How to clean coins from traces of rust and oxidation
Many of us have found money on the street at least once in our lives, but it often happens that the coin leaves much to be desired in quality.
Rusty, covered with stains and corrosion environments, no one needs it, but a lot in its life can change if you try to clean it. Who knows, behind the layers of dirt and rust, you could end up with a fortune in your hands, as many collectors are willing to pay millions for rare coins.
Each metal used in making coins may react differently to oxidation and contamination. To begin with, so that everything becomes clear at once, let’s consider what cleaning methods there are, and most importantly, from which metals, because the quality of cleaning depends on this.
- — Chemical type,
- — Mechanical type of processing,
- — Cooking coins,
- - Electrolysis.
A little about the chemical method
What we may need: ammonia or ethyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, soda, detergent, solvents, washing powders and liquid concentrates.
With these ingredients, you can try to clean up recent coin contamination problems, but it obviously won't work on old rust.
To achieve maximum quality, try dipping a coin in hydrochloric acid (carefully read the instructions for use and safety with the liquid!). Prepare a bath or container with a small amount of acid and immerse the coins in it. Usually 5-10 minutes are enough. Next, carefully take out the coins and quench the acid reaction with any alkali.
You can try combined methods for cleaning coins if they are made of different metals, but to do this you need to know exactly the material of the coin.
For most coins with a light type of contamination, a gentle treatment of the trail with a soapy solution of dishwashing detergent is sufficient. If the dirt is denser or is well adhered to the coin, you can try leaving the coin to soak for 3-6 hours. If after checking there is no result, leave the coin in the solution overnight (18-20 hours).
Cleaning silver coins
Silver can be cleaned quite well with lemon juice. Toothpaste, tooth powder or baking soda. It is enough just to slightly moisten the product, then rub and rinse.
Cleaning Copper Coins
Typically, stains on copper and dirt are removed using a soap solution, vinegar, a rag and water. The process is not close, so get ready to spend weeks, or even months. Coins should be soaked in a concentrated soap solution and left there for at least 8-15 hours before cleaning.
If a coin is covered with rust, it usually takes 2-3 cleanings, but more problematic areas take several weeks to perfect.
Zinc and iron
Here, in cases of severe damage or contamination of the coin, only hydrochloric acid can help. Make a small container with hydrochloric acid and follow all safety rules when handling the liquid.
Immerse the coins in the bath for 5-10 minutes (look at the degree of contamination), then neutralize the acid and rub the coin.
Golden coins
Usually gold loses color, and in order to delicately clean it and give it an attractive appearance, it is enough to treat it with a soap solution, after which the coin must be thoroughly polished.
Electrolysis
The electrolysis method works by passing current pulses through a weak salt solution, which, upon contact with the coin, begin to remove a layer of dirt and rust. But here you should take into account the condition of the coin. Many collectors know firsthand that this method can destroy and ruin the appearance of the coin. In this case, it is better to try boiling coins.
Source: https://kak-otteret.ru/rzhavchina/s-monety
How to clean a copper coin at home - Metals, equipment, instructions
In the old days, copper was often used to make coins, which today are considered rare and are of great value to collectors and numismatists. But this metal is characterized by its tendency to form patina and various oxides.
Patina is a beautiful greenish coating on a copper product. It gives things a noble appearance and is valued by specialists. As a rule, it is not removed from the coin.
But behind the oxides, dirt and grease, it is often impossible to even discern what kind of coin it is, its denomination, and year of issue.
Soviet copper coins
Before deciding to clean your coins, you should clearly understand what materials they are made of. If you have to process several pieces, and there will be specimens made of copper and bronze, then they absolutely cannot be placed in the same solution together. If you plan to further sell coins on the antiques market, then it is better not to clean them at all, since a product without patina will be devalued.
Effective ways to clean coins
There are many ways to clean copper coins at home. But if there is no experience, and the product is valuable, then it is better to use the services of a specialist, since the structure of the metal can easily be damaged.
Mechanical cleaning of copper
Professionals clean coins using this method; they have many different devices in their arsenal, similar to dentist’s tools:
Mechanical cleaning of a coin
- incisors;
- needles of various sizes;
- scrapers;
- brushes of different hardness.
There is also something similar to a drill available.
Using hand and mechanical tools, the layer of dirt and oxides is carefully removed, millimeter by millimeter.
At the same time, the master tries not to damage the product itself and its noble patina.
Cleaning scheme:
Soaking coins in distilled water
- Soak the products in distilled water for an hour. This process will remove dried-on dirt and desalt the coin;
- impregnated with synthetic resin. This is necessary to strengthen the noble patina, and also so that subsequently there are no cavities or other damage;
- proceed directly to mechanical cleaning using tools.
This process is quite painstaking and lengthy. Therefore, there is no need to rush and make great efforts. The main thing here is attentiveness and patience. Some especially valuable coins are cleaned by a specialist within two months.
Ammonia
This cleaning method is used when the coin is coated with strong green oxides. It is very efficient and fast. But, using ammonia, you can damage the patina and damage to the product will become visible.
Ammonia or ammonia solution
What you will need:
- ammonia solution 5–15%;
- water;
- glass beaker;
- non-metallic tweezers;
- a protective face mask for safety, since ammonia vapors have a pungent and unpleasant odor.
Scheme of work:
- First, the coin is placed in a glass with ammonia using tweezers;
- periodically you need to rotate the copper product;
- When the cleaning process is completed, you cannot remove it from the solution, otherwise, treated with ammonia, it may deteriorate in the air. It is necessary to gradually add water to the container until the ammonia content becomes negligible. Only then take out the coin.
Boiling coins in soda solution
A simple and common method.
Boiling coins in soda solution
For it you will need:
- soda – 3–5 tablespoons;
- water – 0.5 l;
- pot;
- Toothbrush.
Stages of work:
- prepare a solution: add soda to water;
- place coins in the liquid. You should not process many products at the same time. They need to be covered with at least 2 cm of water;
- put the pan on the fire and cook for 30 minutes;
- take out the coins and clean with a toothbrush. In this case, there is no need to apply force so as not to damage the noble patina.
Cleaning copper coins in 3 minutes
Acetic acid perfectly removes oxides from coins. But at the same time it acts quite aggressively, it can damage the patina and open cavities and chips.
Cleaning a copper coin with a brush (after treating with vinegar)
What you will need:
- vinegar 7–20%;
- a toothbrush with soft bristles;
- water.
How to clean copper:
- place coins in a container with vinegar for 15 minutes;
- remove and brush with a toothbrush;
- rinse with warm water.
