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How to Restore Silver Coins

Over time, silver coins can get a layer of oxidized black grime that diminishes their appearance and makes the details of the coin difficult to see. If you are considering selling the coins for profit do not attempt to clean them yourself. A dealer can help you with professional, safe ways to clean your coins. Often, a coin dealer or collector will want to buy the coin in its current condition, even if it is a bit tarnished. If you intend to keep the coins for yourself, however, and would like to restore the visibility of its details, there is a safe method to use.

Things You'll Need

Cleaning agent: lemon juice or vinegar or rubbing alcohol
Bowl
Soft cloth
Sulfur-free envelopes

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the bowl with enough of your cleaning agent for you to be able to completely submerge the coins.
- 2
  Place the coins in the bowl and allow them to soak until all the grime has been dislodged. Place the coins on the bottom of the bowl, not touching each other.
- 3
  Remove the coins from the bowl and pat them dry with your soft cloth. Do not rub the coins or use a polishing cloth, as this can scratch the surface of the coin.
- 4
  Place the coins in special sulfur-free envelopes, which are available through coin dealers. Sulfur is the agent that tarnishes silver. Sulfur in the air and sulfur in many kinds of paper can hasten the tarnishing of your recently cleaned coins, so the special envelopes are necessary.

Coin Collecting