how to clean copper pennies without damaging them

This article has been viewed 438,144 times. I would not do any cleaning at all. What is the fastest way to clean copper coins? Please do not clean collector coins, I don not take responsibly of any damage done. After a good shake, take the coins out and rinse them off. For a more gradual treatment, leave the coins out of the bowl. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Then mix gently until the salt totally dissolves in the lemon juice. Copper, silver, nickel, and gold coins should strictly never be cleaned. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As you can see, these materials are very cheap and easy to find anywhere. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 2. So how do you safely store your wheat pennies? Ensure you rinse all the vinegar off the coin once it is cleaned. You can clean a dug copper coin by removing layers of dirt, gently, with a toothpick, piece of wood, or your fingernail until getting down to the patina. Ketchup. How to clean copper pennies using vinegar and baking soda. Should the oil start to look discolored, change it out. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Signs of cleaning can be evident in many ways and often affect the value of the coin. Ammonia works well for removing rust from copper pennies, but it can also damage the surface of the penny if not used properly. Other coins are molded from different metals, so the solution may not work as well on them. With your paper towel, clean the pennies carefully and watch how they start getting clean and shiny. After learning about how to clean a copper penny in this article, you should be able to do it well and keep your coin looking better for longer. Wheat pennies are a relatively common find when metal detecting. Where I live, we have acidic and hard water. While it is very possible to clean your pennies without damaging them, it is hard to say the same for the market value of the pennies. Soak for 24 hours. This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. If youre more of a do-it-yourselfer, try using a basic household cleaner to start. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In fact, it would probably be extremely wise to do so, at least from a sanitary perspective. Place your pennies at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other. Pennies are normally made of copper, which is a shiny, bright metal, and more recently Zinc. Once theyve soaked enough, take them out and rinse them with clear water until all traces of acid are gone from their surfaces; finally dry them off with a paper towel before putting them back into circulation (or storing them). Be sure to check with a professional before cleaning a corroded coin that may have significant value. When you put your pennies in a vinegar and salt mix, the vinegar and salt react together and remove the copper oxide. They can eliminate or reduce the effects of outside contaminates that have caused issues with your coins. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? The effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, so ensure you cover the entire coin! Once youve removed the coin from the coke, gently rinse it under cold running water. If you feel that it needs longer, you can soak it for up to 15 minutes. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If it works for you, stick with it. Lemon juice is acidic and can cause damage to the skin if inhaled or spilled. Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. One of the simplest ways to clean coins is by using distilled water and a soft towel. Rinse the coins thoroughly with water to remove the baking soda and vinegar solution. Rinse the coins with fresh water after 24 hours and let them air dry. Dish soap is another good cleaning method and is very gentle. (So before you start using baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or ketchup to clean your coins at. If you had a rare coin you had cleaned too harshly, and wanted to have it valued, it would reduce the coins value. This should be enough to get them clean. Gently scrub the coin with an incredibly soft brush. You may also have luck selling them online. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. If you have questions, always seek the help of a professional coin cleaner and coin grading service. Keep your coins in a stable, cool, dry location. Fill up two plastic containers with distilled water and a tablespoon of mild hand soap. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Vinegar will remove any oxides formed on the coin surface. Mix a teaspoon of salt into the liquid by stirring until it is dissolved. Ultrasonic cleaners work by microcavitation. If you do have hard water or highly acidic water, try using distilled water. Wet the coin with water and roll in baking soda. Your email address will not be published. Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, rinse in warm water and dry the copper with a lint-free dishtowel. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Use sparing amounts of oil to avoid damaging coins. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You may want to try using some non-abrasive cleaners (like vinegar) if youre worried about removing any patina on your coinand always keep in mind that these cleaners are only meant as a starting point! They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. For others, coins can be collected throughout the years, some of which become quite valuable. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber, https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pennies/, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-copper-and-brass-with-ketchup-223741, Wie man Kupfermnzen sekundenschnell reinigt, Pulire le Monete di Rame in Pochi Secondi, . If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If they look clean enough, use a soft cloth to dry them. You might have to use multiple methods or go back and forth between methods until you find the one that works best for you. If there are still some stubborn stains on your pennies after rinsing them with water, try using baking soda next time instead; this should help get rid of those stainsand if not then maybe some hand lotion would help soften up those stubborn spots too! They will not pay you until you have shipped the coins. Lightly rub the ketchup into the coin with a soft toothbrush, then rinse off the ketchup. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. How do you clean badly tarnished copper coins? So if you leave your hand in the ultrasonic cleaner long enough, it will "clean" the flesh from your bones. My dad has collected coins my entire life. 1 How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? Abrasive cleaning, using a brush and an acid or alcohol solution, can leave the coin with hair lines and discrepancies in the metal that may only be seen under the right lighting and magnification. only use vinegar to clean a corroded penny, Metal Detecting in Massachusetts: Laws, Tips and Beaches, Metal Detecting in Pennsylvania: Tips, Tricks, and Laws to Know. After WWII, the original metal composition was reinstituted and reigned until the wheat penny retired. Check back on them every few minutes, especially if you use a highly acidic substance like cola, to avoid damaging them. Nearly all metal detectors will be able to find coins in the right conditions. From there, wipe your finger on your face for some natural oil, made up of sebum, and transfer it to the face of the coin. Guys you have got to try this, its crazyand it works like a charm, if you want yourpennies clean do this nowThe materials you need for this science experiment are:A few pennies that need to be cleaned1/4 cup white vinegar1 teaspoon saltNon-metal bowl A bowl of water Welcome To My Channel !! Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the coins? Take them out, setting them on the cloth. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Hold it there for about 10 seconds, then pull it out. In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them. Tartaric acid is a weak organic acid, which means its not as corrosive to your penny as other chemicals. For some of us, they just collect in a container until they are used or traded in. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. Gently scrub them with either a soft toothbrush or your fingers. Use Water Sometimes the simplest methods are best. Put the coin in the bowl and slowly rub the coin with your finger from both sides. But before you start your timer, make sure none of the pennies are touching themselves. Create a mixture using -cup vinegar of lemon juice and a teaspoon of table salt together into a bowl. Wet the penny with warm water until its thoroughly dampened (but not dripping). Your email address will not be published. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. How do you clean old coins without damaging them? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Make sure that you continue to stir in the salt until it dissolves, then place the pennies in so that they are not stacked in any way. Get an appraisal before you clean themif you plan to sell them. LARISA NIEDLE You'll Need: Salt White vinegar (or fresh lemon juice) Shallow plastic container Cloth or paper towel Baking soda (optional) Toothbrush (optional) Dishwashing liquid (optional) 02 of 07 Step 1: LARISA NIEDLE In a jar, combine 1 cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. This is the important part: rinse with distilled, not tap water. This process only works in fluid. Add more baking soda and water as needed for larger batches of coins. When in doubt, leave the coin as you found it. Any attempt at cleaning a coin can reduce its value. The key is to ensure that you dont use anything super abrasive, especially on older coins. Heat safe container. Acids wear away copper, so exposing a coin to vinegar and other products can cause permanent damage. The vinegar poured into that bowl should be enough to cover those pennies. How do you clean old copper coins without damaging them? The Nokta Makro CF77 Coin Finder is another great detector for coin shooting. Clean at your . You want something a bit more gentle for silver coins but you will need a heavier abrasive for your copper pennies. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You will end up with irreversible damage to the coins. There are many methods you can use at home to clean your wheat pennies, and other coins you have found, safely and carefully. Drop the pennies into the mixture for about 5 minutes. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Wait about five minutes and check your pennies. Let us move on to how to clean wheat pennies you intend to keep or sell yourself without any type of professional grading service. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. But we recommend the vinegar or lemon juice approach because the materials are safe for your skin, overall quite very effective, creates little to no mess, and the risk of damaging the pennies is fairly low. If it doesnt work for you, or somehow has hurt or damaged the penny in your eyes, stop using this method and find one you feel is a bit better. To clean using this method, place your coins in a small plastic container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, and soak for 24 hours. Use a small plastic container full of hydrogen peroxide. It can even be used as a metal polishing solution. Experts can always tell if a coin has been cleaned improperly. One of the most recommended cleaning solutions for wheat pennies is white vinegar. For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! Start with a mixture of warm, soapy water when cleaning silver coins. Before you begin cleaning, sort through the coins to determine which coins need the most work. With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. What is the best solution to clean copper? After brushing each penny, rinse with clean water and dry, it should be looking good as new by now. Let the coins sit in the mixture for about 10 or 15 minutes so that the soap can break down the grime. If you have a collection of copper pennies, chances are that theyre not looking their best. It may take a few treatments, so work