Trilon-B
Trilon-B
This is a chemical composition that is specifically designed for cleaning copper at home.
It does not destroy metal, like some alkalis and acids, the process is fast, the material is inexpensive and can be bought at any jewelry store.
The solution is sold in a jar, where, using non-metallic tweezers, coins are immersed for 10–15 minutes, then taken out, washed with running water and dried.
If the oxide layer was thick, then the procedure can be repeated two or three times until the desired result is achieved.
Soap
A common method for cleaning copper products, including coins. It carefully removes dirt and oxides, leaving the noble patina intact. Its only drawback is the length of the process. In some cases, coins remain in solution for a month or more.
For it you will need:
Cleaning coins with soap
- soap - laundry or baby soap;
- water;
- glass container;
- grater;
- Toothbrush.
Sequencing:
- soap is grated;
- mixes with warm water;
- Stir thoroughly until the soap is completely dissolved. The consistency should be like sour cream;
- coins are placed in the solution. If there are a lot of them, then it is better to dip one at a time so that they do not stick together;
- The container is set aside for some time, at least a day. From time to time you need to take out and inspect coins. When the degree of cleaning has reached the desired level, you need to remove all products and clean with a toothbrush;
- rinse with water and dry.
Electrolysis
A fairly common method for which you will need:
Cleaning a coin using electrolysis
- glass or glass jar;
- graphite element;
- soda;
- water;
- two clamps;
- 9V or 12V adapter (you can use a phone charger).
Action plan:
- electrolyte composition: add two tablespoons of soda to a liter of water, stir;
- Connect the negative wire (cathode) to the coin using a clamp;
- connect the positive wire (anode) to the graphite element;
- lower the elements into the solution;
- connect the adapter to the power supply;
- Cleaning by electrolysis of copper lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
Electrolysis device
Warning:
- To ensure safety, you must use rubber gloves:
- do not touch the elements when current is supplied;
- Before removing a coin from the solution for testing, turn off the power.
Effective but dangerous methods
In attempts to clean copper products from plaque and oxides at home, people are experimenting. Often the chosen methods are effective, but can damage the patina - remove it completely.
As a result, the product regains its original appearance, but at the same time loses its value for antique collectors.
So, before using, you should weigh all the pros and cons.
Cleaning with citric acid
An affordable and fast way to clean copper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
What you will need:
- plastic container;
- lemon acid;
- water;
- non-metallic tweezers.
Cleaning copper coins with citric acid
Procedure:
- in a bowl you need to dilute citric acid with water;
- to stir thoroughly;
- using tweezers, immerse the coin in the solution for a few seconds;
- remove and rinse with water.
Citric acid quickly corrodes all oxides, patina, and removes dirt. But you need to make sure that the coin is in the liquid for a short time, otherwise it may deteriorate irrevocably.
Paste GOI
Paste GOI
This paste contains small abrasive particles, thanks to which dirt and oxides are easily removed. Its use is justified when you need to add shine to inexpensive coins. Especially if the composition is bimetallic. For example, copper with nickel (20 kopecks, produced in 1978).
This paste will be more effective if used with a mechanical engraver with a felt tip. In this case, the revolutions should be low - 10–15 thousand per minute. The result is an absolutely clean coin, although it looks unnatural for an item with more than thirty years of history.
How to connect copper tubes without soldering
Unusual ways to clean copper coins
Some of the products we eat contain acid that can remove copper oxides. Also, many household products can be used to clean coins.
Cleaning with kefir
Kefir contains a small amount of acid, thanks to which it carefully cleans coins of dirt without damaging the patina.
But its use is appropriate only when the products are not too dirty, since kefir quickly deteriorates.
Soaking coins in kefir
The essence of the method:
- kefir is poured into a glass or plastic container;
- coins are dropped into the container;
- kept in kefir for at least an hour;
- taken out, washed and dried.
Everything is quite simple, cheap and effective.
Oil
For this method you will need:
- vegetable or olive;
- pot;
- non-metallic tweezers.
Boiling coins in oil
How to clean:
- pour oil into the pan - about 2-3 cm;
- put on fire;
- bring the oil to a boil;
- put coins in it;
- stand for a few minutes - 10-15.
Warning: when heated, the oil “shoots”, so you need to put in the coins only dry and carefully so that the splashes do not get on your skin.
This cleaning method is quite dangerous, but it can remove dirt and leave a beautiful patina.
Household chemicals
Household chemicals designed to dissolve soap scum or rust on plumbing fixtures contain acid, which also removes oxides from copper coins.
Cilit product
For example, a fairly common product is Cilit.
How to use it to clean products:
- pour a little product into a non-metallic container;
- place a coin in it;
- stand for 15 minutes;
- get; get;
- wipe with a thick cloth;
- Rinse.
Often a copper coin will take on a reddish tint after this treatment, but over time it will turn into a patina and the item will look natural.
How to return noble patina to copper
Many methods of cleaning coins, along with oxides and dirt, also remove the natural patina, which is so highly valued by numismatists. In order to artificially recreate it, you will need sulfur ointment. It can be purchased at a pharmacy.
The left side has patina, the right side is cleared of it.
Sequencing:
- pour warm water into a small basin or bowl;
- put on rubber gloves;
- apply and rub sulfur ointment into the coin, this should be done with your hands under water;
- try to distribute the ointment evenly over the product;
- as soon as the metal begins to darken, the product must be removed and wiped with a paper towel;
- leave the coin for two days to consolidate the effect;
- After that, lubricate with Vaseline and polish with a felt cloth.
The desired effect is achieved in several doses, with an interval of two months. It should be remembered that artificial patina is easily washed off with a product containing acid.
: Cleaning copper coins with soapy water
Source: https://spb-metalloobrabotka.com/kak-pochistit-mednuyu-monetu-v-domashnih-usloviyah/
How to clean copper coins at home
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.
Citric acid will help in cleaning coins
In cases where the oxide layer is uneven and thick, it must be removed. Several methods are used for this. First, you should learn how to clean copper coins 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.
- Don't worry if the coin takes on a pinkish tint - it will change after 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.
Can I use laundry 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, using soap is the best way to restore ancient royal and Soviet coins issued before 1924. But more modern ones can be ruined by such cleaning!
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 citric acid (and exactly how it 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 is Trilon B. 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 in a drying cabinet 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, tooth powder, 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!
Source: https://FB.ru/article/144885/kak-ochistit-mednyie-monetyi-v-domashnih-usloviyah
Cleaning coins from rust: methods and means
Found ancient coins or used modern ones are rarely in collectible condition. Mechanical damage cannot be corrected. But cleaning a coin at home is quite possible.
