How to clean zinc coins. How to clean coins at home. Silver, bronze, brass and copper: what is the best way to clean

Many people have historical artifacts in the form of silver or bronze coins in their closets. But, unfortunately, not everyone can use them because of their unpresentable appearance. It is no secret that coins of this kind are highly valued on the market for rare items, which means that they can bring a decent profit to the owner. But even if you are not interested in selling them, storing coins in a cleaned form will not be superfluous. But how to rid coins of rust and oxidation at home? You will learn about this in this article. The information received will help you save money, since the work of a professional cleaning the products will be quite expensive.

Which method to choose

Before choosing one of the cleaning methods, you need to determine what metal the product is made of. Regardless of the material of manufacture, you can use a product such as soap. Yes, regular soap combined with water will help rid coins of rust and oxidation. It is only important that the mixture is thick. To do this, you can grate it and add water gradually. If the contamination is severe, place the coin in a soapy solution for 10 hours.

Not everyone trusts folk remedies; many prefer chemicals. To do this, you need to choose a product that is specifically designed for cleaning metal objects.

Toothpaste will be an indispensable assistant for you, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Silver, bronze, brass and copper: what is the best way to clean

If you have a rare silver coin, then baking soda is perfect for cleaning it from rust and oxidation. At the same time, remember - soda must be dissolved in water, so that a thick mixture is formed. Lemon juice also helps. The coin must be kept in it until it becomes clean. Then the product can be washed with water.

Ammonia is excellent for cleaning copper products, especially if the coin has oxidized. You can also clean it with vinegar. It is important that it be 10 percent. Kefir helps well, although this method is non-standard.

Coins made of brass can be cleaned well with soap, but a prerequisite is that it must be child-friendly. If you don't have one on hand, replace it with a household item. You will need a lot of patience during cleaning as the process may take several days. If the soap solution leaves marks on the coin, they can be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

A tasty way to clean is to use Coca-Cola. The coins are immersed in the drink. They must be monitored, as products may have different levels of contamination.

Toothpaste and ammonia are used on bronze coins.

Ancient coins are made of silver and copper alloys. Over time, they become covered with a corrosive coating. Rust stains often appear on the surface of modern metal banknotes. Cleaning plaque is not an easy process.

You can remove rust and dirt from a metal surface at home. Such work requires great care, because the task, as a rule, is not only to get rid of the effects of corrosion, but also not to damage the coins.

If they are old and have numismatic value, when cleaning them it is advisable to preserve the noble patina - a kind of calling card of antiquity.

Method 1. Soap solution

This is one of the most accessible and universal recipes that is suitable for cleaning any alloys. Immersion in soapy water is safe, including for antique items that contain copper.

Cleaning can last from two to three hours to several months. Coins must be periodically removed from the soapy solution, washed under running water and cleaned with a soft brush. If the result is achieved, the money is washed and wiped dry. If not, return to soapy water.

The solution is prepared on the basis of neutral soap, for example, baby soap. Compound:

• 50 g baby soap;
• 70 ml warm water.

Can be cleaned with laundry soap. You need to grate it on a fine grater and prepare a solution: 1 part soap to 8 parts water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and place coins in the solution for a couple of weeks. Soapy water with coins is periodically heated, without bringing to a boil. Numismatists often choose this option to clean coins minted before 1924. More modern metal money is not recommended to be cleaned in a solution of laundry soap.

Method 2. Citric acid

This method allows you to quickly restore the original appearance of the coin. Please note: copper and silver money are restored differently. Therefore, the material must be taken into account.

Copper

When cleaning copper money, you must act very carefully. If you follow the instructions, all dirt and stains can be cleaned very quickly. Necessary:

1. Pour 100 ml of warm water (35-50C) into a glass or ceramic container.
2. Add citric acid crystals.
3. Concentration depends on the condition of the object. For moderate stains, you will need about 1/3 teaspoon.
4. Place the coin in acidified water.

Now you need to not miss the moment when the coin acquires a characteristic copper tint. You need to turn it over and wait until the other side turns copper color.

When choosing this cleaning method, it is worth considering: acid will remove not only dirt, but also patina. You can restore the patina at home. There is a very simple method that produces a beautiful, uniform patina: leave a clean coin on the back of your kitchen vent for a few days.

