How to clean copper Soviet coins

Cleaning copper coins. — Numismatics

   Most novice collectors sooner or later have a number of questions regarding cleaning coins. They especially arise during purchase, when it is important to correctly evaluate the specimen. How and with what to clean a copper coin? Is it possible to improve the condition of the coin or is it better not to touch it so as not to spoil it? How to avoid coin corrosion during storage? Let's try to answer all these questions.

  For clarity, let’s take 3 copper coins of different states. In our case, this is 1 kopeck of 1924, 1 kopeck of 1913 and money of 1737. Let's clean them at home and apply a patina. We will record each stage with the help of photographs so that you can compare the initial state of the coins and what you end up with.

Coins before cleaning.

Cleaning compounds

To clean coins at home and apply patina to them, we will need: 1 packet of citric acid, a toothbrush and 1 bottle of sulfur ointment. Citric acid can be purchased in almost any store, sulfur ointment can be purchased at a pharmacy, and you can take an old toothbrush that is unsuitable for brushing teeth.

Next, prepare a solution of citric acid - to do this, dilute a packet of citric acid in hot water in any container with a volume of 200-300 ml. It is most convenient to use glass containers, for example, caviar containers. They fit in volume and are closed with a screw cap.

The prepared solution can be left for reuse. Place the coins in the solution for about a couple of hours. We take the coins out of the solution and, armed with a toothbrush, go to the bathroom directly to clean. Lather the brush and carefully clean the coins.

If after this there are still stains on the coin or it was not possible to completely clean the coin, re-immerse the coin in the solution for about another hour. Many people recommend additionally boiling coins in distilled water to clean them of acid residues and impurities found in tap water.

If you wish, you can leave the coins in this form, but there will still be a risk of copper corrosion. Patina protects copper from corrosion. This is what you should get after cleaning.

Coins after cleaning.

 Applying patina

Once we have achieved the required purity of the coin, we can begin applying the patina. To do this, make the water as hot as possible. The hotter the water, the darker and more uniform the patina will be. If the water is warm, then the patina will be lighter. You can try on different coins and achieve the patina that you like best.

Water can also be poured into a container, but this way it will quickly cool down and it will not be possible to apply the same patina to several coins. Next, you need to apply a small layer of sulfur ointment to the coin, periodically exposing it under running water. After this, we wash off the remaining ointment with the same toothbrush and soap, dry the coins, and evaluate the result.

Coins after applying patina.

Many people recommend using Trilon B as a cleaner. Also, many manufacturers of accessories for collectors produce a fairly wide range of cleaning products.

Moreover, for each coin material you can (and should) choose your own cleaning agent. We looked at one of the simplest and cheapest (the result can be assessed from the photographs).

As a solution for applying patina, you can also use a solution of copper sulfate with potassium permanganate, heated to about 70 degrees.

 Copper coins can be cleaned and patinaed at home, spending a minimum of money and time. Of course, it will not be possible to improve the condition of the coin, but you can give the coin a more attractive appearance and protect it from corrosion in this way. When buying a coin that you plan to clean, you need to take into account its original condition, and the fact that cleaning will not always bring the desired result - the appearance of the cleaned coin may differ noticeably from the original one.

Source: http://numizmatt.ru/chistka-mednih-monet/

Methods for cleaning copper coins

I preserve copper coins in the following way. Firstly, I first rinse under running water. Then I put the copper coins in an enamel container, fill it with distilled water and boil for several minutes.

By the way, to clean copper coins you need to get wooden or plastic tweezers and sterile disposable gloves.

After this, you need to dry the coins. To do this, I place them on a white paper towel and then dip them in 96% ethyl alcohol. Alcohol is necessary to absorb residual water that is not visible to the naked eye.

Next, we coat the cleaned copper coins with wax, petroleum jelly or other materials that prevent oxygen from reaching the surface of the coin. Thus, we protect the coin from various chemical processes that destroy copper.

We put cleaned and preserved coins in boxes, albums or other places where they will not be exposed to sunlight, temperature changes and other physical factors.

Once a year we check the condition of our coins. If the preservation is not carried out carefully (for example, the coin was not dried after washing), then oxides of various colors may appear on the copper coin. Then it is necessary to repeat the conservation of coins.

Other ways to clean copper coins

Let me warn you again that all cleaning methods at home are dangerous for coins. If the coin is rare and of interest to collectors, then sell it without cleaning. If you are going to keep a valuable coin in your personal collection, then do not skimp and contact professional restorers.

This will only increase the value of the coin. It will be a shame when, after cleaning it yourself, you discover that the coin is no longer interesting to collectors.

In most cases, cleaning a copper coin that has been removed from the ground will damage the patina that has built up over decades and expose numerous imperfections on the surface of the coin.

When I started searching with a metal detector, dozens of copper coins appeared at my disposal, which (as it seemed to me) needed cleaning. So I tried different ways to clean copper coins. Most of the experiments turned out to be failures because I lacked endurance. I wanted to get results almost immediately; I didn’t want to wait for weeks.

Therefore, the very first method of cleaning copper coins that I tried was cleaning copper coins in citric acid.

Cleaning copper coins with citric acid

This is the fastest way to clean copper coins. The entire cleansing process takes place right before your eyes. For this method we need a ceramic or plastic container, water and citric acid. Pour citric acid into a non-metallic container and dilute it with water. We select the concentration ourselves. Stir until the citric acid crystals are completely dissolved. Place a coin in the container.

We watch it and turn it over. The surface of copper coins in citric acid is very quickly cleaned to pure metal. All the smallest cracks and cavities become visible on the coin. The coin acquires the characteristic red color of copper. This method of cleaning copper coins will help get rid of various oxides, but at the same time remove all patina. Therefore, after this it will be necessary to apply the patina artificially.

For example, a very original method of patination of copper coins was proposed on one of the treasure hunting forums. One treasure hunter claimed that it is very easy to apply a beautiful, smooth patina to copper coins by placing the coins behind a kitchen vent for a while.

The patina applied in this way looks quite natural, which cannot be said about other types of patination at home, for example, using sulfur ointment.

You can use this method of cleaning copper coins in exceptional cases.

The photo below shows a copper coin after cleaning in citric acid:

Cleaning copper coins in soap

The most common method for cleaning copper coins among treasure hunters. Take a plastic container with a lid. Using a coarse grater, grate the soap into the container and fill it with boiling water. Stir the resulting mixture until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Place coins in a container for a long period of time.

What soap should I use? There are many opinions on this matter. Some people use laundry soap, but I recommend using baby soap that contains EDTA (Trilon B).

From time to time, coins must be removed from the soap solution and softened dirt and plaque must be cleaned off under running water with a specially prepared toothbrush with cut bristles. This procedure must be repeated until we achieve complete removal of all oxides and dirt.

If you are not too zealous, this method of cleaning copper coins is quite safe for coins. It will preserve the patina. But it is possible that it will not be as uniform as we would like. The main thing in this method is exposure; the contamination on some coins can be so strong that the coins will have to be kept in a soapy solution for weeks.

The photo below shows a copper coin before and after cleaning with soap. By the way, it was in a soap solution for more than 1 month.

