How to Clean Silver Coins Using Reverse Electrolysis

Cleaning Silver Coins

• 1

  Choose an AC/DC power adapter of 9, 12 or 18 volts from an old electronics item. Cut off the little plug that goes into the electronic equipment (not the large plug that goes into the wall) with scissors and pull the two wires apart about 6 inches down. With wire strippers, strip the ends about one inch so wires are bare.

• 2

  Choose stainless steel alligator clips that have screws for attaching wires. Attach one clip to each bare wire on the power adapter.

• 3

  Fill the 16 oz. glass with cold distilled water. Add a teaspoon of salt and stir until dissolved. Add several drops of concentrated lemon juice for better conductivity, if desired.

• 4

  Test the wires with the tester to determine which the positive connection is and which is negative. Attach the positive wire and alligator clip to the stainless steel spoon and the negative wire and alligator clip to the coin. You may have to chip away some corrosion on the coin to get to the bare metal underneath to insure a good contact.

• 5

  Place the stainless steel spoon into the glass of water. Plug the adapter into the wall outlet.

• 6

  Dip the coin into the water until it is completely covered. Do not let it touch the spoon.

• 7

  Watch for the coin to start bubbling and fizzing, usually within a few seconds. Note that the water turns cloudy and dirty and the solution will begin to smell unpleasant.

• 8

  Wait five minutes for a heavily soiled coin to clean. Less encrusted coins might clean sooner, so check occasionally by lifting the coin out of the solution.

• 9

  Unplug the unit when the coin is cleaned.

• 10

  Rinse the coin under warm running water to dislodge and remove any solution and loosened dirt.