Easiest way to clean junk silver bullion

tcmitssr · March 1, 2009 3:27PM

I bought a small amount of junk silver bullion in dimes and quarters. Yeah, it's strictly a hedge. There is, however, some fun in just holding the coins etc. The problem is that the coins are filthy and leave everything in contact with them equally dirty.

I'd like to clean them. What's the best way? I don't want to dip them because I'd have to lose some silver in the process and why decrease my own junk bullion investment? I've thought about using a weaved garment bag and throwing them in the washer for a cycle or two.

I'm open to easy ideas how to clean them. I can't lose anything by cleaning (other that silver loss via dipping) because there isn't a decent grade in any of them.

cars · March 1, 2009 3:33PM

Why bother? Its just junk bullion? If you must clean them, Dip em. You will lose maybe a few Grains of silver if that. Will not effect the silver content.

GrimReaper · March 1, 2009 3:39PM

A good , pure Acetone soak should do the trick !!

robkool · March 1, 2009 3:45PM

Jewlery luster (1/2 solution 1/2 distilled water)... A quick dip won't hurt.
I use it to remove ugly haze, verdigres, and bad toning on proofs and silver.

tcmitssr · March 1, 2009 4:06PM

Would a quick soak in Clorax work?

Deagle74 · March 1, 2009 4:14PM

...cigar or cigarette ash and a soft cloth will do the trick!!!

Rub it/polish them with cigarette ash

R.

bluespaceant · March 1, 2009 11:52PM

.

Coll3ctor · March 1, 2009 11:56PM

<< Just leave the coins alone. Cleaned coins, even if they are junk silver, are an eyesore and a blight on our hobby. Put them in a canvas bag and store them away and forget about them. When it comes time to cash them in no one will care that they are dirty; in fact if anything it will attest to their authenticity. >>

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

garsmith · March 1, 2009 11:59PM

<< I bought a small amount of junk silver bullion in dimes and quarters. Yeah, it's strictly a hedge. There is, however, some fun in just holding the coins etc. The problem is that the coins are filthy and leave everything in contact with them equally dirty.

I'd like to clean them. What's the best way? I don't want to dip them because I'd have to lose some silver in the process and why decrease my own junk bullion investment? I've thought about using a weaved garment bag and throwing them in the washer for a cycle or two.

I'm open to easy ideas how to clean them. I can't lose anything by cleaning (other that silver loss via dipping) because there isn't a decent grade in any of them. >>

Try a smelter

pmac · March 2, 2009 12:00AM

Hot soapy water will take away the grime you're worried about.

slipgate · March 2, 2009 12:01AM

The washing machine idea is a good idea. It will do a good job of cleaning them if you can stand the noise. There used to be a casino that did this with all their coins.

sinin1 · March 2, 2009 12:04AM

washing machine, not much detergent

messydesk · March 2, 2009 12:11AM

Dishwasher might work, too, unless one of the coins gets out of its container and jams up part of your dishwaher, leaving it in need of repair.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 2, 2009 12:13AM

I'm looking to fill some holes in my Washington Whitmans... Particularly the fifties....
If you would be so kind as to PM me before cleaning, I would be* much obliged.

Edit to add the verb "be"

mcmxi · March 2, 2009 12:24AM

I mused my dishwasher for some coins that had been through katrina. just put them in the silverware compartment. I wanted the heat to kill whatever bacteria or whatever may have been on them.

ProofArtworkonCircs · March 2, 2009 12:34AM

I haven't tried it, but supposedly an easy way to clean silver is to soak it in a solution of washing soda and water while all the silver is making electrical conducting contact (either directly or silver touching silver) to an aluminum object. Oakite (washing soda) used to do the trick, but I haven't seen that brand in years. Years ago folk used to sell kits of a miracle plate (aluminum) and miracle chemical (washing soda) for a fancy price.

Steve27 · March 2, 2009 12:39AM

How about a pic of the coins? (And no the Clorox would not be good.)

fc · March 2, 2009 12:41AM

cleaning junk silver bullion... and one wonders why people also
clean the collector coins... too much time on people's hands...

not the answer you wanted. just commenting on the silliness of the
idea. tis called junk for a reason

TwoSides2aCoin · March 2, 2009 12:51AM

Junk is the

we eat when we go to fast food restaurants. Hop on the scale and see how much extra junk we got.

Johnp · March 2, 2009 12:53AM

Why clean them ? if anything just water, if you want them really shinny put them in the washing machine.

BobSav · March 2, 2009 1:20AM

I can't see any reason to try and clean them, who's going to look at them anyway.

Bob

Coinlearner · March 2, 2009 1:40AM

Some of us like to "handle" our PM's and would just as soon, have clean silver & gold..

moonshine · March 2, 2009 1:44AM

if there's a special coin you can wipe it down with mineral oil - that releases the goop.

notwilight · March 2, 2009 1:50AM

Soap and water. --Jerry

PerryHall · March 2, 2009 2:57AM

Boil some water and add some detergent and let the coins soak. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 2, 2009 3:05AM

Vaseline is the absolute best. It will break down all of the dirt and gunk. Rinse in gasoline.

AUandAG · March 2, 2009 3:21AM

Don't ruin the coins for future generations. If you don't like them sell them and buy
something you do like. If you can't handle the dirt and smell just put them in the closet
or garage till you need and want them.

bob

PerryHall · March 2, 2009 3:29AM

<< Vaseline is the absolute best. It will break down all of the dirt and gunk. Rinse in gasoline. >>

Can you guess how long this would take with a large bag of junk silver coins?

TwoSides2aCoin · March 2, 2009 3:31AM

<< 

<< Vaseline is the absolute best. It will break down all of the dirt and gunk. Rinse in gasoline. >>

Can you guess how long this would take with a large bag of junk silver coins? >>

Flame or no flame ?

PerryHall · March 2, 2009 3:34AM

<< 

<< 

<< Vaseline is the absolute best. It will break down all of the dirt and gunk. Rinse in gasoline. >>

Can you guess how long this would take with a large bag of junk silver coins? >>

Flame or no flame ? >>

Are you suggesting that he should light the coins after the sinse in gasoline?

Easiest way to clean junk silver bullion

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