Photo from wheeclamp.ru

Cleaning copper coins by boiling in oil

Some treasure hunters are experimenting with cleaning copper coins by boiling them in vegetable, olive and other oils. Vaseline oil is most often used for these purposes. This method is also called “boiling in Vaseline oil.” In this case, copper coins are boiled in boiling Vaseline oil, after which the dirt and deposits from the copper coins are cleaned with a brush.

An example of a coin that was boiled in oil:

Photo of Copperfield from the site www.staraya-moneta.ru

I have not tried this method, as it is associated with a considerable risk of injury. Therefore, we move on to the next method, which is not so dangerous to your health.

Cleaning copper coins in kefir

Some treasure hunters practice unusual ways to clean copper coins. To do this, they use acids contained in food products. For example, some people clean copper coins in kefir.

They say that the oxides in kefir soften quite quickly and after just a few hours you can try to remove them with a toothbrush. This or that I haven't tried.

If you have conducted such experiments, be sure to write about it in the comments, or better yet, post your photos taken before and after cleaning the coin.

By the way, in addition to kefir, you can also use olive oil to clean copper coins. But the processes occurring with this method are so slow that it can be called preservation of coins rather than cleaning them.

Cleaning copper coins using electrolysis

To clean coins by electrolysis, we need a glass of cold water, a stainless steel spoon, a pinch of salt, an AC/DC adapter (9, 12 or 18 volts), two alligator clips.

Let's get started! Bare the wires from the adapter (the adapter can be taken from an old phone or other gadget). Connect the clamps to the wires, which can be purchased at a radio parts store.

Attention! Working with electrical appliances can be dangerous!

Put some salt in a glass of water and stir. Connect the clamp with the negative wire to the coin, and the positive wire to the spoon. Immerse the spoon and coin in the solution so that they do not touch each other. We turn on the adapter in the el. net.

If everything is done correctly, then after a few minutes we should observe how the solution around the coin darkens. This oxides and dirt on the coin begin to dissolve.

After a few minutes, turn off the device and remove the coin for inspection. To stop the reaction, wipe the coin with baking soda and rinse it thoroughly under running water.

Remember that there may be different options for cleaning copper coins using electrolysis. The above is just one of them.

Examples of cleaning copper coins and various objects by electrolysis (pictured on the left - before cleaning, on the right - after cleaning):

Photo le111 from the site kladenets.ru 

Photo by banderovec from the site kladenets.ru 

So, we have looked at the main methods of cleaning copper coins that treasure hunters use.

Let's sum it up

• Do not clean valuable coins yourself. Find a professional to do this job. Conduct experiments only on those coins that you don’t mind.
• One of the safest ways to clean copper coins is mechanical cleaning. The process is long and very tedious, but the result is amazing.
• After any cleaning, it is necessary to properly preserve the copper coin, which will allow it to be safely stored for many years.

about cleaning coins

At the end of the article there are several videos that show how not to clean copper coins:

Source: https://10hobby.ru/blog/sposoby-chistki-mednyx-monet/

Cleaning coins at home: brief instructions for beginners

Almost any metal oxidizes over time, especially for collectible coins. The older the coin, the more expensive it is, but the stronger the oxides on it. Therefore, it is important to know how to carefully clean coins at home so that you can minimize damage to even the oldest coins.

To clean coins, specialized solutions have been created that perfectly remove almost any dirt and uneven patina, as well as oxides. But such liquids are quite expensive, so alternative cleaning methods at home are popular.

For example, if you need to clean USSR coins, but don’t want to spend money on expensive mixtures, then you can try using:

• citric acid;
• soap;
• Coca-Cola;
• electrolysis.

If you have been looking for ways to clean gold and silver coins, then we have prepared detailed instructions for you. These methods do not require any special skills or knowledge from you, so their use is available at home, just like making albums for coins (instructions here).

Cleaning coins at home using citric acid

To do this, you will need a small ceramic or plastic container, citric acid and water. The acid is poured into a container and diluted with water, after which you need to put a coin in this solution.

The cleaning process must be monitored, periodically turning the coin over , since the solution is quite aggressive towards contamination and is capable of cleaning the coin down to the metal.

In order to protect it from oxidation after cleaning, you need to create an artificial patina.

Cleaning coins with soap

This method can be called the most gentle, since ordinary neutral baby soap is used for such cleaning. It needs to be grated on a coarse grater and diluted with a small amount of water to obtain a homogeneous plastic mass.

You need to insert your copy into the resulting soap mass and leave it for a while. Periodically, they need to be pulled out, inspected, and the accumulated layer of dirt and oxides washed off.

The main disadvantage of this method is its duration , because complete cleaning can only be expected after a few weeks.

Cleaning with Coca-Cola

Many people know that this drink has some cleaning effect and is useful for polishing chrome surfaces. However, Coca-Cola can also help in such matters as cleaning coins at home.

Source: https://LifeCoins.ru/chistka-monet-v-domashnix-usloviyax-kratkaya-instrukciya-dlya-nachinayushhix.html

The best product for cleaning coins made of different metals

The best coin cleaner should not contain strong abrasives that can damage the surface of the coin. Today, there are many ways to wash a banknote from oxide, patina or dirt. At the same time, owners of rare and expensive coins also need to know how to properly clean coins at home so as not to deform the valuable item.

Tips for cleaning coins

Before you start cleaning coins from various types of contaminants, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with several recommendations, including:

1. Objective assessment of the value of a metal banknote. Sometimes the surface of the disc is covered with a patina that forms over time. However, it is this contamination that gives the coin both historical and cultural value. Therefore, removing the patina can significantly affect the value of the banknote. It is worth considering that incorrect application of any drug can deform the metal from which the specimen is made.
2. Some compounds, especially chemical ones, should be tested first on less valuable types of coins. It happens that even the most gentle means can ruin a banknote.
3. It is better to entrust the cleaning of very rare and expensive specimens to more experienced specialists who understand metals.
4. Under no circumstances should nitric and sulfuric acid be applied to silver and copper items, as they will erase small elements of the ornament.

If you neglect all these tips, then cleaning, which was carried out without the necessary experience and knowledge, will not only not return the coin to its former appearance, but will also significantly damage the specimen.

The best cleansers

The best cleaning compounds, of course, are the ones at home that you can find at home. Most folk remedies (for example, soap solution, citric acid) do not contain abrasive substances, so they do not have such a strong effect on the surface of the metal and do not damage it.

We recommend reading: 20 kopecks from 1945 worth more than 150,00 rubles

However, you can also use universal chemical preparations that can effectively deal with any type of contamination on a coin (for example, Asidol-M, Tech-45, Leuchttrum, Shine Coins, Silbo, Lan 7). Instructions for use, as well as on which surfaces a particular composition can be applied, are indicated on the packaging.

For silver

Silver coins need to be cleaned based on the assay grade and the degree of surface contamination. Instances made of high-grade metal can be cleaned with soda (30 g of substance is required per 100 ml of water) or ammonia solution (9 parts of water and 1 part of alcohol are required). The silver coin is simply placed in one of the solutions for a while until it becomes clear.

Note! The process can be significantly speeded up if you put the composition with a coin on the fire and bring it to a boil a couple of times. In this case, contaminated areas of the surface should be treated with a brush with soft bristles.

If there is little oxidation on high purity silver banknotes, the surface can be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda, alcohol and toothpaste. The composition should be thick and should not contain any abrasive. Apply the product to the surface and rub with either a brush or your fingers.

