Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Washing coins
• Tips

Coins can accumulate a lot of dirt, bacteria and other debris over the years, causing the natural shine of the coins to disappear and making them look unattractive. Therefore, it may be a good idea to clean your coins to make them look like new again. Be warned, however, that collector coins, polished stamped coins (proof coins), coins that have not been put into circulation, and high-quality coins can lose value if you clean them. Damage can lower the value so much that a coin is only worth as much as the material it is made of.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Washing coins

1. Run the coins under a hot tap. In this way you can remove the first dirt with the water jet. The water jet from the faucet should be powerful enough to get the job done, so don't put a spray head on the faucet to increase the water pressure. You only have to hold the coins under the tap for one to two minutes. When you're done, place them separately on a paper towel or cloth.
   • All coins can be cleaned with water. However, copper coins react to more substances than nickel or silver coins and will therefore usually show more wear and tear and environmental damage. Therefore, these coins are more difficult to clean with just water.
   • Make sure to put the plug in the drain before cleaning the coins in your sink. This way the coins cannot fall down the drain when they slide out of your hands.
   • Wash each coin separately so that you can clean them all well with the water jet.
2. Go to a professional. Before cleaning your collectible coins, always seek the advice of an expert who understands the value of coins. By cleaning collector coins they can drop in value significantly. Sometimes, signs of antiquity, such as discoloration and the patina created by exposure to air, can even increase the value of the coins as a whole. That's why you shouldn't be cleaning valuable or antique coins.
   • Always hold antique coins by the edge and not the flat part. The coins can be worth less due to oil and fingerprints.
   • Standardized denominations of quality exist for coins, so even the smallest scratch caused by wiping the coin can significantly reduce its value.
3. Keep your collectible coins in hard plastic coin holders. You can put these plastic coin holders in a folder to display all your coins. Hard plastic is better because it is sturdier and will keep your coins from getting damaged. The most important thing is that the coin holders are airtight and that the coins are not exposed to outside substances.
   • Make sure you don't use plastic that contains PVC. Buy mylar coin holders as PVC can damage the coins over time.
   • Keep your antique coins away from staples and other metals.
   • Do not use paper. This contains sulfur, which can turn your coins black.

Tips

• Hold the coins by the edge. If you hold them on the flat part, the natural oils on your fingers can affect the coins over time.
• When cleaning your coins, place a soft cloth on your work area so that the coins don't get damaged if you drop them.