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How to Re-Tone Silver Coins

Silver reflects 95 percent of the light shined onto it. Silver is a semi-precious metal that was used in U.S. coins regularly until 1964. It is not recommended that you polish your silver coins, because it is possible that you will remove their "patina" or original luster. Coins that have been polished improperly may lose value. Using toothpaste, the tone of your coin can be restored with no fear of damaging it.

Things You'll Need

Toothpaste
Old toothbrush
Warm water

Instructions

- 1
  Squeeze some toothpaste onto the surface of the coin. A small drop will suffice.
- 2
  Coat both sides of the coin with a thin layer of toothpaste. Let this coin set for at least 15 minutes.
- 3
  Drip some warm water onto a toothbrush. Use a toothbrush that you don't plan on using again.
- 4
  Gently scrub the front and back of the coin with your toothbrush.
- 5
  Rinse off your coin and dry it using a paper towel.
- 6
  Put your coin into a zip-top bag. This will prevent your coin from corroding as fast in the future.

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