Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Know your coin. Most antique coins lose their value once they&'re cleaned. Make sure you know what degree of cleaning, if any, is acceptable for your particular coin. Also be aware of its metal content, as this will determine which cleaners are safe to use.
If you decide you must clean your coin, begin by soaking it in warm, soapy water. This should loosen dirt and sediment without affecting the natural metals or preservation.
Gently dry the coin with a clean, cotton cloth. Don&'t abrade the coin to the point of removing anything but visible dirt.
To remove more sediment, gently swab the coin with petroleum jelly and a cotton swab. Remove with a clean swab.
If sediment or corrosion still remains, try soaking the coin in olive oil overnight. This will loosen any non-native elements attached to the coin with minimal damage.
If the coin is still unsatisfactory, consider having a professional coin cleaner do the job. Professional cleaners have access to many methods, such as electrolysis and "dripping," that clean more effectively than amateur methods.