Why do coins rust?
Strictly speaking, the term “rust” applies only to products made of iron or its alloys. In other cases, it is more correct to say “oxidation”. But this is a note for pedants. The causes of rust are the contact of a coin with the ground, water, or contact with other liquids. Even when new money passes from hand to hand, greasy marks remain on it, and over time, rust appears in this place. Its color can be red, green or whitish.
Soap solution
But before you think about how to remove rust, you need to understand whether this is what it really is. Inexperienced collectors often mistake the noble patina that covers the surface of a coin over time for rust. Under no circumstances should the patina be removed. It shows age, and antique coins with patina are more valuable than those that have been polished to a shine.
How and with what to clean coins?
It is better to entrust the cleaning of valuable specimens to specialists. But if you want to clean the coin from rust and other contaminants yourself, you need to know what and how this can be done. There are many cleaning products and methods. The most accessible ones are listed in the following list. After cleaning, be sure to rinse and dry the coins.
Vinegar
- Just vinegar.
Place the contaminated coin in vinegar (5 percent) for two hours. - Vinegar and soda.
Dilute baking soda in vinegar until it becomes mushy. Rub the coin with this mixture and wash with water. - Vinegar paste.
Mix vinegar, salt and flour in a ratio of 2:0.5:1.Rub the resulting paste onto areas with rust until it is removed.
- Vinegar with water. Pour vinegar into boiling water in a ratio of 1 to 4. You can add a little salt. Place coins in boiling water so that they do not touch and remove from heat. After the solution has cooled, remove it, clean it with a soft brush, rinse and dry.
Vinegar vapors are harmful, so carry out the entire operation with reliable ventilation.
Lemon acid
A prerequisite is to completely cover the coin with acid. When part of the surface is exposed to air, a stripe forms there, which is subsequently difficult to remove.
- You don’t have to bother with finding citric acid, but use lemon or lime. Squeeze the juice out of the fruit and put a coin in it or simply immerse it in the pulp of a cut lemon. Residence time in acid varies for different materials and contaminants - constant monitoring is necessary.
- Dissolve citric acid powder in water 1 to 3. Place coins in the solution, turning them over periodically. Heavy stains can be rubbed with a cotton swab. The duration of stay is also individual.
Soda
- You can simply mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the surface and leave for a few minutes to two hours.
- Dissolve soda in boiling water (10 grams per glass) and add a coin. Duration of stay: 15–20 minutes.
- As an option - a concentrated solution (2 teaspoons of soda per 100 grams of water). After immersing the coins in the solution, do not stop boiling, but continue for another 5–10 minutes.
- Aggressive solution: dissolve soda not in water, but in ammonia (ammonia).
And also bring it to a mushy state and wipe the areas with rust.
Coca-Cola Coin Cleaner
Ammonia (ammonia)
A 10% (no more) ammonia solution is a good way to remove contaminants. Especially green deposits on copper and bronze. Ammonia acts quickly, the whole process takes 1–2 minutes, sometimes even several tens of seconds. You need to be careful. If overexposed, the surface may not only be cleared of rust, but also acquire a somewhat unnatural color. If this happens, you can smear the surface with sulfur ointment to restore the noble darkening.
It is also recommended not to immediately remove coins from the ammonia solution, but to first dilute it with water to a low concentration.
Soap solutions
Cleaning with soap is the safest way. Suitable for coins of any material and quality. Even processing proof technology specimens is allowed with a light soap solution.
The main advantage of a soap solution is that it cannot damage the coin. As they say, it won't make it worse. Most recommendations are to use baby soap; it contains fewer active ingredients. If the pollution is severe, you can use household cleaners.
Cleaning with soap should be practiced as a preventative measure. It is better to wash any addition to the collection in a soapy solution before placing it in the designated place.
It is necessary to understand that although soap removes many stains on metals, the actual process takes a lot of time. Soapy cleaning sometimes gives results after a few days. Some numismatics lovers treat coins only with soap, but for a period of several months.
Here are some ways to use soap:
- Wipe both surfaces with soap-dampened fingers. Removes only the faintest traces of rust. More recommended as a prophylactic.
- Soap solution. Dissolve soap in water until the appropriate concentration is obtained.
- Soap paste. The soap is cut finely or grated. It is then dissolved in hot water to form a thick paste. After cooling, coins are placed into the paste.
The concentration of the solution and the residence time in it should be selected experimentally. You can try cleaning with a heated solution, but not everyone finds this to be beneficial.
Coca Cola
There are stories and jokes about the cleaning properties of Coca-Cola. But it can really be used as a cleaning agent, including rust removal. Cola contains a small amount of phosphoric acid. And the latter has long been famous as a good rust remover.
Just pour Coca-Cola over the money for a few hours. Remove it periodically and monitor how it goes.
What are the don'ts when cleaning antique coins?
- Once again: there is no need to remove the patina at all!
- Use of any sandpaper and abrasive pastes. It may be possible to clean off dirt with them, but they will probably ruin a coin.
- Metal brushes can easily damage the surface of coins. As a last resort, you can use brushes with brass bristles.
- The use of concentrated solutions of strong acids: sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric. There is a high probability of permanent damage.
- High heat. The coin may simply collapse.
Antique coins are rare, which is why it is important to clean them properly.
After all, damaged “money” cannot be restored, and purchasing another one can be expensive.
We recommend other articles
Source: https://DedPodaril.com/numizmatika/ochishhenie-monet-ot-rzhavchiny-sposoby.html
How to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home
Many people do not know the answer to the question posed, but we tried to collect only the most relevant data at the moment. Watch and find out:
How to clean coins from traces of rust and oxidation
Many of us have found money on the street at least once in our lives, but it often happens that the coin leaves much to be desired in quality.
Rusty, covered with stains and corrosion environments, no one needs it, but a lot in its life can change if you try to clean it. Who knows, behind the layers of dirt and rust, you could end up with a fortune in your hands, as many collectors are willing to pay millions for rare coins.
Each metal used in making coins may react differently to oxidation and contamination. To begin with, so that everything becomes clear at once, let’s consider what cleaning methods there are, and most importantly, from which metals, because the quality of cleaning depends on this.
- – Chemical type,
- – Mechanical type of processing,
- - Cooking coins
- – Electrolysis.
How to clean rust from a coin
Most ancient coins, as well as current copies that have been in circulation, are often in a condition that does not meet the needs of collectors. And if nothing can be done about mechanical defects, then it is still quite possible to clean them from rust and various oxides.
