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Aluminum Coin Cleaning

For coin collectors and metal detectors searching for treasures, there is certainly always going to be a time when a coin doesn't look as good as you wish it did. Although aluminum coins are going to be newer coins, they are still prone to oxidation and may need a clean up. There are a couple of effective ways to improve the appearance of the aluminum coin using things you probably already have easy access to.

Immersion Bath
- Immersing aluminum coins in a bath of hydrogen peroxide is one way to clean them up. According to Metaldetectingworld.com, the process begins immediately upon immersion and tiny bubbles will become visible very quickly. The evidence that cleaning is taking place will be obvious. Catalytic decomposition of the peroxide is caused by the metal, while the tarnish from the metal and any soil on the coin will soon begin to flake off.
  
  Keep an eye on a coin in a peroxide bath because over time the coin will begin to deteriorate. If the coin starts to look pitted or porous, then the coin should be removed and rinsed immediately and examined to see if further cleaning is possible. It may be the case that the time needed to properly clean the coin in peroxide will be too much for the coin to handle. Look at the coin under a magnifying glass to see if any surface damage has occurred.
Soap and Scrub
- It sounds simple, and it is. Wash the coins and scrub them. Of course, depending on the condition, it may take a little more than the elbow grease required to wash you car. If that's the case, start with a container of hot soapy water and soak the coin in it. Remove the coin and quickly pat it dry. The polishing required may be intense, so it is a good idea to use a high-speed glass brush in a lathe to fully bring the coin back to life. A cloth pressed against the brush in the rotating machine will clean the coin, according to Metaldetectingworld.com.
When in Doubt
- If you know or suspect that a particular coin is of monetary value, you might want to leave the cleaning job to a professional coin dealer. According to metal detecting enthusiast website Minelabowners.com, even rubbing a coin under running water could potentially mar the surface of a valuable coin.
  
  In most cases coins, dug out of the ground will be worth no more than face value because of their condition. However, if you are looking to preserve a mint-condition coin, then it is a good idea to seek professional services to protect it. Lacquering coins is another useful way to preserve the condition of coins if they are not going to be handled regularly.

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