Low-grade silver coins can be cleaned with a composition such as Trilon B. The product is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10. Afterwards, the product is dipped into the prepared solution. When the patina disappears from the banknote, the coin can be rinsed with water.

For copper

Often the surface of copper specimens is covered with a patina. However, if there are no significant traces of rust, but just a film present, then it is better not to clean the copper metal disk. Patina protects the coin from rust, giving the coin a noble appearance.

If there are traces of grease or fingerprints on a copper banknote, they can be removed with warm water and rinsing the coin under running water.

If the coin is still susceptible to corrosion, it is necessary to use aggressive substances (for example, Trilon B, citric and acetic acid). They will remove the deformed layer without affecting the integrity of the image.

Weakly oxidized specimens can be soaked in the solution for several hours, while heavily contaminated specimens can be left for a day.

To prepare a solution with citric acid, you will need to dilute the powder with water in a ratio of 1:3, respectively. To make a vinegar solution, mix a couple of tablespoons of vinegar in a liter of water.

For bronze

Bronze items can be cleaned with compounds designed for copper. You can also clean the banknote with ammonia, but the surface of the disc will change the color of bronze. As a result, the metal will turn black or brown.

To restore the shine to the bronze surface, just lubricate the coin with toothpaste and then wash it in warm water.

After washing, the banknote must be dried. To do this, the specimen is wrapped in fabric folded in several layers or in a paper napkin.

For gold

There is no need to subject gold coins to aggressive cleaning. If there are any stains, they can be washed in a warm soapy solution, then rinsed and dried.

Gold coins do not need to be rubbed heavily with a cloth, as the cloth may leave scratches on the surface.

For bimetal

Bimetal coins are made from two different materials. For example, steel or silver is used to mint the central part, and gold or copper is used for the rim. Therefore, not all cleaning methods can be used for bimetallic products, since while one metal is being cleaned, the other may already deteriorate.

We recommend reading: Souvenir coin in the shape of a bullet

The most effective means for cleaning bimetal banknotes are:

1. Soap solution. Mix 30 ml of liquid dish soap in a liter of warm water. Place the coin in the composition for an hour. Then wipe the product with a dry, clean cloth.
2. 10% ammonia solution. Pour the substance into a container and place a coin in it. Wait exactly 10 seconds, and then you can take out the specimen with tweezers and wipe it dry.

Note! The main thing is not to overexpose the coin in the ammonia solution, otherwise the product may be damaged. If necessary, the procedure can be performed a couple more times.

To clean proof quality coins, you can use ammonia. To do this, you need to hold on to the rim of the disc, using light movements to remove dirt from the surface. Alcohol can be applied with a cotton swab. After the procedure, the coin must be washed and dried.

It is not difficult to clean a coin, including a dug one, from dirt at home. The main thing is to know exactly whether a given product is suitable for a particular type of metal or not, so as not to spoil the specimen. If you are not sure, you can take the coin to an experienced specialist for cleaning.

Source: http://inzoloto.ru/investicionnye-monety/samoe-luchshee-sredstvo-dlya-chistki-monet

How to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home: copper, silver, bronze, USSR

Coins that are dirty or darkened over time are cleaned with purchased pastes and liquids, such as Asidol, or use home remedies.

The method and substance for exposure are selected depending on the type of contamination and material of manufacture.

Methods for cleaning coins from blackness

Blackness appears on coins due to the influence of time

Blackness appears on pennies and rubles under the influence of time (patina) , being in the ground, or if the coin has become dirty as a result of prolonged circulation.

If the product has not come into contact with the soil, and the dirt is a consequence of money circulation, cleaning can be done with a sponge moistened with acetone, gasoline, alcohol or 5% formic acid.

Patina is removed with the following substances:

• Soap. The most gentle and long-lasting method. The soap is grated on a coarse or medium grater, poured into a plastic container and poured with a small amount of boiling water. The dissolved substance becomes dense, jelly-like, and coins are placed in it. Depending on the degree of blackening, the duration of action ranges from a day to several weeks.
• Ammonia. The ammonia included in the composition dissolves the patina. It is necessary to wipe the metal with a cotton pad soaked in the product.
• An aqueous solution of turpentine (4 ml), medical alcohol (5 ml) and oxalic acid (1 g). Water is needed in an amount of 1 ml. Cotton wool coated with the mixture should be used to clean the coin.

Methods for cleaning coins from green plaque

Green deposits form on copper coatings.

The reason for its appearance is oxidation. The surface is covered with copper carbonate salts, which have a green tint of various shades.

How to clean old coins

The gentlest way to clean the product is to use citric acid (5-10%), as it slowly corrodes salts and oxide without touching the metal copper.

The plaque removal process involves the following steps:

1. Pour citric acid into a fairly large container.
2. Submerge the coins completely in the liquid. Products should not touch each other and have minimal contact with the walls of the container, otherwise cleaning will be uneven.
3. A couple of times a day you should take out a coin and remove the lagging layers. A soft toothbrush is suitable for this. Do not press too hard or rub for too long as this will cause reddish stains.

The second method involves using 9% food grade vinegar.

The cleaning procedure is as follows:

1. Pour vinegar (about 60 ml) into a wide container.
2. Add a liter of distilled water.
3. Place a coin in the container so that it does not touch the walls.
4. Take it out every day and remove any loose plaque.

In both methods, the contact time is selected individually, and is determined by the state in which the coin is located.

The center of such products is made of cupronickel, and the outer ring is made of brass. Cleaning is challenging as metals require different handling.

The best options suitable for both parts may be:

• Soap. Use is similar to removing patina.
• Dishwashing gel. About 30 ml of gel should be poured into a liter of warm water and the product should be left in it for 0.5-1 hour. Then you need to rinse them and wipe them with a flannel cloth.
• Lemon acid . One glass of cool water will require 3 g of powder. Bimetallic coins must be soaked, contact time is 0.5-1 minute. When finished, rub with a soft cloth to add shine to the products.
• Soda. It is necessary to dilute 50 g of powder in 250 ml of boiling water, dip the coins for 20 minutes. If the dirt is very heavy, you can clean the metals with toothpaste, but cleaning may cause scratches.
• Ammonia. Ammonia should be poured into a shallow container, the product should be placed in the liquid for 5-10 seconds, then rinsed and polished.

Ways to Clean Zinc Coins

Attention! Money made from this metal is the most difficult to clean. The complexity of the procedure is that zinc reacts only to strong acids, which can corrode the product, and also quickly darkens under the influence of air in just a couple of hours.

The optimal method is to remove plaque using a 0.5-1% solution of hydrochloric acid.

Cleaning coins with citric acid

The progress of work is as follows:

1. Pour acid into a wide container.
2. Place money in liquid.
3. Use a soft brush to clean the coin, holding it in the liquid.
4. Every 2-3 seconds, remove the coin and check its condition, because the substance acts quickly and can dissolve not only plaque, but also metal.
5. Rinse the product under strong running water and wipe with a soft cloth.

Automotive paste for chrome parts also removes patina and dirt. The drug “Tsinkar” is suitable for combating plaque. It needs to be applied for 20-30 seconds, then wiped off, the procedure can be repeated if necessary. It is advisable, after removing the substances, dip the coin in a soda solution for 8-10 minutes, rinse, and then dry in the oven.

You can use laundry soap to remove plaque, in a manner similar to removing blackness, and also wipe with a cotton swab moistened with 10% ammonia.

