point is 'do not clean the coins'....Great move joining PCGS.... Best advice I can offer is this....Ask questions here.. show pictures whenever possible. There are super experts here that give advice freely... Best of luck, Cheers, RickO

astrorat · February 2, 2017 5:35AM

Welcome to the Board! If you follow the sage advice here ... you will rarely go wrong.

mkman123 · February 2, 2017 11:23AM

post more pics of the stuff you inherited!!

CyndieChildress · February 2, 2017 5:32PM

@callawayc7 said:
Welcome! A lot of good advice have already been given so no need for me to repeat it again. Are you interested in coin collecting or just how much you can sell them for (nothing wrong with either choice)? Since you have a lot of Morgan and Peace dollars, look for the key dates. For the Morgan, 1893-S is the key date and there are many semi-key dates like 1889-CC, 1895-O, etc.. For the Peace dollar, 1921 and 1928 are the key dates. For many coins, value is very much dependent on condition (wear, damage, cleaned or uncleaned, toning).
As an aside note, I (and I'm sure many here) would be interested in anything you can tell us about the person who you inherited the coins from. Think of it as a dedication to his/her memory. And I'm sure that person would also appreciate that his/her collection went to somebody who at the very least is interested enough in them to try to learn something about them by reaching out to the forum (rather then just bringing them down to the pawn shop and getting whatever is offered).
Again welcome and continue to ask questions.

Thanks for the welcome and advice

CyndieChildress · February 2, 2017 5:32PM

@CyndieChildress said:

@callawayc7 said:
Welcome! A lot of good advice have already been given so no need for me to repeat it again. Are you interested in coin collecting or just how much you can sell them for (nothing wrong with either choice)? Since you have a lot of Morgan and Peace dollars, look for the key dates. For the Morgan, 1893-S is the key date and there are many semi-key dates like 1889-CC, 1895-O, etc.. For the Peace dollar, 1921 and 1928 are the key dates. For many coins, value is very much dependent on condition (wear, damage, cleaned or uncleaned, toning).
As an aside note, I (and I'm sure many here) would be interested in anything you can tell us about the person who you inherited the coins from. Think of it as a dedication to his/her memory. And I'm sure that person would also appreciate that his/her collection went to somebody who at the very least is interested enough in them to try to learn something about them by reaching out to the forum (rather then just bringing them down to the pawn shop and getting whatever is offered).
Again welcome and continue to ask questions.

Thanks for the welcome and advice

My grandfather collected coins since I was a baby and got me into it as well. My own personal collection is nothing comparered to what he had.

It was his passion to save valuable coins (all silver and gold) and gave me the bug as well.
I do want to sell a few but keep the rest for my children and grandchildren babies. ❣
The more research I'm doing the more fun I'm having. It will take days to take pictures so this will be a slow process.
I did take a picture of the uncirculated roll of 1922 Morgan's, I'll post so you can see.

Thanks for all the help and kindness

CyndieChildress · February 2, 2017 5:36PM

@callawayc7 said:
Welcome! A lot of good advice have already been given so no need for me to repeat it again. Are you interested in coin collecting or just how much you can sell them for (nothing wrong with either choice)? Since you have a lot of Morgan and Peace dollars, look for the key dates. For the Morgan, 1893-S is the key date and there are many semi-key dates like 1889-CC, 1895-O, etc.. For the Peace dollar, 1921 and 1928 are the key dates. For many coins, value is very much dependent on condition (wear, damage, cleaned or uncleaned, toning).
As an aside note, I (and I'm sure many here) would be interested in anything you can tell us about the person who you inherited the coins from. Think of it as a dedication to his/her memory. And I'm sure that person would also appreciate that his/her collection went to somebody who at the very least is interested enough in them to try to learn something about them by reaching out to the forum (rather then just bringing them down to the pawn shop and getting whatever is offered).
Again welcome and continue to ask questions.

CyndieChildress · February 2, 2017 5:38PM

@mkman123 said:
post more pics of the stuff you inherited!!

Definitely.!.!

CyndieChildress · February 2, 2017 5:40PM

@lcoopie said:
Hang around and you might get the bug.

I thought I had it growing up and got my children interested BUT...
Now I really have caught the bug. Lol

Rehctelf · February 2, 2017 6:01PM

Steel wool will make them look nice and shiny ;-)

How should I clean an inheritance of old coin to prepare them for storage and appraisal?

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