But if you have very valuable pieces, it is better to entrust their cleaning to specialists who use modern ultrasonic methods that preserve the patina.

Silver

Necessary:

1. Pour a glass of warm water into a ceramic bowl.
2. Add two teaspoons of citric acid.
3. Immerse a silver coin in the solution for 10 minutes.
4. Take out a coin and clean it with a brush.

The acid will soften the plaque without harming the surface. Dirt can be easily removed with a brush.

Simple ways to clean modern coins

It is quite easy to clean modern coins from rust. Here are some effective home recipes:

• A brush and toothpaste can remove small amounts of rust. Apply the paste to the brush and rub both sides of the coin vigorously. After removing the plaque, rinse the coin in running water and dry it.
• 24 hours in regular Coca-Cola will help return the coins to a presentable appearance. This popular carbonated liquid contains phosphoric acid. It can remove dirt and rust stains. To speed up the process, you can put the container with Coca-Cola and money in a warm place.
• Sour milk is a good helper for fighting rust and dirt. The coins will have to spend two to three days in a fermented milk environment.
• A mixture of vinegar and baking soda works well. The pulp is applied to the coin, rubbed thoroughly, washed with water, and dried.
• You can buy a special polish and apply it according to the instructions. This product can be purchased from coin dealers or antique stores.

You can find many stale artifacts at home, so today we are telling you how to clean coins. You can get rid of rust and oxidation on your own at home. But before that, you need to choose a method taking into account the material. Then you will return the coins to their original appearance and, perhaps, you will be able to sell them for an acceptable price.

Ways to clean copper coins from rust and oxidation

The following methods are designed to eliminate blackening, greening and oxidation.

No. 1. Soap shavings with water

Pass a third of a bar of household soap through a grater and combine with 500 ml. hot water. Dip the artifacts into the solution and time it for a quarter of an hour. After a specified period of time, the plaque will peel off; all that remains is to completely rinse the coins with a sponge.

No. 2. Lemon

Drill the citrus in half. Insert the products directly into the soft part and wait a third of an hour. Then remove, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse and dry.

No. 3. Vinegar

Protect your skin with gloves. Start clearing the coins one by one. Place each of them in your palm, pour vinegar over them and rub with your fingers. Finally, don’t forget to rinse your items. As a second option, you can take ammonia.

No. 4. Salt/soda

Since there is a simple way to clean coins from rust and oxidation, we recommend using it. At home, everyone has soda or salt. Measure out 2 tbsp. l., combine with 200 ml. hot water. Soak the artifacts in the solution, after half an hour, rub and rinse.

No. 5. "Coca Cola"

Cleaning is carried out similarly to the previous method. It is enough to immerse the artifacts in soda for 20-25 minutes. After a specified period of time, clean with a sponge and do not forget to rinse the coins.

No. 6. Lemon acid

You can remove severe rust with a solution of lemon juice. At 0.4 l. water is about 20 grams. acids. After the granules have dissolved, place the coins inside and time a third of an hour. Wipe with a sponge and rinse.

Ways to Clean Silver Coins

Cleaning methods depend on the sample and the extent of the damage, so proceed according to the situation.

1. If the silver is old and of the highest standard, then the blackness can be removed with ammonia. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1 to 10, soak the products for an hour.

2. If there is no alcohol, use soda (per 150 grams there is 0.5 liters of water). Immerse the coins in the warm mixture for 3 hours.

3. You can also clean it with ammonia, tooth powder/paste and soda. Combine the components in equal proportions. Apply to coins and use a brush. After all actions, rinse and dry.

4. If the exhibits are of low standard, then you will have to arm yourself with a special type of salt called “Trilon B”. Measure out 20 g, mix with 0.25 l. warm water and send the coins inside. Cleaning is carried out after the plaque has peeled off.

Important!

Since coins can be cleaned with special means that remove not only rust and oxidation, but also blackness, we advise you to buy the product and use it at home. The product is selected taking into account the silver standard.

Methods for cleaning coins from blackness

Patina is a kind of coating that forms on copper coins after prolonged contact with air. There are several ways to remove blackness, and we’ll look at them.