How to Clean a Copper Coin

Attention! Copper money, if there is no corrosion on it, but there is a patina, it is better not to touch it.

Depending on the type of active substance, the metal surface may be covered with a green, pale yellow, brown, black or cherry coating. Metal is better cleaned when heated.

Metal is better cleaned when heated

Cleaning agents may be:

• Soda. It is necessary to pour 0.5 liters of water into the pan, add 3-5 tbsp. l. powder, stir. Load collection specimens into liquid. Boil the money on the stove for half an hour, then lightly brush and rinse.
• Soap. Add a little water to the grated component, achieving a “sour cream” consistency; dip money into the mixture until the stains are completely removed.
• Vinegar. Objects are placed in a 7-20% substance for 20 minutes, cleaned with a brush, then washed, and repeat the procedure if necessary.
• Kefir. The product is poured into a glass or plastic container, pouring coins over it for at least half an hour, then rinsed.
• Olive or sunflower oil (can be replaced with Vaseline). Pour 3 cm of oil into the pan, heat it on the stove, then carefully lower the dry coins and leave for 10 minutes without covering with a lid. At the end of the process, you need to remove the oil with a brush or boil it in water.
• "Trilon-B" . Special substance for cleaning copper. The money is dipped into it for 15 minutes, then washed.
• Ammonia (5-15%). Works on red cherry spots. Copper products are completely immersed in the liquid. The duration of action depends on the degree of contamination of the item.
• Vinegar (10%). Suitable for yellowish stains caused by contact with lead or green deposits. Every day you need to take out the product, remove the loose layer of plaque, and check the degree of cleaning.
• Vinegar dough. Table vinegar is mixed with flour, applied to the surface, the frozen mass is cleaned and washed.
• Coca Cola. A drink is poured into a glass vessel, a coin is placed in it and left for several days. To enhance the effect, you can place a container on the battery.

How to clean a silver coin

Attention! To remove stains on this expensive metal, you cannot use abrasive preparations, as they damage the surface. Therefore, silver coins are usually cleaned with chemicals. Before any cleaning, the silver is washed to get rid of normal dirt.

To remove greenish copper compounds on silver, use a 5% solution of sulfuric acid. They pour it into a coin in a glass container, periodically removing, rinsing and brushing off the waste salts.

Cleaning a Coin Using Vinegar and Soda

For the same purpose, 5% formic acid is used. In both cases, it is advisable to heat the liquid to 50 degrees.

If the stains are minor, you can soak the items in baby soap for about 6 hours.

In a difficult situation, if the oxide is hard and dense, but the core is preserved, use this method:

1. A piece of aluminum or zinc with holes punched in it (like a grater) is placed at the bottom of the glass container.
2. Coins are placed on top of the plate.
3. The objects are covered with another sheet of the same metal as on the bottom.
4. Fill everything with 5-10% formic acid so that both plates are completely hidden.
5. Copies of the collection are often removed and cleaned of off-oxides.
6. Clean coins are washed.

The sulfide film is restored using this method:

1. Place aluminum foil folded several times in a porcelain bowl.
2. The desired silver item is placed on top.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of soda and 1 teaspoon of salt into a liter of water and bring to a boil.
4. Press the silver against the aluminum with a non-metallic object and pour the hot solution into it.
5. After a minute, remove the item and wash it.

Cleaning bronze coins

Important! Bronze reacts strongly to acids, so it is best to avoid using them. After removing the plaque, the metal often loses its color; it is advisable to keep the coins in sunlight for a long time to return the original shade.

Restoring the appearance of bronze coins can be done in the same way as copper coins, but it must be taken into account that ammonia will discolor the surface. Vinegar and ammonia must be diluted with a large amount of liquid.

To clean objects made of this metal, you cannot use sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids.

How and with what to clean USSR coins?

USSR currency was made from different materials, so you need to know what the coin is made of before you start cleaning it.

The first copies, released in 1924, were made of copper or silver, in 1926 some of the copies were replaced with aluminum bronze, in 1932.

Durable nickel versions appeared; in 1961, copper-zinc and copper-nickel products began to be minted. Based on the release date of the coin, a cleaning agent is selected.

Year of issue	Denomination	Material
1924-1925	0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 kopecks	Copper
10, 15, 20 kopecks, fifty dollars, ruble	Silver
1926-1931	1, 2, 3, 5 kopecks	Aluminum bronze
10, 15, 20 kopecks	Nickel
1961	1, 2, 3, 5 kopecks	Copper with zinc
10, 15, 20, 50 kopecks, 1 ruble	Copper with nickel
1991	10 kopecks	Steel
50 kopecks, 1.5 rubles	Copper with nickel
10 rubles	Bimetal: copper with nickel and copper with zinc

Numismatic specimens made of nickel are quite durable and are rarely subject to heavy contamination. They are characterized by a reddish-brown coating or greenish spots.

You cannot remove dirt from nickel or copper-nickel coins using vinegar, as the coins will turn red or pink after contact with the substance. Hydrochloric acid and abrasive materials are also not suitable.

Trilon-B, dissolved in liquid in a ratio of 1:10, removes plaque well from nickel . The coin is placed in the mixture, and upon completion of the process, the object is cleaned with a brush. Electrolysis is acceptable, but the anode (+ terminal) must be made of nickel, not graphite.

Conclusion

Coins, depending on the material used, can be cleaned using a variety of methods and substances, ranging from soap to strong acids.

Regardless of the method, it is recommended to use only distilled water. At the end of cleaning, you should rinse or boil the products in liquid, degrease with acetone, then with alcohol (30-60 minutes).

At the end, you need to dry the coins in an oven or a special cabinet (at a temperature no higher than +100 degrees).

Source: https://Otbelim.com/uhod-za-metallami/drugie-metallicheskie-predmety/kak-ocistit-monety-ot-rzavciny-i-okislenia-v-domasnih-usloviah.html

Cleaning coins at home

Professional numismatists and amateur collectors have a large number of different coins and they are all in good condition, because they know how to properly care for such items. But what about those who are not private collectors and do not know how to clean coins at home? Especially for you, we have collected all the necessary information with which you can clean your coins.

How to clean coins?

In order to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home, a variety of products are suitable. It can be:

• toothpaste;
• vinegar;
• ammonia;
• Coca Cola;
• lemon or citric acid powder;
• special means;
• baby or laundry soap.

In addition to this, you will need:

• a brush with soft or medium-hard bristles;
• soft cloth;
• thin needle.

Important! Remember that the technology for cleaning old coins will be noticeably different for everyday use. The first ones require much more careful and careful attention using less aggressive means.

How to wash coins at home?

You can clean ordinary metal money using several simple methods.

First option:

1. First wipe your coins with a vinegar solution - 3-5%.
2. Gently brush the surface of the coins using a small amount of toothpaste.
3. Remove any residue with a damp cloth.
4. Gently polish your coins to a shine using a dry cloth.

Second option:

1. Place the metal money in the water.
2. Wipe the surface of the coin with baking soda directly in the water.
3. Wipe the coin with a cloth soaked in ammonia.
4. Treat the coin with soda one more time, rubbing the powder into the surface of the product.
5. Rinse under running water and polish thoroughly.

