Sooner or later, every numismatist faces the issue of cleaning a coin. Of course, experienced coin collectors know how and how to clean, but for beginners, this article will help you avoid mistakes that can negate the value of any coin. When cleaning a coin, it is supposed to remove traces of oxidation and dirt from their surface.
Instructions
Step 1
Cleaning a coin from dirt is the easiest thing. Dirt can be removed with water. Rinse the coin gently in warm, soapy water. If the dirt does not want to come off, use a soft brush to prevent the coin from scratching. This brush can be used to clean copper, gold, silver, and others.
Step 2
Dealing with oxidation is already more difficult. The cleaning method depends on the metal. So gold coins can also simply be rinsed in warm, soapy water and treated with a soft brush. Oxidation should come off.
Step 3
In the case of silver, you need to know the fineness of the metal. From 625 samples and above, silver is cleaned with a special agent that removes traces of oxidation - Silbertuschbader. You can't remember such a name right off the bat. If there is no such remedy at hand, prepare a solution of ammonia and wash the coin. The base silver is purified from oxidation after keeping it in lemon juice for several hours.
Step 4
There is also a universal method that is suitable for cleaning any silver coins. You need to dip the coins into the baking soda solution so that they lie at a distance from each other. Turn them over from time to time, then they will be evenly cleaned. When it can be seen that the plaque has completely disappeared, the coins should be removed and wiped with a soft cloth.
Step 5
Copper coins can be washed in soapy water, or you can put them in a solution of acetic acid (5-10%). Once the coin is cleaned, it is pulled out, rinsed and wiped. Also, the copper coins should be turned over and kept at a distance from each other.
Step 6
By the way, the oxide on copper coins is different. It is worth consulting an expert and if it is a copperhead (a poisonous oxidation layer that reacts with oxygen), entrust the cleaning of the coin to professionals, do not risk it.
Step 7
But not all oxide on coins is harmful. So patina, for example, does not destroy the coin, but preserves it from external influences. Such plaque should not be removed. He not only will not destroy the metal himself, but also will not let anyone else do it.
Step 8
Iron and zinc coins need a special approach. They should be washed in hydrochloric acid (diluted, of course), and then cleaned with a brush made of brass wire. Be sure to rinse the coin after cleaning by rinsing it abundantly in warm water and immediately afterwards in cold water. This will help prevent repeated damage to the surface of the coin.