1. Prepare a highly concentrated solution from soap shavings and warm it up a little. Dampen cosmetic sponges and rub the exhibits.

2. You can also clean it with ammonia. Wear gloves, place the items on your palm and wipe with a disk soaked in ammonia.

3. If the blackness is so strong that nothing helps, act differently. Combine turpentine, water, rubbing alcohol and oxalic acid. Wipe the exhibits with a dampened cotton wool until they shine.

Methods for cleaning coins from green plaque

Before you clean coins from rust and oxidation, consider effective methods. At home, they will help make the task much easier.

1. For safe cleaning, use a solution of water and 9% vinegar. For 1 l. distilled water accounts for 60 ml. vinegar. Then the coins are placed in the solution so that their surfaces do not come into contact with each other or with the walls of the container.

2. The surface of the coins must be completely exposed to the acid. This will ensure a uniform chemical reaction. To avoid stains, do not place many coins in a small container.

3. Monitor the process carefully. From time to time, remove the layers that will form during the chemical reaction. Actions are carried out several times a day. To do this, remove the coins from the solution.

4. For convenience, use a toothbrush. Don't overdo it, or you'll end up with red spots on the coins. It will not be possible to get rid of them without mechanical intervention. The method will help eliminate dirt stains and oxidation.

Methods for cleaning bimetallic coins

Before cleaning coins from rust and oxidation, it is worth mentioning that each alloy needs individual cleaning. Before carrying out the procedure at home, it is important to evaluate the quality of the metal.

1. Often one side of the coin needs to be cleaned with an anti-corrosion compound; the reverse side may not be damaged. Therefore, during classical cleaning with acidic compounds, pure metal can deteriorate. Fading and discoloration appear.

2. Therefore, cleaning such coins at home does not guarantee the desired result, but improving the appearance of the metal can still be achieved. To do this, prepare a solution of 250 ml. hot water and 50 gr. table soda.

3. Place a coin in the composition for a third of an hour. The metal should not come into contact with anything. Next, take out the product and start brushing with toothpaste without any additives. Tooth powder will do.

4. When using the powder, manipulations should be carried out with extreme caution. Small particles often leave micro-scratches. If after the procedure you are not satisfied with the result, use a different chemical composition.

5. Purchase a special product to remove corrosion and plaque. Spread the gel over the surface and start rubbing with a soft cloth. If stains cannot be removed, use a coarse brush instead of a rag. If the procedure is carried out correctly, the metal will shine.

Ways to Clean Zinc Coins

How to clean zinc coins not only from rust and oxidation, but also from other deposits? The process is quite labor intensive. Therefore, at home you will have to work with hydrochloric acid.

1. Please note that it is strongly not recommended to leave the product unattended in such a liquid. Literally every few seconds you need to check the condition of the coin. You will see the patina come off. Next, the acid will take on the metal.

2. To make the procedure as effective as possible, arm yourself with a wide container. This is necessary so that you can keep the product in the solution and at the same time clean it with a brush. You will need a 1% hydrochloric acid solution. The composition does not harm human skin.

3. Once you have completed all the steps, rinse the metal with running water under strong pressure. This will get rid of any remaining acid. Remember that the procedure is labor-intensive, but the end result will please you.

Cleaning antiques is a labor-intensive task. If you find a decent example and can restore it, you can make some good money at auction. In any case, try it and do not forget that each metal needs an individual approach.

It is known that the market value of an old and not very old coin consists of the following factors: its rarity (circulation), the metal of manufacture and, of course, the quality of preservation. Indeed, all other things being equal, a coin in excellent condition can cost many times more than the same coin, but dirty, rusty and worn.

That is why many are interested in the answer to the question of how to clean coins at home. In fact, this question is ambiguous and it is very risky for a beginner to take on the task of cleaning a rarity himself. If improperly cleaned, you can remove a valuable layer of patina from the coin disc or even damage it, which will negatively affect the final auction value.

Let's look at the most gentle ways to clean coins from rust, oxidation and black deposits to a shine at home, depending on what metal they are made of, as well as some universal methods.