Third option:

1. Pour one bottle of Coca-Cola into a bowl - adjust the volume to the number of items (0.5 is fine in most cases).
2. Throw coins into this bowl and leave them there overnight.
3. In the morning, take your money out of Coca-Cola.
4. Rinse under running water to prevent them from remaining sticky.
5. Polish them with a soft cloth.

Fourth option

Wipe contaminated products with a solution of hydrochloric acid, but not very concentrated. Dry thoroughly and gently.

Important! Remember, all these methods of cleaning coins at home are quite aggressive in terms of mechanical impact, so small scratches may remain on the surface.

Fifth option

1. A more gentle cleaning option is baby or laundry soap:
   Take one-eighth of a bar per 1 liter of water.
2. Grate the soap using a grater or dissolve the whole bar in water. If you choose the second option, the procedure will be much longer.
3. Soak your coins in the prepared solution.
4. Keep them in the detergent for 3-10 hours. Determine the time based on the degree of contamination.
5. Brush lightly with a soft brush - even an old toothbrush will do.
6. Once the coins begin to shine again, rinse with cool water and polish the entire surface with a dry cloth.

How to clean old coins?

Before you start cleaning old, expensive coins, be sure to find out what alloy they are made from. This is precisely what will be the determining criterion when choosing a suitable product, as well as a technology for removing contamination.

How to clean gold?

To ensure that cleaning coins at home is correct and safe, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a soap solution that consists of baby or laundry soap.
2. Soak the coins for a short time and then rub them gently with your fingers.
3. Place the pan on the fire and heat it up - the effect will be much better. But at the same time, under no circumstances should you boil it.
4. Repeat this procedure if necessary.
5. Dry by placing coins between several soft cloths.

Important! Under no circumstances should you use brushes or rub your coin, even after washing. Please note that the entire procedure may take up to 10 days.

How to clean silver?

Choose a method for cleaning a silver coin, taking into account 2 important factors:

• how quickly and strongly the metal oxidizes;
• alloy sample.

In order to wipe off dirt from high quality products that show signs of severe oxidation:

1. Pour a small amount of ammonia into a bowl.
2. Place your precious items in it.
3. Keep in this state for 1 hour.
4. Place between soft fabrics that absorb moisture well, and until the surface of the coins is completely dry, leave them between them.

Important! Clean low-grade products using special products. For example, “Trilon B” will do. How to use it is indicated in the instructions on the package.

How to wash copper and bronze coins?

Bronze and copper are very unique metals. Their distinctive characteristics are the formation of a natural plaque, which has a dark brown color and sometimes an almost black tint. It is this coating (patina) that indicates the real age of the coin, which serves as a determining factor during the evaluation of the product. In addition, the more uniform and even the coating is, the more beautiful the coin itself looks.

Important! Do not attempt to clean the patina - this will reduce the value of the coin and may also damage the surface of the metal itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0

Dirt, dust accumulate on the surface of such products, and green spots may appear - they require removal. In order to do this efficiently, but cleaning coins at home does not later cause a decrease in the value of items in your collection, follow these instructions:

1. Rinse the coin under cool running water.
2. Gently wipe with a solution of 9% table vinegar or citric acid.
3. Rinse your coins again with warm water.
4. Dry by wrapping them in a soft cloth - do not rub them.

Cleaning USSR coins

Coins issued during Soviet times have over time turned into interesting collections, carefully stored by numismatists. A lot of time has passed since their release, so they could have changed a lot. Without proper care, such money will lose all its value; cleaning coins from the USSR at home will help preserve wonderful specimens that are inextricably linked with history.

Remedy No. 1

It is prohibited to use chemicals without certain skills. But the mixture, which is obtained from ammonia, toothpaste, and baking soda, will effectively cope with all contaminants.

Important! You can immediately prepare a large amount of the product, only then store it in a tightly closed container and, if necessary, apply a certain portion to the surface of coins that need cleaning.

Remedy No. 2

A solution of baking soda and water is also useful for removing varying degrees of contaminants. Keep the coin in the resulting solution for several hours until the metal is clean and shiny. After this, rinse and completely get rid of moisture.

Remedy No. 3

Another effective method for cleaning coins at home is to use half a teaspoon of citric acid in 1 cup of hot water. Place a coin in this solution for a few seconds, then remove it, rinse and wipe thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth.

Important! Do not leave your precious item in citric acid for a long time to avoid damaging the metal.

material

We hope that all our tips, which have been tested for more than one generation, will help you clean your precious coins.

Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/chistka-monet-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html

Cleaning copper coins at home: methods

Beginning collectors and the lucky ones who have found themselves in the hands of ancient copper pennies, rubles, money, fifty kopecks, altynniks or hryvnias, looking at them, wonder: how to clean an ancient copper coin?

And, as it turned out, their most common mistake is trying to return the shine to the coin. And this greatly reduces its market value!

After all, during the cleaning process, the main thing is not to overdo it and not to deprive the coin of the noble patina that emphasizes its antiquity!

Let's try to clean coins at home and not cause damage to our collection.

What a beginner should remember

Of course, it’s better if your rarities are cleaned by a professional, but you can handle this task yourself.

To begin with, a numismatist needs to remember that the natural oxides on an ancient copper coin that are dark brown and sometimes black in color are called patina.

They cannot be deleted! They not only add value to your rarity, but also protect it from the destructive effects of the environment.

Examine the patina - if it is smooth, then simply wash your coin with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth.

Cleaning copper coins with acid

In cases where the oxide layer is uneven and thick, it must be removed. Several methods are used for this.

First, you should find out how to clean using citric acid, which can be purchased at any supermarket.

• Dissolve three parts of acid in seven parts of water, thus obtaining a 30% solution.
• Place a coin in it and wait no more than 15 minutes.
• As a result of a chemical reaction, cleansing will occur and dirt will rise to the surface.
• If the coin acquires a pinkish tint, it will change in a few weeks.
• After restoration with acid, the coin must be washed in water and soap containing alkali to stop the effect of acid on the metal.

Sometimes the cleaning process may need to be repeated for better results.

Cleaning copper coins with soap

The collection can be cleaned in another, safer way. Numismatists know very well how to clean copper coins with laundry soap.

To do this, grind it on a fine grater and prepare a solution (ratio: 1 part soap and 8 parts water), stirring it thoroughly.

The coins are placed in soapy water for two weeks. Periodically put the water on the fire and heat it up without bringing it to a boil.

During this time, the dirt from the coins will begin to come off, however, sometimes (especially if the oxide layer is thick) you have to make additional efforts to clean them (for example, brush them with a soft toothbrush), but most often it is enough to wipe such a coin with a cloth.

By the way, with the help of soap it is best to restore antique and Soviet ones produced before 1924. But more modern ones can be ruined by such cleaning!

How to Clean Copper Coins from Greens and Other Stains

In order to rid the collection material of stains, it can be boiled over low heat in oil.

A good result can be obtained using petroleum jelly, as it has a fairly high boiling point. Namely, it is required for successful cleaning.

The coins are kept in boiling oil for 10 minutes, just remember to cover the container with a lid to avoid soot.

They are then allowed to cool and washed with soap. Be sure to soak the coin in ethyl alcohol for a few minutes to remove the grease. After this procedure, it can take its rightful place in your collection.

How to clean copper coins from oxidation

If a coin is covered with a dark cherry coating of cuprous oxide, it can be removed by immersing the coin in a 15% ammonia solution (instead, a 10% ammonium carbonate solution is used, which is less aggressive towards copper).

