How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.
To clean a coin from rust you can use:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/juice;
- soda;
- coca cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.
How to clean a silver coin?
Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.
Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.
To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result.
However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.
How to clean blackness from a coin?
Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.
However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.
There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.
How to clean green deposits from a coin?
There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.
There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:
- green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
- a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
- The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.
There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled).
After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed.
This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.
There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.
It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.
This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.
How to clean a bimetallic coin?
A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition.
And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.
That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes.
Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder.
But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.
If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.
After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.
How to clean a zinc coin?
Avid numismatists also have zinc specimens. Cleaning such coins is a very labor-intensive process. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts actively with strong acids, but its salts have poor reactivity to weak acid solutions. That is why the best option for cleaning such valuables is to dissolve the patina layer in a container with a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid.
Before you start etching the metal, you should remember that the coin cannot be left unattended in such a liquid, since it is required to check its condition every 5 seconds. This is necessary in order to see the moment when the patina has already worn off and the acid has taken on the base metal.
Cleaning zinc specimens at home will be much more effective if the container is wide enough. This is necessary in order to keep the coin in the acid and at the same time clean it with a toothbrush. Hydrochloric acid is different in that:
- has different activity with metals;
- does not harm human skin;
- has a good reaction with zinc and iron.
After cleaning, the coin should be rinsed from acid residues with strong water pressure. This is due to the fact that if you simply throw it into water, the acid will remain on the surface of the zinc for some time. This can lead to additional etching of the alloy, which is extremely undesirable for such products.
Completely cleaning zinc coins at home is quite a labor-intensive task, so you should not expect much effect. However, in any case, they will acquire a more attractive appearance and add to their value.
Source: https://otproblem.ru/kak-pochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
How to clean old coins at home
How to clean old coins at home
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
How to clean an old coin at home
How to clean an old coin at home
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
How to clean old coins without leaving home
How to clean old coins without leaving home
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
As you might expect, products made from different types of materials have their own nuances.
Copper coin
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
In fact, not every coin needs deep cleaning. For many, especially copper, specimens, excessive zeal during cleaning even harms them. If the coin is evenly covered with a layer of patina, it is not worth cleaning it until it shines. Patina protects the metal from corrosion and other damage, and additionally helps determine the age of the coin. Real collectors do not need shiny coins - for them, specimens that have retained their most natural appearance are much more valuable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
Before cleaning old coins at home, choose the ones that are least valuable to you. Try new cleaning products on them to practice the process and not ruin rare specimens by improper cleaning. When hot cleaning, make sure that the coin is not exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This can lead not only to damage to the patina, but also to the destruction of the structure of the old metal.
Never use the following equipment when cleaning your numismatic collection:
- emery, and any abrasive in general;
- brushes with metal bristles;
- strong acid solutions.
Attention! Dry coins properly after washing! Place them on a soft textile or paper towel and gently pat them several times to remove moisture. Drops of water can leave dark stains on the metal; remove them carefully.
How to clean an old coin from soil
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
Soap solution
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Specialized solutions intended for cleaning procedures were developed taking into account the specifics of each specific metal: copper, silver, etc. Each of the products presented on the shelves of hardware stores allows you to remove various contaminants, uneven patina, and oxides from the surface of coins.
However, in an effort to restore copper and other metals to their original radiance and purity, not everyone can afford to purchase these rather expensive solutions.
Therefore, most ordinary consumers decide to tidy up the copper surface of coins using more accessible and less expensive means.
Alternative cleaning methods suitable for use at home can clean almost any dirty copper coin.
The list of necessary funds available in most households is as follows:
- "Coca Cola";
- lemon acid;
- soap;
- electrolysis.
With the help of each of them, many ordinary consumers were able to clean the copper surfaces of coins and other products made from this and other metals without unnecessary hassle.
The algorithm for cleaning coins made of copper and silver is characterized by the same simplicity and accessibility as for similar copper products. Numerous online resources contain all the necessary information.
The following review is devoted to the task of cleaning copper coins in various ways.
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
Of course, you can turn to professionals in this matter, but it will cost a certain amount. In order not to waste money, it is better to clean old coins at home quickly and until they shine so that the process does not affect the quality and value if these are valuable specimens.
Before cleaning coins, you need to pay attention to the deposits on their surface. Patina is a coating that is the result of the interaction of a surface with its environment. Gold and silver are slightly susceptible to patina formation, while copper or alloys like bronze actively participate in these processes, as a result of which their surface layer changes.
