Collecting coins is a pastime or a profession that many people partake in. Collectors and investors alike want their coins to remain in pristine condition. In mint, or near mint, condition coins have a much higher financial value than those that have been battered and scraped through everyday use. Many people who purchase coins that have blemishes or marks on try to clean the coins in order to improve their appearance. Cleaning coins is an undesirable thing to do because the process of cleaning the coins is likely to cause them further and irreparable damage. The only time you should consider cleaning coins is when you have sought professional advice on cleaning the particular type of coin.
Basic coin cleaning techniques
Apply Vaseline to both sides of the coin using a soft Q-tip. Use a lint free cloth to rub the coins clean. Another safe method of removing dirt and grime from the cover of the coins is using very mild soapy water or even olive oil. Non-abrasive cleaners are required, ordinary jewel and metal cleaners should not be used to clean coins. The chemicals that are found in silver cleaners and jewelry cleaners can do permanent and bad damage to the surface, the design and the writing. You can have a serious detrimental effect on the luster and general appearance of the coin depleting its value.
What to do after you have finished coin cleaning
Once you have finished cleaning the coin you should rinse all the residue from it by using distilled water. Regular tap water contains damaging minerals that will remove a lot of the coins original appearance. With some coins there are only really a couple of alternatives left to you. Professionals can drip tarnished coins that will clean away all surface muck, or you can purchase professional quality cleaning fluids but these can prove very costly.
What not to do when coin cleaning
Some collectors use other methods to make the coin look fresh and sparkling. One substance that is regularly used is bicarbonate of soda but again this should be avoided at all costs. Never rub the surface with your finger or with any cloth that is not lint free. If there is any dust on the coin whatsoever the most aggressive technique you should consider using is blowing the dust away. You can do this yourself or use a canister of air that you can buy to clean computer keyboards.
Good storage is better than careful coin cleaning
The best form of caring for a coin is using preventative measures as opposed to having to find a cure. Through the proper storage and maintenance of your coins you should find that the need to clean them will not arise. You should handle valuable coins only when absolutely necessary and when you do you should pick them up by the edges because fingertips contain acid that can actually damage the surface of a coin. If you wish to look at the coin then you should place it on a felt surface and not drop it on a hard table. Do not attempt to rub any dust off it afterwards though, simply blow the dust away.
Storing your coins
Bags and boxes are ok to store less valuable coins in but if you are looking to store rare coins that are in pristine condition then you should consider spending a little more money for much more protective containers. For the most valuable coins you may want to consider slabbing them. This involves encasing them in hard plastic that is airtight and watertight and offers superb long-term protection. It is an expensive option but it is the one that offers the most protection. Be aware that some specially designed containers like coin books can contain chemicals that damage the surface of the coin; your best bet if you can't afford to slab your coins is the 2 x 2. This is a cardboard container that is line with Mylar. Once the coin is in the container it is stapled shut and the coin is unable to move. This is ideal for storage but not perfect for showing. Keeping coins in this manner will preserve the unblemished look of when you first stored them.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