Dark green color indicates the presence of copper carbonate. This plaque is removed with the help of (and how exactly was described above). A less aggressive method is to soak coins in kefir for 2-3 hours. Don’t forget to periodically check how the cleansing process is progressing.

Sometimes there are coins that are covered with a pale yellow coating of lead carbonate. This usually indicates that its alloy contains a lot of the mentioned metal or that it has been lying with lead objects for a long time. Such plaque can be easily removed with a 10% solution of acetic acid.

What to do if rust appears on a coin

If you are concerned about how to remove rust from copper coins, you will have to use a slow-acting reagent.

This The thicker the layer of rust, the longer the coin will have to lie in the reagent.

And some numismatists advise purification with Coca-Cola. This method, although it seems somewhat strange, is nevertheless very effective.

Drying coins after cleaning

After you have succeeded in cleaning the copper coins from dirt and oxides, they need to be dried.

To do this, it is best to use paper towels, folded in several layers, and cover your cleaned antique item with another towel on top.

Use only soft ones for this - this way you won’t scratch the surface of the coin! By the way, you can dry it completely at a temperature of 100° C.

And in order to prevent and slow down oxidation processes, periodically rub the collection material with crumpled newspaper.

What to do if a copper coin has lost its noble patina?

If you still overdid it or for some reason you had to completely clean the coin, you can restore the patina layer by artificially aging the product.

True, cleaned coins themselves acquire a patina over time, but it can look uneven and thereby greatly spoil the appearance of the collection material.

In order to avoid this, the coin is degreased and dipped in a 10% hyposulfite solution for 15 seconds, and after drying, it is wiped with a soft cloth.

The described operation will help to give the antique an even and beautiful patina.

Useful tips

If you still have little practical knowledge of how to clean copper coins, then you should practice on less valuable items and only then move on to the most expensive pieces in your collection.

If the coin has become unnaturally light as a result of cleaning, place it on a sunny windowsill, where within a week it will return to its normal appearance. However, you must remember to turn it over regularly.

If you come across a coin that is affected by the so-called “bronze disease,” then it is better to give it to a professional restorer.

This can be distinguished by the oxides on its surface, similar to light green grains. And the coin itself, as a rule, is badly damaged and crumbles if you pick it up.

A few final words

We hope that after reading the question of how to clean copper coins at home, you will not find it too difficult.

But I would still like to warn you that you should give particularly expensive and rare pieces of your collection to the hands of a specialist. Otherwise, it may turn out that your rarity is hopelessly ruined.

By the way, paste, salt, baking soda and sand are substances that can cause irreparable damage to the appearance of the collection material.

After all, all of these are abrasive substances that can scratch the surface of the coin and, accordingly, reduce its value.

Good luck with your restoration and collecting!

cleaning copper coins

Source: https://monetisssr.ru/stati/kak-ochistit-mednye-monety/

How to properly clean commemorative coins from the times of the USSR

The first commemorative coins were issued in the Soviet Union back in 1965. Since then, about 15 series of copies have been minted from precious metal, as well as various alloys. Many samples today are considered expensive rarities.

Therefore, such coins have a place of honor in the collection of any numismatist. You can view possible examples of the Soviet past in the antique online store Monitex. Here are coins minted for anniversaries of significant events.

The products are rare and unique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0

Do you have a sample of coinage from the Soviet mint, and it has a sad imprint of time? Don't be upset. In this article we will tell you how to clean USSR commemorative coins at home using simple improvised means. Everything is quite easy, but you need to take into account the type of alloy and some nuances.

What to pay attention to

The method of cleaning USSR commemorative coins is selected based on the metal alloy, which can be:

• copper;
• copper-nickel;
• copper-zinc;
• platinum;
• paladium;
• gold;
• silver

Jubilee rubles have always been and will continue to be very popular among all numismatists. It can be noted that many collectors collect copper-nickel coins, since they are simply cheaper. Therefore, first we will talk about methods of cleaning just such specimens.

Cleaning copper-nickel samples

Cleaning such coins at home is quite simple. Among the most popular methods are those based on the following compositions:

1. Soapy solution. The coin is placed in a container in which water and soap have been prepared in advance. The method is quite lengthy, but gentle.
2. Vinegar. Caustic microelements are capable of corroding rust and corrosion.
3. Hydrochloric acid. This option leaves no chance for dirt and formations, and also adds shine.

Actually, these methods are applicable to other inexpensive commemorative coins. If necessary, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Massaging movements quickly remove impurities.

Many people are interested in how to clean USSR commemorative coins made from inexpensive metals from corrosion. However, there are more expensive samples. Let's talk about them.

Cleaning Precious Metal Commemorative Coins

Silver and gold samples are not too susceptible to chemical reactions. Therefore, it is possible to clean USSR coins from precious metals using more active compounds.

One way is to clean with citric acid. To prepare the solution, you need to place 2 tsp. concentrated lemon juice into a glass container with slightly warmed water. The cleaning agent is taken at a volume of 10–20 ml per coin. The sample is placed in the prepared solution for approximately 10–15 minutes (depending on the condition of the plaque). Next, the coin is taken out, and softened oxidation is removed with the help of a soft toothbrush.

A similar method is also used when ammonia is used instead of citric acid. To clean one coin, you need about 10 ml of the prepared substance. During the entire time that the sample spends in the liquid, it is necessary to perform inversions. This will ensure even cleaning.  

Source: https://monitex.com.ua/stati/kak-pravilno-pochistit-jubilejnye-monety-vremen-sssr/

How to clean old coins at home: copper coin cleaner

Cleaning coins at home is a process that can require a lot of effort and time. Whether the exhibit will regain its original appearance or not depends on the effectiveness of the chosen method. During the procedure, special attention should be paid to the age and degree of contamination of the coin, the properties of the metal from which it is made, and the cause of the stains.

The use of aggressive compounds is strictly prohibited. Cleaning carried out in accordance with the recommendations of professionals is a guarantee of the safety of a valuable product. Even small defects can significantly reduce the value of a coin. The older the exhibit, the more careful the processing should be.

To prevent the appearance of traces of oxidation, products must be kept in a special album. It has its own “pocket” for each coin. In a piggy bank, coins made of different metals come into contact not only with air, but also with other exhibits.

This may negatively affect the appearance of the entire collection.

How to clean coins: universal methods

Their list is quite extensive. Compositions used for cleaning can be divided into two groups. The first includes specialized solutions. They are characterized by efficiency, speed, wide spectrum of action and high price. The last factor often becomes decisive.

Many collectors save money on cleaning products by using time-tested methods. There are usually no difficulties with their acquisition and production. The main thing is to correctly assess the general condition of the coins that need processing and prepare the solution, observing the prescribed proportions. Knowing how and what to clean an old copper coin with can save you a lot of time.

Neutral soap

Cleaning carried out using a mass of hypoallergenic baby or laundry soap is considered the safest. The bar can be crushed using a regular grater. You must add water to the resulting mixture.

The finished composition should have a homogeneous plastic consistency. Coins whose appearance is spoiled by oxides, plaque, patina and dirt are left in the prepared solution until the dirt disappears.

Products that have undergone treatment are wiped with a piece of soft cloth.

