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How to Clean Coins That Have Oxidized

After prolonged exposure to molecules in the air, coins have a tendency to become coated in a white or green layer of oxidation. Removing this oxidation requires acidic solutions, such as lemon juice, vinegar or sour milk. While there are more powerful liquid cleaners used by experienced coin collectors, the following procedure might be all you need to restore the shine to your oxidized coins.

Things You'll Need

Small bowls
Vinegar
Microwave
Salt
Spoon
Paper towels
Lemon juice

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a small bowl halfway with clear vinegar.
- 2
  Place the bowl in your microwave and warm the vinegar for four to five seconds.
- 3
  Add a few teaspoons of salt to the vinegar and stir with a spoon until the salt is completely dissolved. Vinegar and salt combine chemically to create hydrochloric acid.
- 4
  Drop your oxidized coins into the solution. Swirl the mixture around the coins every 30 minutes or so and flip the coins every hour.
- 5
  Remove the coins after four or five hours and place them on a wad of paper towels for drying. Repeat the procedure as many times as you like with a new batch of vinegar/salt solution.

Coin Collecting