gradually and wash the coins off each time to avoid damaging them. Finally, drop the coins in, seal the lid, and shake it. Safely storing your wheat pennies is critical for preserving and protecting them. Gold Nuggets Metal Detectors When they start to look cleaner, remove them from the bowl. Some other options include you can at least look into are: There are many rust removers you can use to clean your coins, and some of them can be very fast and effective, but that is just part of what you need. Step 2 Add a teaspoon of salt to the bowl full of vinegar, and stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved. Hot sauce and brown colas are some other household substances that work well on copper coins. Finally, dry your coins with a microfiber cloth to get rid of excess moisture. According to renowned numismatists, Ivory soap, and water is the safest way used in cleaning steel pennies. This could mean going into tight corners with cotton swabs dipped in diluted vinegar solution or water; however, if there are no crevices left untouched by this step then this is generally enough for most coins because they wont have been exposed much during wear-and-tear over time anyway (if at all). You dont have to sacrifice the quality of your pennies just so you can have them looking good. Monitor coins carefully and rinse them with clean water as soon as possible. But if you do really want to get stuck in and have a go at cleaning some coins, we recommend that you experiment on some modern loose change instead. Last Updated: November 9, 2022 Rare coins shouldn't be cleaned as doing so could remove the value Credit: Getty. They include: As you can see, these materials are very cheap and easy to find anywhere. Mouthwash not only helps with dental health but can help you clean up dirty coins. For older, condition-sensitive coins, a gentle bath of water and mild hand soap will suffice. Baking Soda And Vinegar Great For Science Fair Volcanoes But Not For Enhancing Your Coins Value. If you happen to find one of these while metal detecting, do not attempt to clean them yourself! Cleaning Copper With Ketchup: Ketchup can be used to clean a variety of copper products. As you will come to find out, there are different methods for cleaning different types of coins. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt. But for coins that have collectible value, they are oftentimes worth more than their face value. Step 4: Add More Baking Soda & Hot Water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUbe88W78I0&feature=youtu.be&t=13, https://sciencebob.com/clean-pennies-with-vinegar/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMp2OYpCq8&feature=youtu.be&t=27, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHZSYR463uw&feature=youtu.be&t=41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS9-A1TO67c&feature=youtu.be&t=45, https://www.pennycollector.com/cleaning.html, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/shine-bright-like-a-penny/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7cfVkadI_A&feature=youtu.be&t=174, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7cfVkadI_A&feature=youtu.be&t=928, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUPuRLcm7WY&feature=youtu.be&t=516, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUPuRLcm7WY&feature=youtu.be&t=542. When a coin is submitted to be examined by the experts at PCGS, signs of cleaning can be evident in many ways. "Knowing how to safely clean copper is big time helpful. Cleaning these will absolutely devalue them if they are not cleaned properlyso just be mindful of this. In fact, it works so well that, like the other coin cleaning brews mentioned here, it can completely strip away the original patina and obliterate the value of the coin. Repeat the treatment with more oil as needed. Some are damaged by contact with other coins, general circulation, or being buried in the ground for many years. Just make sure that you gently apply the olive oil and you can help prevent tarnish over time. Water is less abrasive than other cleaning methods and should clean most of the dirt and debris off your wheat pennies. Under Water Metal Detectors You must be gentle. There are a variety of cleaning methods for wheat pennies. Start with two tablespoons of baking soda, mixing it with water into a bowl. Continue to slowly add water to the baking soda until it takes on the consistency of paste. If it can clean oil off baby ducks, it should be able to clean your wheat pennies with very little damage! Dip one penny halfway into the liquid. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. After applying, give it a couple of minutes and then rinse using distilled water. Make sure to use small, circular motions. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Follow these steps to make your pennies completely clean: Step 1 Pour a small quantity of vinegar into a bowl. With -cup of ketchup, just dip your old toothbrush in and scrub the surface of the coin. I like to use distilled water to clean coins if I decide to clean them. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If pennies are collectibles, then cleaning them may reduce their value. Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. As for what is best to add and enhance the cleaning action, I'm not sure. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. If you are keeping them or do not care if they are damaged, you can use methods like vinegar, peroxide, baking soda, mouthwash or even, dare I say, ketchup! Those are meant to clean items like antique silver vases and your wedding ring. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This website uses cookies to improve your experience, but you may opt out if you wish. You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelors degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide can prove effective in removing various materials, including organic material. Be patient and try not to get frustrated. Do not rub them or the dirt and debris on them can scratch them and ruin the value. That means a lot more options for getting them clean enough to use again. Newer coins, such as relatively shiny pennies, tend to dull a little when washed in acid. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it will remove the copper oxide thats on your pennies. The concept is the same as white vinegar and salt. Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective way to clean your coins. These cookies do not store any personal information. Silver dollars, or any collectible silver coin, should only be cleaned under certain conditions. The composition of the coin, the condition of the coin, and the year of the coin all affect its value. This method you will help you to clean old coin properly without any damage to. These coins range in value from a few cents to a small fortune, if you are lucky enough! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It only requires rubbing the penny with a pencil eraser. Make a bath using a cup of isopropyl alcohol combined with two tablespoons of salt. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Wait a few minutes, then check on the quarter. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They may damage the surface of the wheat penny and devalue them. The good news is that there is a solution available no matter what type of coin. For coins that dont have collectible value, you can use sand, olive oil, and even isopropyl alcohol to get the job done. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part vinegar. So here's how to clean a penny with vinegar: Get a small glass (or another kind of non-corrosive container) and fill it with some white vinegar - just enough to submerge a coin below the surface. You like wouldnt need the professional cleaning. If you do not rinse all the vinegar off your wheat pennies, they may turn green or bluish green. EBay, one of the most popular online auction sites, charges a 10 percent fee plus listing fees. How to clean a copper penny? This article was co-authored by Alicia Sokolowski. Place the coins in a plastic container and cover with mouthwash. Cleaning them can be a daunting task. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. [2] 3 Now simply apply the paste to the penny wherever you want it to brighten up. As a general rule, make the paste at a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can also use baking soda and salt to clean your pennies. Aside from white vinegar, there may not be a more versatile household cleaning agent than baking soda. At this stage, the corrosion on the pennies mustve reacted with the lemon and salt solution, so it is time for you to start removing them from the container. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide . What are ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to cleaning copper coins? [1] This happens because the vinegar and salt dissolves the copper oxide layer of the penny. Dont use steel wool or abrasive chemicals to clean your penny, as this could damage the metal. You must remember to use these at your discretion. Grab some past with your thumb and forefinger, rubbing it gently onto both sides of the penny. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Something like a penny for example. Next, mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and rub this paste over the penny using your fingers. Fill the bowl with enough lemon juice to cover the quarter. Its also an effective way to remove oxidation from copper and make sure that there are no stains left behind. The application of taco sauce is another simple method of cleaning these pennies. You can always put them on other websites like Facebook market, but you may not reach the intended audience with that forum. Remove tough tarnish on coins by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide or . If you want to use tartaric acid on your pennies, all you have to do is dissolve some crystals of it in warm water. This detector features multiple search frequencies and has 2 different coin modes: one for foreign coins and one for U.S. coins. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We will focus on the materials you need, how to use them, and most importantly, how to carry out the cleaning process in a safe way so that the pennies do not get damaged or lose their integrity. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber. That way, if the cleaning method damages the coin, youre not going to be upset about it. Keep in mind that this is more of an abrasive than even the sand method and can do serious damage without the proper care. If you do not sell your coin, you do not pay. Apmex is a well-known auction site for coins. All items are affected by the passage of time, and coins are no different. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help remove contaminants from your coins. How to Clean Corroded Pennies Safely and Effectively, How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any Damage, How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without Damage. Mix it together and add the coins into the bowl. There is even a high chance that you have all of them in your kitchen right now. Since all alcohol is neutral (having neither acidic or alkaline charges) it will only remove ceraint oil base soils. A professional coin valuer will notice these minute scratches on the surface from cleaning. How to clean green corroded copper coins Mix cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl that is non-metallic. Pennis that were made prior to 1982 had more copper in them, which can lead to a more intense reaction chemically while cleaning. Then dip your coins in the solution and let them soak for an hour or twothe longer they soak, the more oxidation will come off. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide left on them from handling before you start scrubbing them with toothpaste or soap. In 1909, a new design featuring President Abraham Lincon was introduced. How To Clean Old Copper Pennies. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Steel pennies were abandoned the following year, and brass pennies were introduced. Beach Metal Detectors To clean your copper coins, start by adding some vinegar or orange juice to a small bowl, and stirring in 1 teaspoon of salt.