The result of this surface corrosion is formed over many centuries and millennia, so the patina can have different colors depending on external agents that create chemical and electrochemical interactions.
Corrosion processes are activated by the following factors:
- air;
- water;
- soil composition and its components (sulfur, carbonates, acids, chlorides and oxidizing agents).
How to clean an iron from burnt marks on the soleplate
Organic matter and temperature changes also affect the appearance of coins.
In the world of numismatics, patina is one of the most important evaluation criteria. A perfect patina along with style can increase the value of a numismatic item by more than 100% of the average market price for an example of the same type but with a different patina.
Restoration and cleaning requires a range of suitable tools, skilled hands and patience. It is important that the original patina should not be subjected to aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning, since such a valuable coating confirms the natural age of the coins.
Ancient specimens found in the ground
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
It is important to understand that not all specimens require serious cleaning; sometimes the procedure can even be harmful. It would also be good to learn to distinguish patina from oxide and plaque, since it gives the metal nobility and protects it from external factors. Every collector knows that a layer of patina is more important than a brilliant shine.
If this is your first time trying to clean old coins at home, it's best to start with the least valuable coins. If they fail, they will not be so sorry. On them, try the method that interests you. When it comes time to work at elevated temperatures, try to ensure that the transition from room temperature to high is smooth. A sudden change can damage the metal.
When you have to use a brush, it is better to use a soft one, such as a toothbrush. Do not use items with metal bristles or sandpaper.
It is important to dry properly, especially antique coins. To do this, you need to place them on a soft cloth and carefully apply it on top several times. It happens that drops of water leave their mark on antiques.
See also video: 3 ways to clean old coins at home
Starting the cleaning process
How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.
To clean a coin from rust you can use:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/juice;
- soda;
- coca cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.
How to clean a silver coin?
Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.
Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.
To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result.
However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.
How to clean blackness from a coin?
Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.
However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.
There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.
How to clean green deposits from a coin?
There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.
There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:
- green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
- a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
- The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.
There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled).
After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed.
This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.
There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.
It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.
This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.
How to clean a bimetallic coin?
A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition.
And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.
That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes.
Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder.
But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.
If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.
After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.
How to clean a zinc coin?
Avid numismatists also have zinc specimens. Cleaning such coins is a very labor-intensive process. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts actively with strong acids, but its salts have poor reactivity to weak acid solutions. That is why the best option for cleaning such valuables is to dissolve the patina layer in a container with a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid.
Before you start etching the metal, you should remember that the coin cannot be left unattended in such a liquid, since it is required to check its condition every 5 seconds. This is necessary in order to see the moment when the patina has already worn off and the acid has taken on the base metal.
Cleaning zinc specimens at home will be much more effective if the container is wide enough. This is necessary in order to keep the coin in the acid and at the same time clean it with a toothbrush. Hydrochloric acid is different in that:
- has different activity with metals;
- does not harm human skin;
- has a good reaction with zinc and iron.
After cleaning, the coin should be rinsed from acid residues with strong water pressure. This is due to the fact that if you simply throw it into water, the acid will remain on the surface of the zinc for some time. This can lead to additional etching of the alloy, which is extremely undesirable for such products.
Completely cleaning zinc coins at home is quite a labor-intensive task, so you should not expect much effect. However, in any case, they will acquire a more attractive appearance and add to their value.
Source: https://otproblem.ru/kak-pochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
Features of different types of cleaning
As you might expect, products made from different types of materials have their own nuances.
Copper coin
Copper coin
Copper is a capricious metal. And without knowledge of cleaning rules, the unique shine will be lost. The coin will become dull and boring. For home care, use citric acid, kefir and other products. It is important to remember that sand, soda, and tooth powder are not suitable for cleaning copper. The surface can be scratched so that it is no longer possible to get rid of the damage.
If copper is damaged or rusted, collectors use Trilon B, a slow-acting reagent that promotes peeling of plaque.
At times, after processing, coins take on an unnatural light shade. Numismatists cope with the problem with sunflower oil, where they immerse the items for a week, turning them over from time to time. Well, when “bronze disease” appears, only a specialist can help.
Silver coin
Silver coin
Cleaning is carried out using standard means, that is, lemon juice, ammonia, soap. Sometimes olive oil is added for a greater glow.
