Does cleaning affect the value as it does with coins?

[diggummup]

When it comes to C.W.tokens or Hard Times tokens does cleaning affect the value negatively as it does with old coins?

 

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[idahotokens]

Coins and tokens are both a matter of personal preference. However, and that is a big HOWEVER, there is a well-established marketplace for coins and with enough patience and money, one can acquire almost any coin there is in any condition desired. Some coin grading services won't touch a cleaned coin, and most coin collectors will tell you never to clean a coin. I feel that is because there are plenty of uncleaned coins out there to be had. Tokens, on the other hand, do not have such a marketplace and there are lots of tokens that just cannot be obtained. So, if offered a hard-to-get token, a collector may not really care whether or not it had been cleaned. Same thing goes for wear, holes, digs, etc.

I usually clean the tokens I get if they are in need of it. But I am also not interested in selling them - I do it because I want to see them better.

John in ID

 

[lordmarcovan]

When it comes to C.W.tokens or Hard Times tokens does cleaning affect the value negatively as it does with old coins?

YES, absolutely.

However, if we are talking about metal detecting finds, they usually have to be cleaned, as a matter of necessity. Beyond an olive oil soak or a light Vaseline rub to remove loose verdigris or soiling, I would be very judicious about cleaning them.

Some of the points made by the other respondent are valid, however- cleaning is probably not quite as big a taboo with these as it is with more "mainstream" numismatic items, but HTTs and CWTs are both popular and potentially valuable.

If in doubt, don't.