Coin Cleaning Solutions

Soap and Water Solution

• Coins can be cleaned with a mild dishwashing detergent or gentle bar soaps that don't contain any perfumes. The coins should soak for 30 to 60 minutes to loosen any grime. They should be rinsed with tepid water and laid individually on a soft white towel, covered and patted dry.

Home Cleaning Solutions

• Coins can be cleaned with olive oil, toothpaste, ammonia or even lye. Olive oil can be used to clean bronze and copper coins. Lye or ammonia can be used to clean ancient Roman silver coins. Regular toothpaste can also be used to clean silver coins.

Commercial Coin Cleaners

• Commercial coin cleaning solutions can be purchased, which mostly contain sulfuric acid or other chemicals used to clean silver or gold jewelry. Always wear protective gloves when using any kind of commercial cleaner. Be sure to use a cleaner specifically for coins--not jewelry cleaner.

Electrolysis Cleaning

• For an intensive cleaning, you might want to consider a electrolysis cleaning. You can do this at home with just a few items like an AC/DC power adapter, a stainless steel spoon and two alligator clips (see link in Resources).

Professional Cleaning

• You can take your coins to a trusted dealer for professional cleaning, or enlist with Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS) which applies its preservation techniques to your coins, much like restorers save works of art.