Universal methods

By the way, there are universal cleaning methods that are safe for coins made of any metal. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Soap solution

The most non-aggressive is a pasty or liquid, but very concentrated solution of ordinary soap. The soap is grated on a fine grater and mixed with water until it becomes pasty. If it is heavily soiled, you can soak the coin in this solution for 8-10 hours, then rub it with your fingers.

Leuchtturm special product

In the field of numismatics, a special coin cleaning product from the Leuchtturm company is known. 15 minutes after soaking the banknotes, you can wash off the dirt and clean off any existing corrosion. Also, some selective household chemicals, such as Metal Cleaner from Amway, are used to wash away dirt and plaque.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste with abrasive particles is also widely used, but in order to avoid damage to the coin and the appearance of small scratches on it, we recommend using softer types of toothpaste, for example, for sensitive teeth.

Remember! If you get your hands on a very rare and, quite possibly, expensive coin, it is better not to risk it and entrust its cleaning to a professional restorer.

Cleaning brass coins at home

Money made from a copper-zinc alloy is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but still needs cleaning. The most commonly used methods are:

• A thick soap solution made from baby or laundry soap, finely grated and mixed with water, will perfectly clean brass coins, but you will have to be patient. This procedure may take several weeks. The money is then washed with warm water and cleaned with a soft toothbrush.
• Cleaning with citric acid takes less time - only 10-15 minutes, but it is important not to overdo the concentration, since this acid is quite aggressive towards metals.
• Oxalic acid, which is easily found in a regular store, also copes with dirt deposits on brass coins. To do this, you need to immerse the money in acid for literally 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
• Brass coins are cleaned by immersing them in the famous drink Coca Cola. Phosphoric acid, which is part of Coca-Cola, can effectively remove dirt and patina from the surface of a coin disc.

Cleaning Copper Coins

Depending on the color of the patina formed on the copper coin, there are different cleaning methods:

• A brown, red or purple patina “indicates” the presence of copper oxide on the coin disc, which can be easily removed with a 15% ammonia solution.
• A whitish patina is a sign of a lead ligature on a copper surface; it is removed after the coin has been in distilled water for several days. After this, the coating becomes loose and can be easily wiped off with a cloth.
• The yellow patina indicates that there is a lead alloy on the copper surface, which can be dissolved with 10% acetic acid.
• Blackening on a copper coin disc can be removed using the following methods: vinegar test, ammonia, boiling in oil (olive, vaseline or sunflower oil is most often used), 5-20% solution of sodium hexametaphosphate. More gentle, but also the longest in terms of time, is soaking a coin in kefir - unusual, but effective.

Cleaning silver coins

Silver coins, along with copper ones, are most often found in treasures. Here are the options for cleaning them:

• The most gentle and accessible way is to clean silver coins with soda mixed with water to a paste-like state. This mixture also allows the coin to return to its original shine.
• Green deposits on the surface of a precious metal coin can be removed using a weak solution of sulfuric acid, which is poured into a ceramic cup and the silver coin is placed there. Periodically, the coin is cleaned of softened deposits and placed back into the solution. After the green coating is completely removed, the coin is washed for at least 15 minutes under tap water.
• In order not to take risks with sulfuric acid, which in high concentrations can damage small relief details, you can replace it with citric acid, but the cleaning time will be longer.

Cleaning bronze coins

Cleaning procedures for bronze coins are similar to those used to give copper coins a marketable appearance. Collectors usually use:

• toothpaste,
• Trilon solution,
• Various acids
• Ammonia.

Attention! When cleaning with ammonia (5-15% ammonia solution), you need to be especially careful. The coin is dipped into the ammonia solution and periodically rotated in it, but it is strictly forbidden to remove it from the concentrate. After completing the cleaning process, you must first, by gradually adding water, reduce the concentration of ammonia and only then take out the money.

1. Sometimes, during the cleaning process, ancient bronze coins lose their noble patina, for which many collectors are even willing to pay extra. Therefore, “traditional craftsmen” have contrived to apply patina on their own - to do this, it is enough to place the money in a 10% hyposulfite solution for 10 minutes. This coating looks quite attractive and also protects the coin disc from corrosion.
2. Avoid using brushes with metal bristles, which can damage the surface of the coin and ruin its appearance.
3. GOI paste is the worst solution for cleaning coins using improvised materials. It ruins the fine details on the coin and damages the patina.
4. Do not use aggressive acids when cleaning - they may destroy the coin.

