How To Clean Coins

Baley · September 24, 2003 5:30AM

Check it out:

it used to be OK

Wonder if it mentions baking soda?

nwcs · September 24, 2003 5:40AM

Might be fun to see, actually.

USMC_6115 · September 24, 2003 4:12PM

What does baking soda do to a coin?

lordmarcovan · September 24, 2003 4:20PM

Probably talks all about how to use one of these...

Whzzzzzzzzz

Baley · September 24, 2003 4:20PM

What does baking soda do to a coin?

bad things!

if you scrub a silver coin with baking soda (or any mild abrasive) it will temporarily remove tarnish and "shine it up" but will destroy any luster, remove original protective patina, leave swirly hairlines, make it dull and "cleaned looking". Try it on a junk silver coin. Copper too. it ain't good, my friend.
A good exercise to learn what it looks like and not to buy coins that look like that.

in the olden days, they didn't know any better. they would also "erase" spots with a pencil eraser.

puff · September 24, 2003 4:24PM

<< <i>What does baking soda do to a coin? >>

BODY BAG from PCGS!!!

ksteelheader · September 24, 2003 6:43PM

I'll answer any questions about the book after I've recieved it and had a chance to read it. I bid on it and won....Ken

StCroix · September 25, 2003 4:45AM

if you scrub a silver coin with baking soda (or any mild abrasive) it will temporarily remove tarnish and "shine it up" but will destroy any luster, remove original protective patina, leave swirly hairlines, make it dull and "cleaned looking". Try it on a junk silver coin.

NOT THAT I HAVE DONE THIS TO A COIN, but I have polished my silverware by putting it on a piece of aluminum foil that has a layer of baking soda on it, then pouring hot water over it. It gets rid of the tarnish without scrubbing the silver. What would that do to a coin? No abrasion, but would it take off the luster? I don't dare try it on a coin.

Anne

paigowjohnny · September 25, 2003 5:02AM

Newmismatist · September 25, 2003 5:02AM

<< <i>NOT THAT I HAVE DONE THIS TO A COIN, but I have polished my silverware by putting it on a piece of aluminum foil that has a layer of baking soda on it, then pouring hot water over it. It gets rid of the tarnish without scrubbing the silver. What would that do to a coin? No abrasion, but would it take off the luster? I don't dare try it on a coin. >>

I think yes - I once attended an ANA sponsered seminar at an major coin show and the speaker demostrated this technique - As I remember it has something to do with positive & negative ions (electrolysis - like in a battery) causing the "toning" ions to move from one place to another - I think the best description would be that it strips the toning from the coins by electrolysis. During this process, it could "etch" the coin's surface because if too much of whatever's there is taken off, you have different surface metal charateristics left.

Some of our chemists on the forum can probably better explain this

If you're going to try it on coins, use common bullion value silver coins for your testing - don't start with that gem 1893-S Morgan

Baley · September 25, 2003 5:07AM

If the coin is uncirculated with light toning, light light, then it would work.

but for a circulated coin, you know, like a VF walker or barber coin, they get that sticky black toning that's mixed with sweat and dust and lint and is kinda gummy?

if one of the unknowing wants to "shine 'er up" it'll take some friction, and the old silverware on the foil with the electrolyte trick won't work.

steel wool might be a little harsh, but a soft cloth and silver polish was real common back then.

Tootawl · September 25, 2003 6:42AM

<< <i>I'll answer any questions about the book after I've recieved it and had a chance to read it. I bid on it and won....Ken >>

Will you be bringing it to Baltimore Dec 6 (Saturday)?

millennium · September 25, 2003 6:44AM

This was found with a metal detector and cleaned with baking soda...It helped this coin, it was pretty black and nasty.

ksteelheader · September 25, 2003 8:05AM

Will you be bringing it to Baltimore Dec 6 (Saturday)? ...That's a strong possibility.....Ken

MJCoin · September 25, 2003 9:46AM

In the mortal words of Roy C., WARSH, WARSH!!!

Charles, you'll get a kick out of this.

dorkkarl · September 25, 2003 9:43PM

i own that 1. there are several other old "coin cleaning manuals" available, too. if you ever read old redbooks, even they describe how to clean coins.

K S

Baley · September 25, 2003 9:43PM

what all do they recommend you do?

How To Clean Coins

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