Clean or not to clean

[Bbchevelle]

I've dug some cool history in my backyard recently, but I'm new to the hobby and could use some help. The coins are a 64 and 83 Indian and a 68 2-cent. I rinsed them in running water, but no scrubbing. Should I clean them better and if yes how? Thanks for any suggestions

 

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[paramedic]

Best advice is Never clean a coin. I use distilled water with a very mild dish detergent. I place the coin in the water, in a plastic bowl. Allow to sit a few minutes just to remove any finger oil, then rinse in a separate plastic bowl of distilled water. So no chlorine or chemicals touch the coin. Do not scrub or wipe the coin. I remove with a plastic spoon and allow to dry completely. Handle only with cotton coin gloves there after. I treat all coins as if they are rare. It is a good practice to get into. The gloves cost about 2.50 a pair.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

If you're going to keep it, cleaning may be OK. If you intend to try and sell it, leave it cruddy. Perhaps a soak in olive oil to soften the crud and careful cleaning.

You can drop an AU coin several grades with Kleenex tissue, but dug coins are already "suspect" by coin shops and they'll rip you to pieces when grading them anyway.

 

[fistfulladirt]

I agree with Charlie. They are dug coins, so they are already damaged. Clean away if it makes you happy.

 

[Reverend B*IKE*]

My new thing is bees wax instead of olive oil. A few folks have been claiming that OO isn’t the greatest?? Everybody has an opinion
I also agree with Charlie, Except for the older colonials and such(key dates etc.). Quite a few in my club have cleaned them to the point where they disintegrate and they regret it! Big time!