You can treat silver until it shines with prepared gruel. Salt is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, the resulting composition is distributed on foil. Silver samples are wrapped in it and kept for eight hours.
The darkening is removed with lemon juice, but the silver is not immersed in the drink, but wiped with a cotton pad. If the contamination is not severe, soak it in detergent, after 0.5 hours, rinse and dry with a rag. It is difficult to clean silver; a soft toothbrush and chamois leather are useful for polishing.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Cupronickel coins are cleaned with soapy water. I dissolve soap shavings in warm water, and use the resulting composition to wash the surface. For more serious stains, use a thick composition. Copper-nickel products are cleaned with a special cleaner called Asidol. But since it contains abrasive substances, it is not recommended to rub cupronickel money with it in order to avoid scratches.
A commemorative copy of 10 rubles was produced from this composite, and almost every collector has one. To process the rarity at home, you will need 9% vinegar, toothpaste with bleach and a toothbrush (napkin). It is dipped in vinegar for a couple of minutes, then rubbed with a paste. And the dirt is removed with a napkin. If the result is unsatisfactory, the procedure is repeated. Do not soak in vinegar for more than two minutes.
Zinc coin
Zinc coin
It is difficult to care for rarities made of this metal, since after exposure to reagents, the products darken and lose their original appearance. Some people clean zinc banknotes with hydrochloric acid, but this is a big risk, because in a few minutes you can lose the sample forever. It will simply dissolve.
And yet, there is a universal Leuchtturm liquid that can clean zinc money without any problems. Having a harmless composition, the liquid will not spoil the value. Place small change in it quietly for 15 minutes. Then wash them with cold liquid.
Soviet coins of the USSR
Soviet coins of the USSR
Many numismatists store valuables of the USSR, which were in circulation quite recently and carry a piece of the history of the Soviet Union. Like any other rarities, they need careful care and timely cleaning.
Small money was made from an alloy that included nickel and copper and added zinc, bronze, aluminum, and brass. This makes it even more difficult to remove contaminants. Collectors often use electrolysis, Trilon B. A strange, but quite effective method was invented. The coin is moistened, cigarette ash is sprinkled on it, and wait 20 minutes. Then the resulting slurry is rubbed into the exhibit. Later wash off with a cold stream.
When using standard methods, the following precautions apply:
- A soap solution is unable to cope with oxides, but only removes contaminants;
- vinegar reduces clarity, which reduces the value of the item;
- hydrochloric acid disturbs the silver-white color;
- GOI paste erases reliefs and patina.
But a mixture of baking soda, ammonia and toothpaste has no contraindications and will remove stains from Soviet products without difficulty.
Universal folk methods
Universal folk methods
These techniques have been developed over the years, through trial and error. But modern antiquities experts can clean coins made of various metals without fear, taking into account certain requirements.
Lemon acid
Lemon acid
Remove greens and rusty deposits:
- place the item in the pottery;
- pour 1 tbsp into it. l. acids;
- add 0.5 cups of water;
- constantly turn the coin over;
- rinse with jet;
- dry with a clean cloth.
Instead of lemon juice, 9% table vinegar is suitable. The composition is prepared in the same way.
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Soap
Soap
For the procedure, use laundry or baby soap. Using a grater, they turn it into shavings, which are smeared on both sides of the object. From time to time it is washed under running water and coated again. It should be noted that the final result will appear after 14-30 days.
Soda and soap
Soda and soap
When time is limited, soda is added to the soap. After treatment, wipe with alcohol and lubricate with Vaseline oil so that the blackness does not reappear.
Coca Cola
Coca Cola
Phosphoric acid contained in the drinking drink, which can clean metal surfaces from contaminants. It is also used for restoration of rarities. A drink is poured into a bowl, valuables are placed in it and kept warm. This may be the sun, a radiator, a fireplace.
Electrolysis method
Electrolysis method
To clean banknotes using this method, you will need the following equipment:
- charger (1 pc.);
- clamps (2 pcs.);
- copper (brass) item;
- tableware (glass, ceramics);
- a solution of soda (1 tbsp) and water (1 l).
The negative clamp is connected to the coin, the “+” to the object. Both electrolytes are lowered into the solution and the electric current is turned on. After some time, the result will be visible.