The main causes of rust and stains on coins are contact with soil, water and other liquid media. Passing a coin through your hands leaves greasy marks on the surface, which promote oxidation. The spots may be red, green or whitish. It is important not to confuse surface defects with real noble patina, which makes the coin more valuable.
The labor-intensive and painstaking process of cleaning from rust and oxidation must be approached with all responsibility so as not to harm the coins. If there are suspicions that your copy may be valuable or rare, then it is better to entrust the cleaning to specialists. Typically, special equipment with ultrasound is used for this. You can remove rust from simple coins at home.
Laundry or baby soap
Soap solution . The most gentle method of cleaning any banknotes. The solution is prepared at the rate of forty grams of soap per sixty milliliters of slightly warmed water. The coin must be kept in the solution for four to six hours, after which it is gently rubbed with your fingers until the plaque is removed, washed with clean water and wiped dry. This method works well for minor damage.
Soapy gruel . If the previous method did not produce results, then a paste of thirty grams of grated soap, a teaspoon of soda and hot water will help clean the rusty deposits. You need to add enough liquid to get a thick, homogeneous mass. The coin is completely lowered into the container with the pulp.
Cleanup times may vary for each instance. Some coins get rid of oxidation in a day, while others take six months. If cleaning is carried out over a long period of time, the solution is periodically replaced, and the resulting deposit is removed from the surface of the coin. Proper use of this method over a long period of time will remove serious stains. Recommended for coins pre-1924.
Ammonia
Cleaning rusty coins with ammonia will give good results. Coins placed in a deep container are filled with a small amount of 10% ammonia. Without removing them from the solution, the coins are constantly turned over. After the cleaning process, the duration of which depends on the degree of oxidation, ordinary water is added to the container to reduce the concentration of ammonia. Only after this the coins are taken out, washed and thoroughly dried.
Electrolysis
A more radical method of cleaning rust-covered coins. To do this, you will need a 6-12 V power supply, two clamps, a glass or plastic container, a dessert spoon of soda or salt and a metal part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0
Connected to the wires coming out of the block, the terminals are connected with a minus to a coin, and a plus to a metal object. The coin with the part is immersed in a saline or soda solution at some distance from each other. After which the power supply turns on. The cleaning process can take from 40 minutes to 4 hours. A faster, but also dangerous for the coin method, in which the plus is connected to the coin, and the minus to the metal.
Since electrolysis is difficult to control, if the voltage or holding time is incorrect, the coin can simply be ruined. To have an idea of what is happening during the process, it is recommended to immediately practice on specimens that you don’t mind.
After cleaning, you need to turn off the device, and then take out the coin and wash it with a brush and liquid soap. If there is strong oxidation, the coin may not be cleaned in one go, so the procedure must be repeated, replacing the dirty solution with a clean one.
Kerosene
If you get your hands on a rusty round piece, which is most likely a coin, you can try cleaning it with kerosene. Place the sample in a chemical-resistant transparent container and fill it with kerosene. To soften the dissolution process, you can add wd-40 lubricant.
The cleaning time directly depends on the degree of rust on the coin. It may be enough to dip the coin into the solution and wipe it with a rag, but it may take about 24 hours. With this method of laundering coins, you must be extremely careful and not miss the end time of the process.
Simple methods for cleaning rust from modern coins
- For small rusty deposits, a toothbrush and toothpaste will help. Rub the coin on both sides well with a brush and paste, then rinse and dry.
- Throw coins into Coca-Cola - the phosphoric acid it contains will remove dirt and rust. To speed up the process, the container with coins can be placed in a warm place.
- It will help cleanse modern money and sour milk. It is necessary to keep the coins in it for 2-3 days.
- A mixture of vinegar and soda works well for removing dirt and rust. The prepared mixture is used for thorough cleaning, then the coin is washed and dried.
Method for cleaning coins from green deposits
A mild solution is a solution of 60 ml of 9% vinegar and a liter of distilled water. The coins must be placed in the solution so that they do not come into contact with each other or with the walls of the vessel. For the best effect and uniform chemical reaction, the acid must interact with the entire surface of the coin.
To avoid stains, it is not recommended to place many coins in a small container. The process must be constantly monitored, promptly removing plaque that forms on coins. You need to wash coins several times a day, each time removing them from the solution and using a toothbrush.
How to clean a zinc coin at home
The process of cleaning zinc coins from rust stains and oxidation is quite labor-intensive. Since hydrochloric acid must be used for cleaning, it will not be necessary to constantly monitor what is happening. The condition of the coin is checked literally every second. The patina will come off immediately and then the acid will attack the metal.
To achieve maximum effect, the container must be wide enough. The product must be cleaned with a brush without removing it from the solution. For cleaning, use a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid. It is not dangerous for human skin. Once cleaning is complete, you need to get rid of any remaining acid by rinsing the coin under a strong stream of water.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Coins
- Avoid abrasive agents and aggressive environments when processing valuable coins, which leave scratches and spoil the design.
- If you don’t have enough experience, it’s better not to try radical cleaning methods, so as not to kill the coin
- The coin should not be subjected to heat treatment (boiling) - if there is a scratch or rust on the surface, this will lead to damage to banknotes
- Prolonged soaking in cleaning solutions is not recommended. If the coin is severely damaged, this may not bring an effective result, but will cause irreversible damage to the surface.
Cleaning is a labor-intensive procedure, but the result will please you. The main thing is not to harm a rare coin by confusing natural patina with rust or oxidation. Incorrectly removing patina can lead to a significant reduction in the value of the coin.
If you get your hands on a rare specimen and you manage to restore it, it can bring a good profit at a numismatic auction. In any case, follow the recommendations and remember that each metal requires its own approach.
Source: https://xn--80aknalggeqsd.xn--p1ai/%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BA-%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82% D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%83-%D0%BE%D1%82-%D1%80 %D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%8B/
How to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home: quickly until they shine
If you are a numismatist and are passionate about collecting coins, sooner or later you will wonder how to maintain your collection in proper condition. Regardless of the metal the coins are made from, they undergo a process of oxidation over time, resulting in a dull patina and darkening. Anyone can clean coins at home, of course, if you know how and with what.
How to clean USSR coins
Although the coins of the USSR went out of circulation not so long ago, many numismatists are interested in them. To clean coins to a shine, it is better to first find out what metals they were minted from. Most often it will be an alloy of copper and nickel. These include later specimens - small change, for example, 10 kopecks, etc. But 10 rubles were more often minted from 2 alloys - the center is copper-zinc, and the edge is made of copper and nickel.
