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How to Shine a Penny

After years of being in circulation, a penny can build up a ton of dirt and grime that will leave it looking less than shiny. Pennies made prior to 1982 are almost all copper, while those made since 1982 are almost all zinc with a copper coating. All of the cleaning techniques will work with the zinc pennies, although the result may not be a penny that looks brand new. Pure copper pennies, on the other hand, can be cleaned and shined to restore their original luster.

Things You'll Need

  • Ketchup Toothbrush Baking soda Small dish Cola Metal cleaner Paper towel
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Instructions

  1. Ketchup Method

    • 1

      Rub ketchup on the penny. Use a toothbrush to work the ketchup into the entire penny.

    • 2

      Rinse the ketchup off the penny with water.

    • 3

      Combine baking soda and water in a small dish to make a paste. Rub the paste over the penny. Rinse the paste off to reveal a shiny penny.

    Cola Method

    • 4

      Pour enough cola in a small dish to completely cover a penny.

    • 5

      Drop the penny in the dish. Let it sit for 24 hours.

    • 6

      Remove the penny and rinse it off. The penny should be very shiny.

    Metal-cleaning Method

    • 7

      Apply a dab of metal cleaner to the penny.

    • 8

      Rub the cleaner into the penny with your fingers or a paper towel. Let the penny sit for a few minutes.

    • 9

      Wipe off the cleaner with a paper towel. The result will be a shiny penny restored.


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