Cleaning red coins

[Nathan W]

What's the best way to clean old red coins to bring them back to what they used to look like? I've red about baking soda and vinegar paste. I got that Buffalo nickel and a V nickel that I want to I guess " restore". I don't want to further ruin them and screw up the features on the coins

 

[robertk]

I haven't tried it, but there's a thread here with some info.

 

[xr7ator]

Remember that nickels are 75% copper.
IMO, they are already ruined. I have had luck with rock tumblers, but not anything super excellent. Newer clad (nickels, dimes, quarters, halves) I can get to look normal, but it takes a long time. First use lemon juice and salt and tumble for 30-45 mins. Then, due to the etching on the coins and wanting to remove it, tumble in gravel for hours and hours to polish the etching off. It will remove details/features for sure.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak, 24 hours then flip for another 24-hours, then a toothbrush under warm water with Dawn Detergent