Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

How to Polish a Rough Silver Ingot

Polish silver ingots that bear no mint mark or age designation easily. Silver coins and commemorative rounds minted in silver, however, should never be polished, regardless of the amount of corrosion present. While it is possible to polish the silver ingot with traditional silver jewelry cleaner, it can be done using baking soda and aluminum foil, as well.

Things You'll Need

Baking soda
Salt
Aluminum foil
Glass saucepan
Stove
Slotted spoon
Clean soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Line the inside of the glass saucepan with aluminum foil, then fill the aluminum liner with water to halfway full.
- 2
  Place the saucepan on the stove, set at medium heat and add 1 to 2 tbsp. of baking soda and an equal amount of salt. Mix it well but try not to poke holes in the aluminum.
- 3
  Add the silver ingot, and then bring the water to a boil. Allow the water to boil for approximately two minutes, then turn off the heat and remove the saucepan from the burner.
- 4
  Remove the silver ingot from the hot water with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a clean, soft cloth. Rub the ingot with the cloth until the tarnish has been removed completely and the silver is polished and buffed.

Other Collecting