Keeping such a collection clean will not be difficult for you. It is enough to wipe the coins with a special compound from time to time, which is easy to make yourself using improvised means. This product can be stored for a long time in any glass jar with a tightly closed lid.
Prepare a cleaning paste from baking soda, tooth powder (paste) and ammonia. Treat a coin with this mixture and lightly rub it with a piece of cloth. If the metal has severe darkening or scratches, it will be easier to clean such areas with a soft toothbrush. Next, everything is washed off under water and wiped dry with a cloth.
You can clean USSR coins from dirt and oxides with ordinary table vinegar. To do this, they are first washed in soapy water, and then placed for three days in an acidic solution of 3 parts table vinegar and 7 parts water. To give coins made of a copper-nickel alloy a natural, attractive appearance, they are additionally kept for the same amount of time in a solution of clean, cool water and ammonia, taken in the same proportions as with vinegar.
Cleaning silver coins from blackness
Valuable items made of high-grade silver can be cleaned by soaking them for an hour in a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part ammonia. The disadvantage of this process is the unpleasant ammonia odor, so we recommend cleaning it in a well-ventilated area.
You can do without ammonia if you clean silver coins by immersing them in 0.5 liters of water and 150 g of soda for a couple of hours. Immersing silver in a soda solution of boiling water can speed up the desired result.
You can quickly remove black deposits from silver coins by wiping them with a mixture of soda, toothpaste and ammonia.
Coins minted from silver of low standard can be safely cleaned with Trilon - B. Usually it is taken in the amount of one large spoon, depending on the degree of contamination of the metal, per 200 ml of hot water or boiling water. It is necessary to maintain in such a hot solution until you notice the expected result. This may take from an hour to a day.
How to clean a coin from rust and dirt
You can remove surface rust from coins using the most common means at hand. For example, soda or vinegar solution, citric acid and salt.
One of the effective methods by which you can efficiently clean metal from rust is to use the carbonated drink Coca-Cola. Its disadvantage is that it will take a long time to clean with cola.
Wash the coin in warm soapy water, place it in a jar, fill it with Coca-Cola and close the lid. The coin must remain in the drink for at least 5 days. During this time, it must be turned over to the other side, so cleaning will occur evenly.
How to properly clean old copper coins
Copper is a metal that, upon contact with open air, quickly becomes covered with an oxide film with a characteristic greenish tint - a coating.
In the production of coins, alloys of copper and, for example, nickel or zinc were most often used. Cleaning such copper coins at home will not require much difficulty or special skills. The main thing is to prepare the correct cleaning composition and keep it in it for the required amount of time. It is better to use ceramic or glass dishes.
Citric acid solution
This recipe will allow you to clean copper coins quickly and effortlessly.
Completely dissolve 0.5 teaspoon of crystallized lemon juice in 250 ml of hot water. Dip a coin there and leave it for no more than 10 minutes, after which be sure to rinse under clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Tip: you shouldn’t soak several coins in a common container at once; each copy should be cleaned separately.
Salt and vinegar
The most dirty old specimens will require more thorough cleaning. They should be kept for up to 20 minutes in 50 ml of vinegar essence and a small spoon of salt. Also, do not forget to turn the coin over to the other side from time to time.
In general, copper can be cleaned in different ways, not only using acids. This can be cleaning coins by electrolysis, Trilon-B, alcohol-containing compounds, or simply a soda or soap solution.
The most valuable antique and most damaged specimens should be cleaned more carefully, using less aggressive products. For example, to remove dirt and green deposits from an old copper coin, dip it in a soapy solution for a couple of hours, then rinse and soak in regular kefir for about half a day. Then rinse in clean water and polish thoroughly with a soft, fluffy cloth.
Cleaning antique gold and bronze coins
Antique gold coins from Tsarist times should be cleaned depending on the severity of their contamination. To keep gold coins in proper condition, it is enough to wipe them with soap and water from time to time. More complex stains are cleaned by boiling (simmering) over low heat in a soda solution - take a couple of teaspoons of soda per 250 ml of water.
If old gold coins are covered with a layer of oxides, you can clean them by immersing them in a 10% ammonia solution for an hour. After which they should be washed well with soap under running water and dried.
Bronze specimens can be cleaned well by soaking for fifteen minutes in water with the addition of citric acid (7:3).
Boiling in oil will also clean bronze well. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, place a bronze coin in it and boil for 5 - 10 minutes. Instead of oil, you can take petroleum jelly; boil over low heat. When you see that the coin takes on a clean appearance, remove it with tweezers or tweezers, rinse it in soapy water or ethyl alcohol and dry it.
For example, you can clean bimetallic 10 rubles by holding them no longer than a couple of minutes in 9% white vinegar. Next, rub the coin with toothpaste and clean it with a soft brush or by wiping it with a natural fluffy cloth.
At the end of cleaning, evaluate the result. If necessary, repeat the entire procedure again, then rinse the coin under clean water and wipe it with a dry soft cloth.
How to properly dry a coin after cleaning
Sometimes all cleaning procedures come to nothing. This can happen if you do not pay due attention to the drying process.
At the end of all cleaning procedures, coins must be thoroughly wiped with a clean, dry cloth, paying special attention to the threaded edges. Then they can be laid out on a dry, clean cloth in a warm, dry room. Coins are also dried in drying cabinets for no more than two hours at a temperature not exceeding 100 degrees.
What coins cannot be cleaned at home?
Some valuable and old specimens are not recommended to be cleaned, at least not at home. For example, those coins that have significant damage, chips, deep scratches and other irregularities cannot be cleaned using the deep cleaning method and using aggressive substances, abrasives and reagents. If you choose the wrong cleaning method, you can render your collection unusable.
Also, you should not subject new-looking specimens to such cleaning. It is enough to rinse them with a brush under running water and wipe dry with a soft rag.
Polished quality specimens, as well as patinated ones, should also not be treated with aggressive mechanical and chemical methods.
If you still decide to clean an ancient coin that is dear to you, you should not conduct experiments with it at home. It is better to seek help from professionals, for example, a jewelry workshop, otherwise your coin may lose all its value.
How to properly store your collection
If you want to keep your collection in good shape, you should seriously think about where and how to store your coins. By following all the rules, you will not have to do frequent cleaning, which is not good, especially for valuable antique pieces. And the most important thing is that your collection will always look presentable. Agree that this is important for any collector.