It is only in adventure films that open chests with treasures spread the glow of gold around them. In reality, everything is a little different, the coins found are not always made of gold, and there is no need to talk about chests. But a copper coin accidentally found under a floorboard or dug up in a garden can be more valuable than gold if you get your hands on a rare specimen. But

To clean or not to clean old coins

The desire to clean a coin arises for various reasons: there are fingerprints, dirt, corrosion, oxides, you want to “do it as it was,” to give it a marketable appearance before selling. But is it always worth doing this?

This question is asked by any novice numismatist, holding a darkened coin with a coating of oxides and corrosion in the palm of his hand, before placing it in a collection or selling it.

There is no need to rush; coins with traces of time are valued much more than those that have been cleaned to a shine. After improper cleaning, the coin will lose most of its value. After all, cleaning can reveal defects hidden under a layer of dirt and oxides.

Before cleaning a coin, you need to determine what metal it is made of, how badly damaged it is, and how much collectible value it has.

Metals from which coins are most often made

• gold;
• silver;
• copper;
• bronze;
• iron;
• zinc;
• aluminum;
• nickel;
• platinum.

Gold and platinum are inert metals. They do not oxidize, do not rust, and therefore do not need cleaning. The most you can do is wash the coins with soapy water. Do not use any abrasives or hard brushes as this will leave scratches on the coins.

Silver is susceptible to oxidation and may need to be cleaned in some cases. To choose the right product, the silver sample is first determined. High and low purity coins produce different oxides.

Contaminants from high-grade silver are removed with ammonia, from low-grade silver - with Trilon B. Mechanical cleaning and abrasives should not be used.

Important! For polished coins of “proof” quality, only washing with soapy water is allowed; no cleaning methods are allowed for them.

Over time, copper develops a chocolate brown, green-black or black patina. If the layer is even, the coin should not be cleaned. Patina indicates the authenticity of the coin, gives it a noble appearance and protects the metal from external influences. Whether or not to clean coins with an uneven layer of patina depends on the condition of the coin and its value. Cavities may appear under the oxide layer and the coin will lose value.

Bronze contains copper in its composition, so the cleaning methods should be used the same as for it.

Collectors recommend cleaning aluminum, zinc, and iron with Reinigungsbad from Silbo. All others do not give the desired effect, and can damage the coins. On low-value coins, you can experiment with household chemicals, as an option - Cillit.

Aluminum and zinc coins should not be washed with soap; alkali and acid will dissolve them. It is recommended to wipe it with alcohol before placing it in the collection.

So, you have determined what metal the coin is made of, its value and degree of contamination and decided to clean it. Gentle yet effective cleaning is not a quick process; it may take several days to bring the coin to the desired condition. Use the simplest and safest means first, moving on to more aggressive ones if necessary. Prepare everything you need for this.

How to wash and what cleaning products to use

Professionals advise using special products to clean coins. The most famous of them are Trilon B and Silbo liquids.

Trilon B is sold in powder form, which must be diluted in water. This is a rather strong and aggressive product; coins should be soaked in it under constant supervision and then be sure to rinse with water.

Silbo liquids are not cheap, but they clean dirt from coins well and carefully. There are liquids for various metals.

In addition to professional ones, you can use home remedies.

How to clean coins at home

• professional products;
• baking soda;
• salt;
• table vinegar 9%;
• citric acid or lemon juice;
• fragrance-free baby soap;
• household chemicals;
• Coca Cola.

Materials and tools for plaque removal

• containers for solutions and products;
• soft toothbrush;
• toilet paper or paper towels;
• latex gloves;
• eraser;
• toothpicks for mechanical removal of small dirt.

Method suitable for any coins

The safest and most necessary thing to do is wash the coin. Lather the coin with baby soap and rub it gently with your fingers, then rinse with clean water and dry. This is often enough to remove all excess dirt, grease, and sweat from your fingers so you can store the coin. Gold, platinum and polished proof coins do not require any other processing. If the dirt is not washed off, soak the coin in soapy water for 6-8 hours.