Before taking a valuable coin, test an unusable copy. And follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
Oil
Oil
The method is simple, but there are limitations. It is not used for restoration of rare specimens.
Banknotes are placed in a bowl with petroleum jelly and boiled until the coins are completely free of rust and oxide. After heating, wash in ethyl alcohol.
Dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing liquid
To wipe off small money, you can use dishwashing detergent. Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. any drug and put the fines in the liquid for 60 minutes. Then sand it with a piece of flannel. Fat stains will disappear and color will improve.
Chemicals
Chemicals
How and with what to clean coins at home if the available preparations did not cope with the task.
- Caustic sodium. The method is instant, but is not suitable for some metals. One packet of granules is dissolved in 0.5 liters of purified water. The coin is caught with tweezers (forceps) and immersed in the composition for 8-10 minutes. Then the product is washed off with liquid. The oxide has softened in the solution and can now be cleaned off with a brush. The procedure will not take long, as the cleaning proceeds quickly. If the coin turns green or blue, you should stop the procedure immediately.
- To remove red deposits from copper, a 5% ammonia solution or ammonium carbonate is suitable. The banknote is dipped into the preparation for only 1-2 minutes. After extraction, the green coating is removed with acid: acetic or citric. If the plaque is yellow, then use 10% acetic acid.
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After processing by any method, the value is boiled repeatedly in purified liquid. To determine whether the coin has been completely cleaned, a solution of silver nitrate is dripped into the composition. When the water remains clear, the purification is completed.
To dry, place the specimen in a drying cabinet or acetone, then immerse it in alcohol for 60 minutes.
Tips and precautions
Tips and precautions
Before cleaning an antique coin that has just been removed from the ground, it is washed with running water. Then clean with a soft brush. When oxidized, the product is cleaned by any of the methods previously tested on a simple specimen.
Coins should be stored properly, especially valuable collectibles:
- Store in darkness, dry and clean.
- After manual inspection, exhibits must be washed and dried.
- It is better to store in albums with compartments, glass cases, cardboard boxes.
- Clean carefully, preferably with homemade preparations.
From a caring attitude, compliance with storage rules and knowledge of how to clean old coins, exhibits will live a long life and delight children and grandchildren.
What coins should you not clean yourself?
What coins should you not clean yourself?
There is a whole group of exhibits that should not be cleaned yourself. This applies to precious and semi-precious items.
In addition, if there are no deep scratches, chips, or gouges, they can get by with a stream of water, washing the rarity, and then drying it and placing it in their collection.
Professional cleaning, where to go
Professional cleaning, where to go
Proper cleaning of banknotes is the key to the value and value of the collection. A non-professional can destroy this or that treasure. And if this is a valuable specimen, it is better to turn to professional craftsmen. Such specialists sit on the National Numismatic Register.
Their responsibilities include consultations on the restoration of gold, copper, silver and other small money. In addition, they undertake cleaning of products using modern technologies, which make it possible to preserve the value of banknotes.
Their services are expensive, but the restoration may be worth it.
Drying after cleaning
Drying after cleaning
The available coin cleaning products can do a good job, but if you neglect the drying rules, all your efforts will be in vain. Therefore, at the end of the process, the small change is laid out on a paper napkin (towel), after wiping it on all sides with a rag made of natural fabric.
Or keep in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 100°.
If you decide to start collecting, you should become more familiar with the methods of cleaning and storing banknotes. A numismatist is not an easy collector and custodian of relics.
This is a person who studies the history of coinage, monetary circulation, and therefore the history of the development of society.
Source: https://InfoUborka.ru/stati/kak-pochistit-starye-monety.html
How to clean an old coin at home
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
In fact, not every coin needs deep cleaning. For many, especially copper, specimens, excessive zeal during cleaning even harms them. If the coin is evenly covered with a layer of patina, it is not worth cleaning it until it shines. Patina protects the metal from corrosion and other damage, and additionally helps determine the age of the coin. Real collectors do not need shiny coins - for them, specimens that have retained their most natural appearance are much more valuable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
Before cleaning old coins at home, choose the ones that are least valuable to you. Try new cleaning products on them to practice the process and not ruin rare specimens by improper cleaning. When hot cleaning, make sure that the coin is not exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This can lead not only to damage to the patina, but also to the destruction of the structure of the old metal.
Never use the following equipment when cleaning your numismatic collection:
- emery, and any abrasive in general;
- brushes with metal bristles;
- strong acid solutions.