Soda and soap mixture

By adding dissolved baking soda to the soap mixture, you can significantly speed up the cleaning process. After completing the procedure, the coins need to be lubricated with an alcohol-containing liquid and Vaseline ointment. This is necessary in order to prevent oxidation of the product in the future.

Vaseline oil

They often use it to clean soiled exhibits. The processing process is not complicated. Vaseline oil is poured into a suitable container, which is then placed on low heat. Coins are placed into the boiling mixture using tweezers. They should remain in the pan until they are completely clean. At the next stage, the products are placed in ethanol.

Table vinegar, citric acid

Before using these ingredients, you need to make sure that the coins will not be harmed by them. Even if negative consequences do not immediately appear, citric or acetic acid should be used with extreme caution. A coin collector needs to follow a fairly simple algorithm:

1. Pour (pour) the component into a plastic or ceramic container, the volume of which will be sufficient for the procedure.
2. Dilute the main ingredient with warm water, taking into account the prescribed proportions (1:2, respectively).
3. Place coins that need cleaning in the prepared solution. They need to be turned over periodically.

After processing, an artificial patina must be applied to the products. This prevents their oxidation. You must wear gloves on your hands during the procedure. Instead of these components, you can use ammonia and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cleaning agents may be applied to exhibits with a regular sponge.

Coca Cola

Cleaning done using this popular drink will take at least a week. To speed up the process, a glass of cola into which a coin has been inserted must be placed near a heat source. A gradual increase in temperature will enhance the properties of the carbonated liquid. This reaction to cola can be explained by the fact that the drink contains orthophosphoric acid. If the exhibit has long-standing contamination, more serious methods should be used.

Electrolysis

When choosing this method, you should not forget about:

• safety precautions when operating equipment powered by electricity;
• high risk of damage. Especially valuable coins should not be subjected to such treatment.

To achieve the desired result, you need to follow the instructions:

1. Preparation of equipment necessary for cleansing. Among them are a saline solution, a ceramic bowl, a power supply (from 6 to 12 V), two alligator clips, and a metal object. The latter should not be made of copper or brass.
2. Installation of clamps. The minus is attached to a coin, the plus to a metal object. Both elements are carefully lowered into the liquid, which was previously poured into the selected container.
3. Turn on the power supply.

If everything is done correctly, the solution will turn cloudy after a few minutes. This indicates the separation of dirt and oxides from the surface of the product. The coin removed from the container is washed in boiling water and dried.

Features of processing copper products

With proper preparation, cleaning old copper coins and figurines at home will not take much time. The processing method is determined based on the color of the plaque. If it is red, use ammonium carbonate or ammonia (5% solution).

To get rid of green, you can use citric acid diluted in water in proportions of 1:10, respectively. The yellow ones disappear quickly under the influence of table vinegar. To bleach, you will need distilled water. Old stains are removed with special compounds, Trilon-B is considered one of them. This coin cleaner can be purchased at a hardware store.

Rules for cleaning silver coins

Silver coins can be washed with citric acid, table vinegar, ammonia, Trilon-B salt and a solution prepared with baking soda. It should not be used dry. This is fraught with the appearance of small scratches.

A homogeneous mixture containing ammonia, toothpaste and soda can give a good effect. Before using it, you need to make sure that there are no abrasive particles.

Following these tips on how to clean old silver coins can greatly improve their appearance.

Safely clean old and collectible items at home

Products that can help with contamination on the surface of valuable specimens without causing harm include sweetened water and onion juice. Special formulations are most often made based on oil or petroleum jelly. After being in a liquid environment, coins should be wiped with a soft cloth. It is prohibited to use gels intended for washing dishes and plumbing fixtures.

The regularity of cleaning is determined by the numismatist himself. If he does not plan to sell coins, there is no urgent need for careful and expedited processing. Exhibits of particular value are recommended to be cleaned with special compounds. If you lack confidence in your own knowledge and experience, you should trust the professionals. Damaged coins in most cases cannot be restored.

Old products, unlike modern ones, are not protected from external influences. When cleaning, it is necessary to take into account that the strength of ancient products is greatly reduced. Therefore, when choosing a means for their treatment, you should give preference to gentle and safe preparations. How to clean old coins at home is indicated in the instructions that come with them.

Source: https://tvjam.ru/livehaki/kak-ochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnih-usloviyah/

How to clean coins at home: rust, oxidation, plaque

It is known that the market value of an old and not very old coin consists of the following factors: its rarity (circulation), the metal of manufacture and, of course, the quality of preservation. Indeed, all other things being equal, a coin in excellent condition can cost many times more than the same coin, but dirty, rusty and worn.

That is why many are interested in the answer to the question of how to clean coins at home. In fact, this question is ambiguous and it is very risky for a beginner to take on the task of cleaning a rarity himself. If improperly cleaned, you can remove a valuable layer of patina from the coin disc or even damage it, which will negatively affect the final auction value.

Let's look at the most gentle ways to clean coins from rust, oxidation and black deposits to a shine at home, depending on what metal they are made of, as well as some universal methods.

Universal methods

By the way, there are universal cleaning methods that are safe for coins made of any metal. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Soap solution

The most non-aggressive is a pasty or liquid, but very concentrated solution of ordinary soap. The soap is grated on a fine grater and mixed with water until it becomes pasty. If it is heavily soiled, you can soak the coin in this solution for 8-10 hours, then rub it with your fingers.

Leuchtturm special product

In the field of numismatics, a special coin cleaning product from the Leuchtturm company is known. 15 minutes after soaking the banknotes, you can wash off the dirt and clean off any existing corrosion. Also, some selective household chemicals, such as Metal Cleaner from Amway, are used to wash away dirt and plaque.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste with abrasive particles is also widely used, but in order to avoid damage to the coin and the appearance of small scratches on it, we recommend using softer types of toothpaste, for example, for sensitive teeth.

Remember! If you get your hands on a very rare and, quite possibly, expensive coin, it is better not to risk it and entrust its cleaning to a professional restorer.

Cleaning brass coins at home

Money made from a copper-zinc alloy is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but still needs cleaning. The most commonly used methods are:

• A thick soap solution made from baby or laundry soap, finely grated and mixed with water, will perfectly clean brass coins, but you will have to be patient. This procedure may take several weeks. The money is then washed with warm water and cleaned with a soft toothbrush.
• Cleaning with citric acid takes less time - only 10-15 minutes, but it is important not to overdo the concentration, since this acid is quite aggressive towards metals.
• Oxalic acid, which is easily found in a regular store, also copes with dirt deposits on brass coins. To do this, you need to immerse the money in acid for literally 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
• Brass coins are cleaned by immersing them in the famous drink Coca Cola. Phosphoric acid, which is part of Coca-Cola, can effectively remove dirt and patina from the surface of a coin disc.

Depending on the color of the patina formed on the copper coin, there are different cleaning methods:

• A brown, red or purple patina “indicates” the presence of copper oxide on the coin disc, which can be easily removed with a 15% ammonia solution.
• A whitish patina is a sign of a lead ligature on a copper surface; it is removed after the coin has been in distilled water for several days. After this, the coating becomes loose and can be easily wiped off with a cloth.
• The yellow patina indicates that there is a lead alloy on the copper surface, which can be dissolved with 10% acetic acid.
• Blackening on a copper coin disc can be removed using the following methods: vinegar test, ammonia, boiling in oil (olive, vaseline or sunflower oil is most often used), 5-20% solution of sodium hexametaphosphate. More gentle, but also the longest in terms of time, is soaking a coin in kefir - unusual, but effective.

