cleaning coins

[norcalsteve]

I have been finding a lot of proof halves lately. What is the best way to wipe off the finger prints? Is the cloth that I use to clean my glasses ok?

 

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[mr.landpirate]

if they were in circulation you most likely won't hurt them anymore. Most of the time you don't clean coins because it hurts there value but circulated proofs our only worth face in most cases.

 

[norcalsteve]

They are all circulated as they were found in rolls or from teller trays. I just want them to look their best. Im trying to put a set together of proofs only.

 

[pong12211]

I agree cleaning circulated proofs is'nt going to hurt there value. I would suggest using windex or similar cleaned and a paper towel to try to clean them to start. Also ketchup or toothpaste would probably work. Just don't go cleaning any older silver coins as it will hurt the value of them.

 

[boristhespider88]

For circulated proofs, I just hold them around the rim and lightly rub an alcohol soaked Q-tip on the coin.

 

[norcalsteve]

Ive collected coins since I was a kid in the 60's. I've never cleaned a coin before. I know what it does to value. I know that these circulated proofs are not worth any more than fv. I just want a good looking set to pass on.
I've heard katchup before. That really works?

 

[norcalsteve]

For circulated proofs, I just hold them around the rim and lightly rub an alcohol soaked Q-tip on the coin.

I like this idea. Thanks

 

[boristhespider88]

Ive collected coins since I was a kid in the 60's. I've never cleaned a coin before. I know what it does to value. I know that these circulated proofs are not worth any more than fv. I just want a good looking set to pass on.
I've heard katchup before. That really works?

I've only heard of people using ketchup to clean copper cents.

 

[pong12211]

I have used ketchup and toothpaste to clean everything from coins I have dug up to old pocket knives it actually works pretty well.

 

[Dozer D]

Soaking coins in a solution of "DAWN" liquid soap in hot tap water over night for two days. It really melts away the oily feeling from finger prints etc, then just lay them on a paper towel with another paper towel on top, pat dry. Helps clean them up without doing a "polish" job on them.

 

[Yinzi50]

Soaking coins in a solution of "DAWN" liquid soap in hot tap water over night for two days. It really melts away the oily feeling from finger prints etc, then just lay them on a paper towel with another paper towel on top, pat dry. Helps clean them up without doing a "polish" job on them.

Do you have before and after pictures?

 

[enamel7]

I have used ketchup and toothpaste to clean everything from coins I have dug up to old pocket knives it actually works pretty well.

As has been said before, ketchup has acid in it which strips away the surface of the coin, leaving it nice and shiny. The coin is now damaged. When it does retone chances are it will be ugly.

 

[Dozer D]

Do you have before and after pictures?

No I don't have pictures to prove results, nor can it be readily noticeable, but it does remove the "oily" feeling touch on the coin. It doesn't make them "Mint Luster" shine. Try it on some copper cents yourself to see the difference.