Proof is a technology for minting coins of improved quality, with a smooth mirror field and a matte relief pattern. These coins are minted in limited editions for collectors or as souvenirs.

These methods will help get rid of dirt, but are powerless when oxidizing the metal.

If the coins are covered with rust or oxidation

Rust is usually called any red coating on metal, which is not entirely true. Rust forms only on iron or its alloys. Other metals also oxidize, but this process is called corrosion. Let's look at how to remove traces of rust and corrosion from coins.

What you will need

• vinegar;
• citric acid or lemon;
• Coca Cola;
• salt;
• soda;
• soap.

Vinegar, citric acid, lemon

1. Pour vinegar into a container and immerse a coin in it.
2. Hold for a few minutes. You cannot overexpose the coin; copper coins will develop a pink tint.
3. Once you see that the coin is clean, remove it from the acid and rinse it with water, adding baking soda to neutralize it.

Coins are cleaned in the same way using citric acid and lemon. A solution is prepared from the acid, the lemon is cut into two parts, and the coin is immersed in the pulp. It is important that the coin is completely immersed in the acidic solution, otherwise a strip will appear at the interface of the media, which will be very difficult to remove.

Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, which dissolves rust well. Soak coins in it, then rinse with water.

To make coins shine like new, after soaking in acid, rub them with a piece of foil or an eraser. An eraser is preferable as it will not scratch the surface.

Paste made from vinegar, flour and salt

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of flour, 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of vinegar.
2. Gently rub and massage the coins with the resulting paste until they become clean.
3. Rinse with running water.

Video: how to clean coins with vinegar and salt paste

Advice! When using any aggressive means, protect your hands with rubber gloves.

Vinegar and baking soda paste

1. Dilute baking soda with vinegar until a paste forms.
2. Apply it to the coin and rub it with your fingers or a cloth.
3. Rinse in water.

Copper coins are cleaned of oxides in another way.

Removing green deposits from copper money

In this case, Trilon B will help, boiling in Vaseline or used machine oil, soaking in an ammonia solution.

When boiling in oil, follow safety precautions, use deep dishes, cover it with a lid. Otherwise, the oil vapors will ignite and a fire will occur.

Ammonia cleaning

So-called copa coins - dug out of the ground - can be cleaned using Cillit.

The coins are immersed in the liquid for several minutes, turning over periodically. At the end of the treatment, rinse with clean water using a toothbrush. If necessary, repeat the treatment.

Video: cleaning darkened coins from a mine using Cillit

Ancient coins require a special, more careful approach.

Cleaning antique coins

It is best to try to clean ancient coins using soap paste. This will take quite a lot of time, but it will not harm the coins.

How to wash using soap paste

1. Grate baby soap and dissolve it in hot water until you get a thick jelly.
2. Cool the paste, place coins in it, and leave for several hours. Periodically turn the coins over and check how clean they are.
3. Remove the coins from the paste and rinse with clean water. You can scrub lightly with an old toothbrush.
4. If dirt still remains, immerse the coins in the paste for a few more hours and repeat the treatment. Some coins may take up to a month to clean.

Video: soap for cleaning silver, copper, bronze money

Another gentle way is to boil it in a solution of baking soda.

Boiling in soda solution

1. Dissolve 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda in 100 ml of water and heat to a boil.
2. Dip coins into the boiling solution and boil for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the coins and rinse with clean water.
4. Carefully wipe off the remaining dirt with a soapy toothbrush and rinse again.
5. If the plaque still remains, repeat the digestion.

If you still have an old 9-12 volt phone charger, you can try cleaning coins using electrolysis.

Electrolysis method

Since the method involves the use of electricity, evaluate your knowledge in this area before using it.

1. Cut the plug and separate the wires. Attach a crocodile clip to each.
2. Pour a glass of water into a container and dissolve a pinch of salt in it. The container should not be metal; it is better to take a glass jar.
3. Place crocodile clips between a coin and a metal spoon or nail. The positive wire goes to the coin, the negative wire goes to the spoon.
4. Place the coin and spoon in the jar so that they do not touch each other and the coin does not touch the bottom.
5. Insert the plug into the outlet. Under the influence of current, an electrolysis reaction will occur and the saline solution will darken. This dissolves the metal oxides on the coin.
6. After 2-3 minutes, unplug and dip a coin in the baking soda solution to stop the reaction.
7. Rinse with clean water.