Attention! Dry coins properly after washing! Place them on a soft textile or paper towel and gently pat them several times to remove moisture. Drops of water can leave dark stains on the metal; remove them carefully.
How to clean an old coin from soil
How to clean an old coin from soil
Often old coins are random finds. If you dug up a rare specimen during excavation work, or found it under the floor, you can put it in order by simply boiling it.
Before cleaning such coins at home, prepare a soda solution - a tablespoon per glass of water. Place the coins in a sieve or mesh container and lower them into the pan with the solution. Boil the pan for about half an hour.
Then cool the solution slightly, remove the coins and rinse them under running water, removing the soaked dirt with a soft brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0
You can repeat this procedure several times until you are satisfied with the result.
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Regular baking soda is often used to clean household items as an abrasive. But before you clean coins from oxidation with its help, keep in mind that here soda should not be used for mechanical, but rather for chemical cleaning, as an alkali. Just immerse the darkened money in a soda solution for a couple of hours, and its shine will return.
Another way is to make a paste of soda and water and immerse your collection piece in it for a while. Make sure that the paste does not start to dry on the metal surface. Then rinse the coin with running water, removing dirt and soda residues from the coinage with any soft brush.
Tip: after acid cleaning, for example, using citric acid, bathe the coins in a soda solution to extinguish the reaction.
A fairly common composition using soda is a mixture of it with ammonia and toothpaste. You can prepare it every time before cleaning a copper coin at home, or mix the product with a reserve and store it in a tightly closed jar. A mixture of soda, paste and ammonia is applied to the coin in a thick layer, and then brushed off with a toothbrush.
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How to clean an antique coin with soap
How to clean an antique coin with soap
Professional coin restoration at home usually begins with cleaning the coins in a soapy solution. Soak soap shavings in boiling water to a jelly-like consistency, and immerse coins in the resulting mixture. Close the container with a lid and leave for a couple of days. To improve the effect, you can dissolve some baking soda in boiling water before adding soap.
Important! You should take baby soap or classic laundry soap. Neither glycerin varieties nor options with fragrances are acceptable!
After a couple of days, remove the coins from the soap jelly and rinse them thoroughly. After drying, treat the metal surface with alcohol and rub with Vaseline ointment. This way you will protect it from oxidation and new contaminants.
Heat vegetable or Vaseline oil in a small container. Then drop the coins into it, preferably in a lattice container, or at least a tea strainer. Leave your collection like this for no more than 10 minutes, then wash the specimens with soap and boil in distilled water to remove any remaining oil.
Attention! Before cleaning an old copper coin using this method, keep in mind that the oil will not only remove the oxides, but also the patina layer. For copper it is better not to use this method, but for silver, iron and alloys the method is quite suitable.
How to clean a copper coin at home
How to clean a copper coin at home
Copper coins do not need to be restored to shine. On the contrary, a layer of patina gives them additional value. If the coin is evenly covered with it, it is better not to subject it to aggressive cleaning. At most, wash the piece with warm water and soap to remove fingerprints and dust embedded in the relief.
If a coin is corroded, it should be cleaned with special compounds, for example, Trilon B. But since we are talking about how to clean a copper coin at home, we advise you to replace the special product with food-grade citric acid. It will remove the damaged layer of metal from the base without leaving noticeable damage on it.
Prepare a 30% solution of citric acid powder and soak a coin in it. The soaking time depends on the condition of the metal. A couple of hours will be enough for slightly oxidized coins; it is better to soak heavily damaged coins for a day. To restore the shine of an already cleaned coin, a 15-minute soak will be enough. At the end of processing, rinse the coin to remove any remaining acid and wipe dry.
Attention! Copper, after interacting with citric acid, may acquire a slightly pinkish tint. It's not scary - it will disappear in a couple of weeks.
Don't want to bother with solutions? Take a regular lemon, cut it and stick a coin into its pulp that needs cleaning. Here 20-30 minutes of processing will be enough. Once the process is complete, rinse and dry the coin.
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Contact a jeweler for help
Contact a jeweler for help
In fact, there is nothing easier than cleaning a copper coin at home using a jewelry and jewelry cleaner. You can purchase it at any relevant store. If you take the solution, just dip a coin in it for a few minutes. If you use a napkin, gently rub the surface of the coin with it.