We do not recommend storing coins in damp rooms, in places with sudden temperature changes, or where sunlight penetrates. All these factors will influence the oxidation processes of metals. We do not recommend keeping your collection, as they say, in bulk, that is, in a general heap in boxes, bags, and so on.
For numismatists, special albums were invented, which have insertable plastic pockets convenient for storing coins. Please note that cheap albums may have pockets and holders made of PVC. This material is not the best for storing collections, as it quickly deteriorates and at the same time releases gases that lead to the formation of plaque on metals.
There are also special tablets and cases for collectors - numismatists. All these devices were specially created so that you not only store your collection correctly, but also so that each item can be clearly examined without removing it.
IMPORTANT! Excessive contact of metal with the skin of the hands leads to its gradual contamination and oxidation.
If you need to remove a valuable specimen from storage, it is better to do this while wearing protective gloves. After contact with the skin of your hands, the coin must be washed under running water, or better yet, in a soap solution, which can be prepared from any natural soap, for example, baby soap or 72% laundry soap, or using dishwashing gel. After which the coin is wiped dry with a soft cloth.
By following our advice and following all the rules for storing and cleaning coins, you will be able to preserve your collection in excellent condition for a long time, not only for yourself, but also for your descendants.
Source: https://na4isto.ru/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monety.html
How to clean rust from a coin at home
Coins that are used daily to make payments rarely undergo oxidation processes. This happens because they are constantly in circulation - they are touched, put in a wallet, counted. That is, thanks to contact, they are not afraid of either rust or oxidation. But this does not apply to old coins that are out of circulation, but they are valuable.
With proper storage and regular cleaning, they can be kept in good condition. But there are samples that were found as a result of excavations or raised from the bottom, perhaps preserved after fires or other disasters; they are usually covered with corrosion or several layers of dirt. In this publication, we will look at ways to clean rust from coins based on the type of metal.
Do I need to clean old coins?
If you are a numismatist and collect expensive valuable coins, then you probably know that they need to be cleaned from time to time.
However, remember an important point: if you find a coin in the ground or anywhere else, before spending time and effort on cleaning it, you should find out its value. Perhaps it is just a piece of iron.
In the history of numismatics, there have often been situations where collectors spent many hours to remove rust and long-term stains, thereby reducing the value of a coin. The fact is that some banknotes are valued more expensive only because they have a layer of rust on them, which proves the age of the product.
You can estimate the value of a metal banknote either from professionals, on numismatist websites, or with the help of special literature. If you are convinced that the value of the coin will not increase due to rusty deposits, you can safely proceed to cleaning, since over time corrosion will completely corrode the metal.
Metals from which coins are most often made
The very first banknotes were made from real gold and silver, and of high standard. In Russia, only under Peter I they began to add gold to alloys for coins. At the beginning of the 19th century, they tried a method of making money from platinum, but in the 30s it was proposed not to use precious metals for this matter. This position is still adhered to today, with the exception of collectible and anniversary samples.
There are several alloys used to create metal money:
- bronze;
- billon;
- electr;
- brass;
- potin.
Modern 50-kopeck coins are made of brass, 1 and 5 kopecks are made of bimetal. Ruble and two-ruble copies made of an alloy of copper and nickel. Five-ruble coin made of bimetal (steel coated with cupronickel). Old coins from the times of the USSR are made of 125 and 900 standard silver, which is quite soft. Modern craftsmen prefer to use 925 standard for making rare samples, as it is much stronger.
Due to the fact that a numismatist’s collection may contain a sample made of any metal, precious or alloy, it makes sense to become familiar with the cleaning features of each of them.
Cleaning a silver coin from rust
There are a number of ways to clean rust from a coin at home, in this case we will look at silver:
- soda - a lime product suitable for cleaning various surfaces, including old coins. To remove corrosion, just rub them with a moistened powder applied to a napkin;
- citric acid - make a solution of acid and water in a 1:1 ratio. Place the coins there and leave for about half an hour. Next, it will be enough to simply rinse them under water - not a trace of rust will remain;
- ammonia - the product itself easily removes corrosion, but it can also be dissolved in water (1:1) and put coins in it, or applied to a napkin and cleaned.
Cleaning a copper coin from rust
You can remove rust from a copper coin with a regular soap mixture (a slurry of water and grated baby or laundry soap). At first, there is no need to allow aggressive exposure to complex chemical compounds. The same remedy is suitable in the case when the coin has been underground or in the air for a long time, and in addition to rust, a so-called patina has formed on it - this is a film with a green tint that appears for protection.
When the money is dipped into the soap solution, it is necessary to periodically mix it, shaking the composition. After a few hours, you should wash the coins under water, perhaps rub them, and, if necessary, immerse them again in a new soap solution.
As soon as the traces of rust and oxidation disappear, treat the metal with 9% vinegar or make a solution of vinegar and water, put the money in it, and after half an hour take it out and dry it without washing off the particles of the vinegar composition.
Cleaning a bronze coin from rust
You can clean bronze from corrosion with soda or lemon juice; we wrote more about this in the chapter on cleaning a silver coin. There is also an equally effective remedy made from salt: for 1 teaspoon, take a tablespoon of flour and a drop of vinegar. The resulting mixture must be applied to the coin and rubbed. After 15 minutes, you can rinse the money under water and wipe dry. If not all traces of rust are washed away the first time, repeat the procedure.
Bronze can also be dipped into a boiling solution: for 1 liter of water, 0.2 liters of vinegar and 3 tbsp. spoons of sea salt. Place the coins in and stop boiling immediately. Let the solution cool, after which you can take them out, clean them with a napkin and dry them. Rust comes off easily, so you are unlikely to have to repeat the steps a second time.
Cleaning rust from a brass coin
Coins made of brass are found much less frequently than others, but they are still present in collections. A simple soap will help to wash them from oxidation: make a solution with grated baby or laundry soap; one bar and a liter of boiling water is enough. Pour in the shavings and stir to form a thick, homogeneous mixture. Place the coins in and continue to simmer over low heat until the rust is gone.
Citric acid with water in a 1:1 ratio also cleans metal well: immerse the money in the solution and wait. Take it out periodically to see if the rust is coming off. It just takes a little time, from 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the thickness of the layers.
The use of Coca-Cola no less effectively helps to combat minor rust marks on a brass coin, since it contains phosphoric acid. It is enough to fill the metal with carbonated water and leave for several hours. Finally, wash and dry.
The method with an electrolyte, conducting an electric current to salt water, is considered fast. However, it is coins, especially valuable ones, that should not be cleaned in this way. The method can ruin samples, depriving them of their original value. In addition, the person intending to use this method must have the necessary skills and comply with all safety rules.