Perhaps most often a novice collector has to deal with USSR coins.

How to clear USSR rubles and kopecks

The most common coins of the USSR are made of copper-nickel and bronze alloys.

The best cleaning method for them is a solution of salt in vinegar.

How to remove plaque using a solution of salt in vinegar

Video: using salt and vinegar to clean coins

Some collectors advise cleaning such coins with household chemicals. Pour some liquid into a plastic container and hold the coin in it for several minutes. After processing, the coin may acquire a whitish or pinkish coating. Clean it with an eraser or soda. The pinkish coating will disappear after a couple of weeks, when the coin will again be covered with patina.

The method is effective, but whether or not to use it on coins is up to you. After all, these are quite aggressive means.

Video: how to clean coins using Dixi

Modern coins are a different story. Despite the fact that such coins are still used as a means of payment, this does not reduce the number of fans of collecting anniversary and commemorative coins. The cost of some of them reaches 12 thousand rubles.

Cleaning modern coins from plaque dirt

In most cases, these coins do not require much cleaning. Simply wash them in soapy water and dry them properly. If a coin is in a collection for a long time, it will inevitably fade and darken.

One of the methods already described above will help restore it to its original appearance.

1. Dip the coin into the ammonia solution for a few seconds. This is enough to remove darkening and give the coin shine.
2. If you don’t have ammonia on hand, dip it in vinegar or citric acid solution.
3. Coins can be cleaned quite well if you keep them in Coca-Cola. This drink contains orthophosphoric acid and is quite suitable for such use.
4. Stubborn stains can be removed with toothpaste. Apply it to the surface and scrub with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to use excessive force to avoid scratching the surface.

Modern foreign coins can be cleaned using the same methods.

Among modern commemorative coins, bimetallic ones are especially valued. Coins made from two metals - the central part from one, the rim from another - add headaches to collectors. After all, different metals are cleaned with different means.

Cleaning bimetal coins

A rather unusual, but effective way - using another household chemical - Cif spray.

How to wash and clean with Cif ultra-fast anti-plaque spray

Video: how to clean bimetallic coins using Cif spray

Clean to a shine: how to avoid scratches

• Do not use GOI paste to clean coins; along with oxides and dirt, you will erase the design of the coin.
• Any metal brushes or sponges will cause irreparable damage to coins.
• Do not use strong acids for cleaning; they will destroy the coin. Use only 5-9% vinegar.
• Polish only those coins that you will admire for yourself. Shine does not add value to coins.
• Be careful not to damage the patina when cleaning - this is evidence of the coin's authenticity and protects it.
• Collectible coins should not be handled with bare hands; use cotton gloves for this.
• Be sure to wash your coins before storing them. As a rule, the process of corrosion begins on them under fingerprints.
• You should not clean gold, platinum or antique coins. Gold and platinum do not need this, but you can hopelessly ruin the old ones.
• Coins with an even patina, even if you think it is too dark, are better not to clean.
• You should also not clean coins if you are not sure of the integrity of their surface. Cavities and damage to the pattern may be found under the oxide layer.

And a little about how to dry coins correctly.

Drying coins

The appearance of the coins after cleaning will depend on how competently you approach this issue. The remaining drops of water after drying will leave stains on the surface and you will have to wash the coins again.

Be sure to dry the coins and wipe them with a paper towel or toilet paper. Fold the paper in several layers and fold it in half. Place a coin on one half, cover the other and blot. You cannot do this with a towel, so as not to scratch the coin and leave lint on it.

Not too expensive coins can be wiped with a lint-free cloth. Blow drying is allowed.

Cleaning coins is an inexhaustible topic. Each coin requires a special approach; there are nuances in cleaning coins even from the same metal. Only a specialist can determine how to clean a particular coin after assessing its condition. But if you are just starting out on the path of collecting coins, the information received will help you avoid making mistakes at the initial stage. And you can say: “I love money, it’s so beautiful!”