Hobbies And Interests

How to Rust a Coin

Before you start trying to rust a 2009 dime, bear in mind that most metals from which coins are made do not actually rust. Metals that rust include iron and steel. Few coins are made of these, although some do exist, namely some that were issued by Bulgaria and Finland in 1943, and the steel penny issued by the U.S. the same year. If you can get hold of these coins, you're set. Since steel is made mostly of iron, the same instructions apply for both steel and iron coins.

Things You'll Need

  • Coin made out of iron or steel
  • Safety goggles
  • Mask for your mouth and nose
  • Copper wire
  • Strong plastic bottle
  • Protective gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase muriatic acid from your local hardware store. If muriatic acid is undiluted, it removes rust. If it is diluted, it causes fast rust formation. Pour two ounces of the acid into a strong bottle made of plastic.

    • 2

      Soak copper wire in undiluted muriatic acid. Cover the bottle loosely -- if there's no space for air to escape, it may combust. It will take approximately one week for the copper to dissolve in the acid.

    • 3

      Mix the muriatic acid mixture with approximately 40 times that amount of water, or 80 fluid ounces. This dilutes the solution, so it won't clean rust, but rather create it quickly.

    • 4

      Dip the iron or steel coin into the solution with tongs, being careful not to splash. Lift it out and place it on a clean surface, not near any steel or iron. The coin should start to rust within the hour.


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