Well, if you can’t clean the old coin yourself, contact a jewelry workshop. They will not only carry out professional cleaning, but also polish the metal surface, eliminate corrosion and coat your specimen with a protective compound that prevents destruction. This is the only way to deal with highly valuable coins.
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Source: https://o4istote.ru/uxod-za-veshhami/kak-pochistit-monetu/
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
Cleaning methods and methods
Soap solution
Soap solution
The simplest and cheapest cleaning method. This method is good because the metal is not exposed to an aggressive environment. The soap is crushed and dissolved in warm water. The resulting solution is used for cleaning. You can also use less water and make a paste from the soap. Place coins in the resulting mass and leave for several hours. The most common way to clean a copper coin.
Oil
Oil
A very gentle and at the same time very long method. Can be used in cases where there is a possibility of damaging the metal.
- Good olive oil is required.
- The coin is filled with oil for several months.
- The oil needs to be changed periodically. As it is cleaned, it will change color and sediment may appear in it.
This method can be used to clean antique coins, as it does not damage the metal or patina. But you need to take into account that the patina can change its color.
There is also another method of cleaning with oil - by cooking. Only copper can be cleaned this way. The coin is placed in oil and cooked for several minutes.
Trilon
Trilon
Trilon is the commercial name for disodium salt. Its main chemical property is the replacement of metal ions in insoluble salts with sodium ions, most of whose salts are soluble. In simple terms, Trilon converts insoluble salts into soluble ones. This property is used to clean metal objects from scale and oxides.
Unlike acids, Trilon removes contaminants without damaging the metal . Can be used for items made of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, zinc. It is especially good at cleaning silver, but you should also be careful not to damage the patina on the coin. For use, use a 10% solution.
Vinegar
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that dissolves oxides. The main disadvantage of this method is that vinegar, like any other acid, has a destructive effect on metal. This method cannot be used for zinc; vinegar makes it darker.
The duration of the procedure depends on the concentration of acid in the solution.
- The coin is filled with an acid solution.
- After a few hours, it is washed in water and any remaining dirt is removed using a cloth.
- Rinse again and wipe dry.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis
The most aggressive cleaning method can damage the material being cleaned, so first you need to try it on not particularly valuable samples.
This is done as follows:
-
This method will require a 12V DC power supply, electrodes, and glass or ceramic utensils.
-
An electrolyte solution is prepared in a container. To prepare it, you can use table salt, soda, and caustic soda.
-
Electrodes, which will be cathodes, are lowered into the solution - they need to be connected to the negative side of the battery.
-
The “plus” of the battery is connected to the coin.
-
After turning on the electricity, a rapid electrolytic process begins. It happens quite quickly, so you need to monitor it by periodically inspecting the coin.
-
After the process is completed, the coin is washed with hot water.
Please remember safety precautions when working with electricity.
Paste GOI
Paste GOI
GOI paste is an abrasive material used for polishing metals, so cleaning can easily damage the material. It is EXTREMELY not recommended to use it to clean coins .
If we talk about mechanical cleaning methods in general, they have many disadvantages over chemical ones. Mechanical cleaning scratches the material and is extremely uneven. First of all, the convex parts are cleaned, which begin to wear off as such cleaning continues. At the same time, some of the pollution remains.
How to properly clean coins at home
How to properly clean coins at home
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material.
Copper coins
Copper coins
Copper and copper alloys are one of the most common materials in numismatics. To clean them, you can use any of the above methods. The greenish coating can be removed with acid, or lightened by holding the coin in a soap solution. Dark red or brown plaque can be removed with an ammonia solution.
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper with the addition of other metals. Cleaning methods are similar to those for copper. The peculiarity of cleaning bronze products is that chemical reagents affect not only copper, but also the metal in the alloy. This may result in the formation of reaction products between the cleaning agent and the alloying metal. Therefore, you need to monitor the cleaning process.
Nickel
Nickel
As a rule, they are not susceptible to oxidation. They are simply washed with soapy water.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Copper-nickel alloy (nickel silver) is often used for minting. Oxides may appear on them. Cupronickel coins are cleaned similarly to copper coins.
Silver
Silver
If light cleaning is required, use a soapy solution. More complex stains can be cleaned using Trilon or ammonia.
Zinc
Zinc
Gentle cleaning methods should be used. Do not clean with acids, as this will cause the metal to turn black.