Cleaning silver coins

Silver coins, along with copper ones, are most often found in treasures. Here are the options for cleaning them:

• The most gentle and accessible way is to clean silver coins with soda mixed with water to a paste-like state. This mixture also allows the coin to return to its original shine.
• Green deposits on the surface of a precious metal coin can be removed using a weak solution of sulfuric acid, which is poured into a ceramic cup and the silver coin is placed there. Periodically, the coin is cleaned of softened plaque and placed back into the solution. After the green coating is completely removed, the coin is washed for at least 15 minutes under tap water.
• In order not to take risks with sulfuric acid, which in high concentrations can damage small relief details, you can replace it with citric acid, but the cleaning time will be longer.

A Brief Overview of Coin Cleaning Accessories and Ways to Improve the Coin's Appearance

Hello, dear readers. In this article we will tell you what the first steps should be to clean rare coins. Most collectors learn how to clean ordinary coins on their own through trial and error. Black royal copper of frequent years is taken and dipped in a chemical product such as “CILLIT”. Some specimens are retrieved back in quite tolerable condition.

Coins in the worst state of preservation, in which the patina occupies a large part, appear from a clouded solution or with the coin field completely demolished, or generally in the form of a thin circle, which remains a coin only in the memories of its unlucky owner.

It is clear that a copy purchased for 20 rubles from a digger’s bucket is written off as a failed experiment and thrown away without any doubt. But it would be a shame to part the 1902 copper coin 2 kopecks from 1927 , for which there were grandiose financial plans, were dropped into an unsuitable means

It’s impossible to count how many valuable coins were irretrievably and thoughtlessly lost just because their former owner did not bother with the question “How to clean rare coins?”

Do you always need to clean a coin?

USSR silver coin in patina

Inexperienced sellers mercilessly rub the cleaned coin with products that make the metal shine, or even simply polish it with felt. But regulars of the forum, instead of being delighted at the sight of a specimen sparkling in the rays of the lamp, only dissatisfiedly remark: “You just cleared off half the value of the coin!” Conclusion: cleaning does not always add to the price. A beautiful patina is an asset of a coin, not a drawback.

a rainbow patina would not appear on the Internet with enviable regularity . And a polished copy will never be able to imitate the original shine of a stamped coin. It seems to the seller that now the coin should show off in the “Unc” category, and the keen eye of an expert instantly notices in the shine scratches, nicks and abrasions, which do not exist on the “Uncirculated” coin.

Condition of coins and preparation for cleaning

Coins in soapy water

Let's look at an example when a rare coin . For example, 2 kopecks from 1925, which, despite the flourishing of treasure hunting, still remains an expensive acquisition. Before cleaning, it is imperative to remove foreign impurities in the form of dried dirt from the coin. To do this, the coin is kept in an ordinary soap solution.

Soaked dirt should be removed carefully, using methods that will not add new scratches to our specimen. For example, a soft toothbrush coated with a toothpaste that does not contain abrasives. Rare coins should not be washed in chlorinated running tap water. It is better to stock up on either distilled or bottled water. Now you can assess the degree of safety.

The higher it is, the more careful the cleaning methods must be, otherwise we will voluntarily reduce the value of our rarity.

Methods for cleaning coins

Aluminum coins of Ukraine

Before cleaning, it is necessary to determine the metal or alloy from which the coin was made. Cleaning tin or lead specimens will be more difficult for you, since both tin and lead are quite soft. They will be damaged by abrasive cleaning, which will inevitably add new scratches to existing ones.

Aluminum is also a soft metal, but it is easy to clean. We remove the cloudy film of surface oxide with a solution that includes fifty grams of borax and five grams of ammonia mixed in a liter of water. There is no need to rinse aluminum coins after this treatment. We need to move on to direct drying.

Bronze and brass coins (and the 2 kopecks of 1927 are made of aluminum bronze) have a fairly wide range of chemicals to bring them into collectible condition. If the coin were cheap, even cleaning liquid used in kitchen chores would do.

But you shouldn’t take such risks with a rare coin , and it’s better to purchase a specialized cleaning liquid.

Rare coin 2 kopecks 1925 before cleaning

Great care should be taken when cleaning copper coins. Firstly, when the dark or chocolate patina fades, the coin will reveal a harsh shade of red, which not everyone likes. Secondly, a strong chemical will remove not only the patina, but also the relief.

Therefore, cleaning for copper is only the first stage of long work with a coin. You will have to study what means can be used to level the relief and create a patina so that the specimen acquires a collectible appearance.

If we want to improve the visual impression of a rare coin, it is worth using Leuchtturm Copper Coin Cleaning Liquid.

Rare coin 2 kopecks from 1925 after high-quality cleaning

If we are talking about an old silver coin, then in addition to noble silver it contains cheaper impurities, due to which the coin may unfavorably oxidize. Green tones of oxides indicate the presence of copper.

This greenery is removed either with five percent sulfuric acid, or take a ten percent composition of formic acid heated to seventy degrees. For violet-gray shades, use a ten percent ammonia solution, which will soften the gray-violet layer and allow it to be removed by gently wiping with a soft cloth. Gold and platinum are resistant to chemicals.

The adhering layer of foreign impurities does not affect the metal structure and is removed after unlocking in soapy water and subsequent washing.

Cleaning the silver "Walking Lady Liberty"

Necessary tools used in the cleaning process

Rare and valuable coins require careful handling. Cleaning is a kind of stress for them, which can adversely and irreversibly affect their condition. Therefore, you should not aggravate it with careless touches. To do this, you need to choose tweezers. Numismatic tweezers come in direct and reverse types. It is worth taking care of purchasing gloves. They will come in handy after the coin goes through the drying stage. It would be extremely imprudent to leave a fingerprint on a rare coin.

Numismatic tweezers

And, of course, you should prepare a capsule in advance that will reliably protect the ennobled coin from the harmful influences of the environment. You can see what numismatic tweezers and other cleaning accessories look like in our store Monetnik.ru. There is also a large selection of liquids for cleaning various metals and restoring coins.

Vibratory washing device

Individual approach

A wide range of coin cleaning products that can significantly improve the appearance of a coin are offered by many reputable foreign companies. Domestic manufacturers are not lagging behind.

Despite the fact that Russian companies are not so well known in international markets, sometimes they offer products that are not inferior in results to famous brands. However, when buying a cleaning fluid , always read what specific metal (or group of coins) it is intended for.

Before purchasing, make sure that an imported product with a rather high price will be used to clean a rare specimen. It is not advisable to spend expensive liquid on a handful of Soviet coins from ordinary years.

Branded liquids for working with coins

However, stores still do not have the treasured bottle with the inscription “Universal remedy for perfect coin restoration.”

This only means that there is no one-size-fits-all recipe that will turn a tattered coin that has been lying in the ground for about a century into a pleasing collector’s item. After the first cleaning, useful experience .

And yet, you will inevitably ruin a decent number of copies before the moment when you decide to take on cleaning a truly valuable coin.

Gentle removal of patina

Source: https://www.Monetnik.ru/obuchenie/numizmatika/kak-chistit-redkie-monety/