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How to Remove Wax on a Coin

Museums cover coins with wax. The wax protects the coins when handled and from excess moisture. Wax also allows you to attach the coins to a display board. If you are handling expensive antique coins, you'll need to be careful to help ensure that you don't damage them. Don't use solvents, as they can easily etch the coins or damage their antique appearance.

Things You'll Need

Plastic spoon
Fishing line
Clean cloth
Water
Hair dryer

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape the side of the coin with the edge of a clean plastic spoon. Do not use metal or any sharp objects as it could scratch the coin. Remove as much of the wax as you can.
- 2
  Hold fishing line between your hands and stretch it tight. Scrape the wax off with the fishing line in a seesaw motion.
- 3
  Soak a clean cloth in clear water.
- 4
  Rub the cloth over the coin to remove the rest of the wax residue on the coin.
- 5
  Check the coin closely. If wax is still visible, hold a hair dryer, on medium heat, over the coin until the wax softens.
- 6
  Rub the coin with the water-dampened cloth to remove the rest of the wax.

Coin Collecting