Source: https://scum.su/stati-po-hozyajstvu/kak-ochistit-monetu-ot-rzhavchiny/
Cleaning rust from coins at home
Ancient coins are made of silver and copper alloys. Over time, they become covered with a corrosive coating. Rust stains often appear on the surface of modern metal banknotes. Cleaning plaque is not an easy process.
You can remove rust and dirt from a metal surface at home. Such work requires great care, because the task, as a rule, is not only to get rid of the effects of corrosion, but also not to damage the coins.
If they are old and have numismatic value, when cleaning them it is advisable to preserve the noble patina - a kind of calling card of antiquity.
Method 1. Soap solution
This is one of the most accessible and universal recipes that is suitable for cleaning any alloys. Immersion in soapy water is safe, including for antique items that contain copper.
Cleaning can last from two to three hours to several months. Coins must be periodically removed from the soapy solution, washed under running water and cleaned with a soft brush. If the result is achieved, the money is washed and wiped dry. If not, return to soapy water.
The solution is prepared on the basis of neutral soap, for example, baby soap. Compound:
- 50 g baby soap;
- 70 ml warm water.
Can be cleaned with laundry soap. You need to grate it on a fine grater and prepare a solution: 1 part soap to 8 parts water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and place coins in the solution for a couple of weeks. Soapy water with coins is periodically heated, without bringing to a boil. Numismatists often choose this option to clean coins minted before 1924. More modern metal money is not recommended to be cleaned in a solution of laundry soap.
Method 2. Citric acid
This method allows you to quickly restore the original appearance of the coin. Please note: copper and silver money are restored differently. Therefore, the material must be taken into account.
Copper
When cleaning copper money, you must act very carefully. If you follow the instructions, all dirt and stains can be cleaned very quickly. Necessary:
- Pour 100 ml of warm water (35-50C) into a glass or ceramic container.
- Add citric acid crystals.
- Concentration depends on the condition of the object. For moderate stains, you will need about 1/3 teaspoon.
- Place the coin in acidified water.
Now you need to not miss the moment when the coin acquires a characteristic copper tint. You need to turn it over and wait until the other side turns copper color.
When choosing this cleaning method, it is worth considering: acid will remove not only dirt, but also patina. You can restore the patina at home. There is a very simple method that produces a beautiful, uniform patina: leave a clean coin on the back of your kitchen vent for a few days.
But if you have very valuable pieces, it is better to entrust their cleaning to specialists who use modern ultrasonic methods that preserve the patina.
Silver
Necessary:
- Pour a glass of warm water into a ceramic bowl.
- Add two teaspoons of citric acid.
- Immerse a silver coin in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Take out a coin and clean it with a brush.
The acid will soften the plaque without harming the surface. Dirt can be easily removed with a brush.
Simple ways to clean modern coins
It is quite easy to clean modern coins from rust. Here are some effective home recipes:
- A brush and toothpaste can remove small amounts of rust. Apply the paste to the brush and rub both sides of the coin vigorously. After removing the plaque, rinse the coin in running water and dry it.
- 24 hours in regular Coca-Cola will help return the coins to a presentable appearance. This popular carbonated liquid contains phosphoric acid. It can remove dirt and rust stains. To speed up the process, you can put the container with Coca-Cola and money in a warm place.
- Sour milk is a good helper for fighting rust and dirt. The coins will have to spend two to three days in a fermented milk environment.
- A mixture of vinegar and baking soda works well. The pulp is applied to the coin, rubbed thoroughly, washed with water, and dried.
- You can buy a special polish and apply it according to the instructions. This product can be purchased from coin dealers or antique stores.
Source: http://HozInfo.ru/hozyajke-na-zametku/ochistit-monety-ot-rzhavchiny
How to remove rust from coins
Coins used by people in everyday life rarely suffer from oxidation or rust. They rub to a shine in pockets, purses and from the touch of your fingers. However, banknotes that are out of circulation often do not have a very attractive appearance. Under the influence of oxygen, water or salt, the oxidation process begins to occur. Rust only appears on products made of steel or iron, but many other metals can also corrode.
Expensive metals were used to make banknotes back in the 7th century. BC e. They were poured in the ancient state of Lydia from an alloy of gold and silver. The tradition of using expensive metals as material for making coins spread to other countries. These days, coins are made from less expensive materials such as brass, aluminum bronze or stainless steel.
Why do coins rust?
Any manifestations of oxidation or a red coating on metal products are popularly called rust. However, this name was given undeservedly. Rust, or rust, can only form on iron or its alloys (such as steel). All other metals corrode rather than rust.
Corrosion of silver coins
Found old coins are often covered with a layer of dark patina that hides the obverse or reverse. Its occurrence is due to the interaction of the metal with water (rain or salt), oxygen or hydrogen. Monetary units found on the sea coast are often “eaten away” by corrosion. The same can be said about coins found in the ground. However, even without direct contact with water, stains or deposits may appear on the metal product.
How to clean coins
You can get rid of rust on banknotes at home. You need to use the right tools and follow certain rules. The easiest way is to use special household chemicals. Such products are available in the form of liquids with a spray. They are designed to remove rusty stains on plumbing fixtures.
Carefully study the rules for using the purchased product. The composition contains chemical components hazardous to health. You only need to work with such substances wearing gloves. The product is applied to a metal product that has suffered from corrosion for a certain time (indicated on the packaging).
Related article: How to clean tarnished silver at home
A chemical reaction occurs, and traces of plaque disappear after rinsing with cold water.
You can try to remove rust marks using less aggressive home remedies:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/lemon juice/lime juice;
- soda;
- Coca Cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
To get the desired result, you need to use all of the listed substances correctly.
Lemon
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass container and place an old coated coin in it. Lemon juice can be replaced with a strong solution of citric acid. It is very important that the entire product is in liquid. If any side peeks out, a trace of oxidation may remain at the border of contact with air, which will be impossible to remove. The procedure time varies individually, as it depends on the degree of corrosion.
Lemon can be replaced with lime. In this case, the course of the operation will completely change. Sprinkle ½ tsp on one side of the coin. salt, squeeze the juice of half a lime on top. After a while, turn the coin and repeat the operation with the other side. Skim off the pulp using lime peel.
Soap solution
Brown laundry soap is perfect. You only need an eighth of a bar (about 25 g). Grate the soap and dissolve the shavings in a glass of warm water. For best results, soak the coins overnight. After “soaking”, treat the ribs, obverse and reverse with a soft toothbrush. As soon as the product shines with its former shine, rinse it with fresh water and wipe dry with a towel.