Aluminum
Aluminum
Over time they become covered with a dull gray film. These are the chemical properties of aluminum - oxides help the metal to survive. However, such a coin looks rather inconspicuous. You can clean it with a solution of ammonia and sodium tetraborate.
Bimetallic
Bimetallic
Consist of two different types of metals. To clean them, you need to select a method that is equally suitable for each of the materials.
All coins can be divided into several historical eras. Each of them used its own materials for manufacturing. This knowledge will help determine which cleaning method to use.
Ancient coins
Ancient coins
Cleaning old coins? In general, this makes no sense. The layer of patina on them is only confirmation of their authenticity. In addition, there is a considerable risk of damage during cleaning. If the coin is heavily soiled, you can clean it using the most gentle methods possible, such as soapy water or oil. Otherwise, you should not risk such a valuable specimen.
Royal
Royal
Royal coins were minted from copper and silver. Moreover, copper coins are indeed made of almost pure copper. The absence of additives in metals makes them easier to clean.
USSR
USSR
In Soviet times, coins were made from a variety of materials. At the dawn of the formation of the USSR, they were made of silver. Also, in Soviet times, they stopped using pure copper. At first, aluminum bronze was used instead, and then copper-zinc and copper-nickel alloys.
Modern
Modern
All coins of modern Russia are less than twenty years old. During this time, the patina does not have time to form. Therefore, the only thing that may require cleaning is ordinary dirt.
Anniversary
Anniversary
Such coins are produced in limited quantities and are made from the same materials as regular coins of the same denomination. Sometimes precious metals are used to mint them.
The appearance of a coin is the main criterion for its evaluation, for example, at an auction. The main way to make a coin look better is to clean it. This can be done even at home. To do this, you only need a few tools that can be found in any home.
But you should also remember that the wrong approach to cleaning a coin is the easiest way to ruin it . Therefore, it is important to do everything correctly: determine the material, the degree of contamination, choose a cleaning method and apply it correctly.
Source: http://kakpostirat.com/chistka/kak-ochistit-mednuyu-monetu.html
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Specialized solutions intended for cleaning procedures were developed taking into account the specifics of each specific metal: copper, silver, etc. Each of the products presented on the shelves of hardware stores allows you to remove various contaminants, uneven patina, and oxides from the surface of coins.
However, in an effort to restore copper and other metals to their original radiance and purity, not everyone can afford to purchase these rather expensive solutions.
Therefore, most ordinary consumers decide to tidy up the copper surface of coins using more accessible and less expensive means.
Alternative cleaning methods suitable for use at home can clean almost any dirty copper coin.
The list of necessary funds available in most households is as follows:
- "Coca Cola";
- lemon acid;
- soap;
- electrolysis.
With the help of each of them, many ordinary consumers were able to clean the copper surfaces of coins and other products made from this and other metals without unnecessary hassle.
The algorithm for cleaning coins made of copper and silver is characterized by the same simplicity and accessibility as for similar copper products. Numerous online resources contain all the necessary information.
The following review is devoted to the task of cleaning copper coins in various ways.
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
The preparatory stage consists of searching and selecting a container, the possible material for which is:
To clean copper coins, in addition to citric acid, you also need to prepare water. The acid is poured into a container and diluted with water. Coins are dropped into the solution.
It is necessary to take into account the fairly strong aggressiveness of the solution - the cleaning process must be carried out under continuous monitoring.
From time to time the product needs to be turned over. Carelessness and neglect of this requirement can lead to the fact that the solution can clean the coin right down to the metal.
After you have managed to clean the entire surface of the product, remove the contamination completely, it is advisable to create an artificial patina.
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
Option #1
Option #1
This cleaning method is considered to be as gentle and safe as possible for the item. As a rule, in this case, it is not household soap that is used, but neutral baby soap.
Having decided how to clean the coins, you must first grate the soap on a coarse or medium grater. Then the grated soap is diluted with a small amount of water until a homogeneous plastic mass is obtained.
To clean coins, they are inserted into the resulting soap mass. Having left the products in this state for some time, it is nevertheless necessary to periodically remove them from the water and check them, washing off layers of dirt and oxides.
Having decided to clean coins using this method, you need to understand such specifics of the approach as its impressive duration. The fact is that absolute cleansing in extreme cases can only be achieved after several weeks.
