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How to Remove Tarnish From Pennies

The metallic composition of pennies has been almost consistent throughout the years. Pennies have been made out of a mixture of copper and zinc and, at times, tin. With the exception of a steel- and zinc-coated version in 1943, however, all pennies are coated in copper, which like other precious metals will tarnish when exposed to oxygen. To restore a penny's shiny appearance, experiment and dip the coins into different solutions.

Things You'll Need

Shallow non-metal bowl
1/4 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
Ketchup
Toothbrush
Baking soda

Instructions

Vinegar and Salt
- 1
  Pour 1/4-cup vinegar and 2 teaspoons salt into the non-metal bowl.
- 2
  Stir the mixture until it is completely dissolved. Place no more than 20 pennies into the solution and let them sit for five minutes.
- 3
  Remove the pennies and rinse them with water, and let them dry on a paper towel.
Ketchup and Baking Soda
- 4
  Apply some ketchup to the surface of the penny and rub it in with an old toothbrush.
- 5
  Rinse the penny with water. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the penny to increase the shine.
- 6
  Rinse the penny again to clean off any baking soda.

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