Features of some metals
Expensive metals require special treatment. If you need to clean a gold or silver coin, you need to approach this issue especially seriously.
- Gold. Gold items should be soaked in warm soapy water. It is strictly forbidden to rub gold coins with brushes, as the metal is very soft. The soaking procedure may take up to 10 days to show the expected results.
- Silver. It is important to determine the sample. It is recommended to soak a high-quality product in ammonia for about 1 hour. If the sample is too low, only the special substance “Trilon-B” will do.
- Bronze. Do not confuse rust formation with patina (a special coating that appears on bronze over time). If you remove the patina, which serves as a marker of the age of the item, the coin may lose its value.
In particularly advanced cases, it is better to seek help from jewelers. Specialists will help remove corrosion from the product without damaging its surface. If you happen to have a particularly valuable coin in your hands, you should contact a master restorer.
Source: https://med-post.ru/prochee/kak-ubrat-rzhavchinu-monet
How to clean coins from rust, oxidation and dirt?
Today, many people are starting to collect collections, and, of course, numismatics are especially popular. But before you start collecting something, it is important to understand how to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home and whether it is worth doing it in principle.
Review of how you can clean coins
Before you begin cleaning your product, you should consider all possible options and means for cleaning coins.
Methods can be divided into several types:
- Thermal: exposure to high and low temperatures and processes such as freezing and boiling;
- Mechanical: includes the use of materials in the form of rags, brushes and other cleaning products;
- Chemical: various solutions and acids are used to remove rust and even traces of oxidation.
In addition to the home methods used by skilled collectors, beginners can use certain store-bought products that are designed for a specific type of item. These include such products as:
- Silbo: An excellent product from Germany that is suitable for silver, copper and gold. It is used during the heat treatment process and subsequently covers the coin with a protective layer;
- Leuchtturm: another product that is suitable for gold, silver and brass. This is a small bottle with a solution in which a coin should be placed, and a cloth should be passed over it and thoroughly dried;
- Shine Coins: Helps remove dirt, dust, soil and other dark stains from the product. Can be used for coins made of any material. It is a solution that can be used both for wiping and for digestion;
- Asidol: Well known to budget collectors looking for a copper and nickel cleaner. Helps remove dirt, rust and other types of contaminants. It is used as a liquid to be applied to the coin, and then wiped off its surface with a soft cloth.
Important! Carefully study the instructions and type of product before using it on a collectible item, because many liquids have different series designed for the same type of metal.
Do antique coins need to be cleaned?
Even the most experienced numismatists often wonder whether it is worth cleaning coins from various types of dirt. As a rule, such a process is carried out in order to improve their visual condition before sale. But there are some nuances that should be considered before cleaning an antique coin at home.
First of all, you should understand that different types of metals respond differently to the cleaning process:
- Copper and bronze: it is permissible to clean off dirt and patina, but after this a bright shine will not appear;
- Iron: not recommended for cleaning, as they can lose their appearance and develop slight defects in the process;
- Gold: best amenable to the cleaning process, because they have virtually no traces of oxidation;
- Silver: the easiest to process, it is recommended to work on bringing them to their best appearance.
: Experienced numismatists and collectors prefer not to clean coins at all, since patina is a kind of way of protecting the metal from the external environment.
How to Clean Old Coins from Rust, Oxidation and Dirt
Depending on the type of product itself, the necessary cleaning method should be selected, which can directly affect the appearance, as well as the possibility of subsequent sale.
Bronze and copper coins
The following products will help you clean an old copper or bronze coin:
- Soap: helps remove rust from coins until they shine. To do this, prepare a special mixture of water and soap, where coins are placed for a couple of days or a longer period, depending on the type of contamination;
- Lemon: removes rust marks and dark spots. You need to dilute two teaspoons of lemon juice with water, leave the coins for half an hour, and then gently wipe them with a soft eraser;
- Vaseline: the product helps both to clean the product and to preserve its presentation for a long time. A small amount of Vaseline should be added to the pan, put a coin in it and simmer over low heat for ten minutes;
- Iodine: Apply a couple of drops of the product to the coin and wipe with a cotton pad or toothpick carefully to avoid scratches.
Depending on the type of contamination, Sodium solution, ammonia, or even special cleaning agents that eliminate the characteristic green coating can also be used.
Golden coins
You can clean an old coin found in the ground and made of gold using:
- Purified water: To clean this product, you should use distilled water, which can be purchased at any store. You should rinse it carefully, without using brushes, and then leave it to dry;
- Laundry soap: gold can only be cleaned using soap diluted in water, walking along the edges and sides with a soft cloth.
Important! Gold is a metal that is easily destroyed, and therefore it is not recommended to use store-bought cleaning products that contain alcohol and other chemical elements. It is also prohibited to use hard brushes, which can leave scratches on the metal surface.
Silver coins
When the question arises of how to clean silver from plaque, you should look at the following means:
- Soda: will help clean old coins from green deposits. Silver is known for its tendency to darken over time, and therefore you should dilute a little soda with water until the thickness of sour cream, and then use a soft brush to wipe both sides of the product along with the edge;
- Ammonia: an easy way to give a product a beautiful commercial shine. It is necessary to dilute ammonia with water, based on the proportions of 1:12, and then rub the composition into the surface of the coin with a soft napkin;
- Toothpaste: Together with powder, it makes an effective cleaning method. Apply to the coin with a toothbrush and rub in thoroughly in a circular motion, and then wipe with a soft cloth until it shines.
Silver is a rather capricious metal that often oxidizes and becomes stained, but it is the easiest to clean. For this you can also use various store-bought products, including those containing citric acid.
Iron coins
Iron is the most problematic metal to clean, since it corrodes more easily than others and becomes coated more quickly. Therefore, to return it to its normal state, use:
- Salt: dissolve three teaspoons of salt in a glass of water, and then apply to the coin for a couple of minutes, then rub vigorously with a hard cloth until completely cleansed;
- Borax: diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5, the coin is placed in a glass or other container for a couple of minutes, and then polished with a soft cloth until the characteristic coating disappears.
Today we shared how to clean coins at home while maintaining their presentation, as well as the possibility of subsequent sale.
How do you clean your collectibles? Tell us in the comments!
Hi all! I'm Inna, the author of articles on this blog. An enterprising housewife with more than 4 years of experience in a cleaning company. I will be happy to answer all questions on the topic of articles in the comments! Always ready to share my useful tips!
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