Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How to Polish Silver Dollars

Silver dollars can lose their shine over time. Exposure to gases, particularly sulfur, can cause silver to become tarnished and dull because of oxidation. Although some collectors prefer the natural appearance of silver after the toning of the oxidation process, others want the coins to remain shiny. Silver polish can damage coins if not used properly. Luckily, several household products can remove dirt and restore shine to the coins.

Things You'll Need

Soft toothbrush
Distilled water
Olive oil
Pan
Aluminum foil
Baking soda
Salt
Liquid soap
Soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Brush away any superficial dirt from the silver dollars by gently applying a soft toothbrush.
- 2
  Soak the silver dollars in distilled water for a day or two. Use the toothbrush again after soaking to carefully remove more embedded grime. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you are happy with the results.
- 3
  Soak the coins in olive oil for two weeks if they are still dirty. After they have soaked, use the toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.
- 4
  Place the silver dollars in a pan lined with aluminum foil and fill it with a solution consisting of a quarter cup each of baking soda, salt and liquid dishwashing soap combined with eight pints of water. Bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes before removing the coins.
- 5
  Wipe the silver dollars with a soft, clean cloth for a finished shine.

Coin Collecting