How to Restore Coins, Including Pennies and Collectible Pieces

Cleaning coins can be a surprisingly enjoyable task, whether you're a child or an adult. Over time, all types of coins tend to accumulate dirt and tarnish. The process of watching grimy, tarnished coins transform into shining examples can be oddly rewarding. Plus, cleaning your coins helps eliminate germs, especially since so many hands touch them regularly.

Follow these easy steps to restore your dull coins to their original shine by using a mild acidic solution that dissolves the brown tarnish. Bonus: A sparkling penny is a perfect candidate for use in pressed penny souvenir machines.

How Often Should You Clean Your Coins?

There is no strict rule for cleaning coins, but it's a good idea to clean them when they appear overly discolored or dirty. Cleaning can also be a fun rainy-day project or a way to prepare coins for depositing or counting at the bank.

Important Things to Consider Before Starting

Always prioritize safety. If children are involved in cleaning the coins, supervise them closely. Use gentle, non-harmful cleaning solutions, and consider wearing gloves to prevent fingerprints from spoiling your freshly cleaned coins.

Not all coins should be cleaned, particularly if they are valuable. Before cleaning a coin, consider whether it’s a collectible item or just a regular coin you're cleaning for fun.

If you're unsure whether your coin is collectible, it's best to have it appraised. A coin is considered valuable and collectible if its appraised worth far exceeds its intrinsic value.

Should Collectors Clean Their Coins?

When cleaning old coins, keep in mind that coin experts and appraisers generally advise against cleaning collectible coins yourself, as this could reduce their value. Using harsh cleaners or scrubbing the coins might cause scratches and marks, which will be noticeable to a skilled appraiser. For serious collectors, it's recommended to use professional services to clean coins in a way that preserves their value.

What You'll Need for Cleaning Coins

Required Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Clean Coins Using Vinegar or Lemon Juice

This is the most effective at-home method for cleaning non-collectible or less valuable coins. Follow the steps below to effortlessly clean a typical oxidized penny.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar (or lemon juice) with 1 tablespoon of salt in a jar and stir until the salt is fully dissolved.

Place a plastic bin on a flat surface

Pour the cleaning mixture into the plastic bin until the pennies are fully submerged, ensuring they lie flat at the bottom. If the liquid doesn't cover them completely, simply add more solution.

Submerge Coins in Solution

Place the coins in the plastic bin in a single layer, ensuring none of them touch. Let them sit for 15 minutes.

Take the coins out and dry them off with a cloth

Remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel; they should look shiny. If the layer of brown oxidation doesn't budge, return the coins to the container and let them soak for five more minutes.

Scrub Coins With Baking Soda (Optional)

For a more interactive method of cleaning coins, give this technique a try:

• Mix a small amount of water with a tablespoon of baking soda to create a paste.
• Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to each coin and gently scrub.
• Rinse the coins to reveal their newly polished surfaces.

Wash Coins with Dish Soap (Optional)

If your coins still appear dirty, follow these steps to clean them:

• Fill the plastic bin with about an inch of warm water.
• Next, squirt in some dish soap and swirl the water to form bubbles.
• Drop the coins into the solution and gently rub each one until they shine.
• Rinse them with warm water, then pat dry.

How to Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Coins for Longer

Here are some tips from the United States Mint to keep your coins looking fresh longer:

• Handle with care. Always hold coins between your thumb and index finger to avoid damage.
• Protect your hands. For valuable coins or after cleaning, wear gloves to prevent smudging or leaving fingerprints, and to protect from your skin's natural oils which can damage the coins.
• Keep them dry. Excess moisture can tarnish coins, and saliva may leave hard-to-remove spots.
• Store properly. Use acid-free and PVC-free holders to store your collectible coins. Both acid and PVC can damage coins, with PVC causing a sticky green residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should you avoid when cleaning coins?

  Do not use harsh chemicals like acid dips or metal polish to clean coins. These substances can not only pose serious health risks, but they also have the potential to cause irreversible damage to the coins. The chemicals may lead to abrasions or initiate harmful chemical reactions with the metal.

• Can you clean coins using hydrogen peroxide?

  Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean coins. It is effective in removing stains and tarnish without harming the surface of the coins. However, it is recommended to use a diluted version of hydrogen peroxide rather than a concentrated form.

• Is isopropyl alcohol safe for cleaning coins?

  When mixed with salt, isopropyl alcohol (not to be confused with rubbing alcohol) is safe for cleaning coins. Soaking coins in this mixture helps remove dirt buildup. Although it is safe, isopropyl alcohol is more abrasive than vinegar.

• Why do pennies turn green?

  Pennies turn green due to oxidation, a process that is often accelerated by exposure to excess moisture, heat, and pollution. To slow down oxidation, handle collectible coins carefully—minimize direct contact and ensure they are properly sealed to help preserve their appearance.