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How Can I Clean Coins With Mineral Oil?

Coin collectors enjoy seeking out the rarest and most valuable coins in circulation. Some collectors may focus on a collection of current coins from other nations, for example, while others may choose to collect ancient currency from civilizations that disappeared long ago. Over time, coins develop layers of rust, dirt and grime that are difficult to remove and destroy their appearance. This can greatly diminish their value. By soaking the coin in a tub of mineral oil, then degreasing it with acetone, some of the grime can be removed.

Things You'll Need

Mineral Oil
Soaking container
Plastic container lid
Acetone

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a plastic food container lid into several strips, wide and long enough to accommodate your coins. These plastic strips serve as a sort of tray, keeping the coins from resting on the bottom of the soaking container, which ensures both sides of the coins are soaked.
- 2
  Set the strips inside the soaking container, and place the coins on top of them.
- 3
  Fill the container with enough mineral oil to cover the coins completely.
- 4
  Remove the coins from the container when they are clean. Note, this may take several days. Rinse them with acetone to remove all the oil.

Coin Collecting