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How to Remove Scratches From Gold Coins

You value your gold coin collection and not just for the money it's worth. Coin collections can take a long time to amass, and over time you may form sentimental attachments to some of your finds. Accidentally scratching one of your treasures can cause disappointment, and even diminish its value, depending on the coin. You may be able to remove a scratch, but you'll need to be careful. Vigorous polishing could cause even more damage.

Things You'll Need

Pan
Dish detergent
Nail polish remover
Vinegar
Very soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Take the coin to a local Numismatic Society, preservation services group or museum, if it is an antique. Very old coins may be even more fragile than newer ones and should only be cleaned by experts. You may be advised not to attempt cleaning or polishing of the coin.
- 2
  Add a small amount of gentle dish detergent to a pot of boiling water, and boil the coin gently for around 20 minutes. Do not allow the pan to boil dry, or you could burn the coin. Remove the coin from the boiling water, and gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. If the scratches are from dirt, this could remove them.
- 3
  Soak your coin for five minutes in nail polish remover. Sometimes people tape coins to mounts, and the tape leaves residue that looks like scratches. Nail polish remover will remove many residues that soapy water leaves behind. Remove the coin and gently pat dry with a soft cloth after five minutes.
- 4
  Soak your coin in vinegar for five minutes, if the scratch remains. Sometimes gold coins get rust stains from storage in steel boxes, and these stains resemble scratches. Vinegar will remove any rust. Remove your coin from the vinegar and pat it dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Coin Collecting