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How to Clean Uncirculated Copper Coins

Uncirculated coins are either the result of a specific manufacturing process, a name given to indicate certain grades of a coin's condition or a reference to coins that haven't been circulated normally through daily commerce, according to the U.S. Mint. If you are keeping copper coins with the intent of selling them or because they may hold value, it is not advisable to clean them. Dealers and other coin enthusiasts want pieces in their normal, untouched state. Cleaning may damage or degrade the value of any type of metal currency, though there are methods to do so with minimal impact to your copper coin.

Things You'll Need

Grape or olive oil
Plastic container
Dishwashing soap
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Distilled water
Soft, lint-free cloths
Cotton tipped swab

Instructions

- 1
  Soak the coin in grape oil or olive oil. This is an effective treatment for dirt, grime and corrosion. Wait a few days for results. Longer periods of time will produce increased benefits.
- 2
  Pour 1 pint of distilled water into the plastic container and mix in 1 tbsp. of dishwashing liquid. Place the coin in the solution and allow it to soak for several minutes. Gently scrub the coin with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- 3
  Cover both sides of the coin with petroleum jelly; apply the coating with cotton swabs. Remove the excess with clean swabs and wipe off the remainder of the residue with a clean and soft lint-free cloth.
- 4
  Use distilled water to rinse off coins that have just been cleaned. Pat the coin with a clean and soft lint-free cloth and let the remainder of the moisture air-dry on the cloth. Do not rub the coin during this process, as this can cause scratching.

Coin Collecting