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How to Remove Grime & Dirt From Collectible Coins

Collectors around the world value old, original coins. Authentic and unmarred coins are the most valuable. As coins age, they develop a light film that causes them to appear cloudy and tarnished. The original film on a coin provides proof of its origin and age. Although cleaning old coins can make them shiny, they may become scratched and depreciate in value. Removing the original film and grime on collector coins can also greatly lower their value. However, some collectors clean old coins for aesthetic appeal instead of investment value. Carefully clean collector coins with certain solutions and techniques.

Things You'll Need

Hand soap
2 lightweight plastic bowls
Warm water
1 teaspoon mild dish-washing liquid
Spoon
Warm distilled water
Clean microfiber cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your hands thoroughly with hand soap to prevent transferring oil and dirt onto the coin.
- 2
  Fill a lightweight plastic bowl with warm water. Add one teaspoon of mild dish-washing liquid to the warm water. Mix the solution thoroughly with a spoon to dissolve the soap.
- 3
  Fill another lightweight plastic bowl with warm distilled water. Place a clean microfiber cloth nearby.
- 4
  Pick up the coin by its edges and hold it between your fingertips. Submerge the coin in the soapy solution. Gently rub the coin between your fingers to remove dirt and grime. Do not use your fingernails.
- 5
  Hold the coin under warm running water to rinse away the loose grime. Handle the coin by its edges.
- 6
  Dip the coin in the distilled water bowl. Swish around the coin in the distilled water.
- 7
  Place the coin on the microfiber cloth to air-dry. Do not rub the coin with the cloth.

Coin Collecting