Option No. 2 (optional)
Option No. 2 (optional)
You can also achieve the desired goal by resorting to laundry soap. The process is somewhat different from the similar one described above, but it is also simple.
In this case, a plastic container is used as a container. It is filled with boiling water, into which soap shavings are poured.
After waiting for the soap to completely dissolve and obtain a jelly-like substance, the owner can dip copper coins into it, leaving it for a day or even two. The length of stay in the solution depends on the degree of contamination of the products.
After the required period of time has passed, the money must be washed using a soft brush and dried thoroughly.
Multiple repetitions of the procedure are allowed. By removing all the oxides layer by layer, you can get coins with an absolutely clean surface without any damage.
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
The ambiguous properties of the drink, beloved by children and adults, have also found their application in the struggle for the purity and shine of hard coins.
Many people already know that it can be used to perfectly clean and shine the chrome surfaces of various products. Cleaning antique coins at home is no less successful.
So, to clean a dirty and tarnished coin, you need to put it in a container, preferably glass, and fill it with a fizzy drink. The dishes and their contents are left in this state for several days, preferably a week.
If you lack patience, the time required to clean coins can be significantly reduced. To do this, the dishes are placed on a radiator or other safe and effective heat source. The essence of the approach is that increasing the temperature speeds up the reaction.
It is possible to tidy up an old coin using the presented method due to the content of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid in the sweet drink. If the contamination is much more serious, you will have to resort to more radical methods.
Electrolysis method
Electrolysis method
Those who paid due attention to physics lessons are familiar with this concept from school. Its usefulness when processing coins will be ensured if the following two important rules are observed:
- compliance with safety regulations;
- testing the method on inexpensive items in order to avoid damage to more valuable products.
It is worth paying special attention to the second point of the operating principles: the fact is that sometimes, due to a minor mistake, serious, irreparable damage is caused to a coin or other valuable item.
Old coins are restored to their purity and shine through the use of a small power supply (6-12 Volts). As such, a universal charger can be used. Another alternative: an old mobile phone charger.
The following are attached to the power supply or its alternative:
- two alligator clips;
- some small metal object (not copper or brass is recommended);
- deep dishes made of glass or ceramics.
A saline solution is also used, prepared in compliance with the following proportions: 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of water.
The process is simple, you just need to follow all the steps exactly. One clip - with a minus sign - is attached to the specimen, while the opposite one - with a plus sign - is attached to a metal object.
Then the coin and the metal product are lowered into a pre-prepared container where the saline solution is located, while the power supply is plugged into the outlet.
The result makes itself known quite quickly: the process of dissolving oxides and dirt leads to rapid clouding of the solution. The “bathing” period is short, after which the specimen is washed with hot water and dried.
A little care and precision in following all steps will allow you to achieve the desired results.
Mix of soda and soap
Mix of soda and soap
If you want to achieve the desired cleanliness in the shortest possible time, then the soap method can be enhanced by using soda. However, you need to add soda already in dissolved form.
Having completed the cleaning, the coins must be rinsed thoroughly, and then lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline ointment. The last step provides maximum protection against the appearance of new contaminants and oxidation.
Method with oil
Method with oil
In this case, you need to boil the coins in an oil solution. The best option: use Vaseline oil. The boiling process must be completed until the coins are completely clean. Last step: rinsing in ethyl alcohol.
Edge Cases
Edge Cases
If the coin is brought to an extreme state: it is unusually heavily soiled, you can resort to caustic soda. The product must be handled very carefully; it must be diluted in cold water.
Since this product is inherently a strong alkali, it is recommended to avoid contact with it. You need to lower the product into this solution using tweezers. Residence time in the solution: no more than ten minutes, after which the coins are removed and washed.
However, not all coins can handle this method. If a green or blue stain is noticed on their surface, the cleansing process must be interrupted. If you have a negative reaction, you should not use this method on already tested products.
Having studied various methods of cleaning coins and choosing the optimal one, you need to maintain the accuracy of each step.
It is also necessary to take care of your own safety - especially when using certain methods.
Clean, shiny and sparkling coins delight both connoisseurs and connoisseurs of these products, as well as ordinary users who, for one reason or another, are interested in cleaning reused coins made of copper and other metals.
Source: https://aistenok-63.ru/sovety/kak-i-chem-ochistit-mednuyu-bronzovuyu-ili-druguyu-starinnuyu-monetu.html
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
Formation and value of patina
Of course, you can turn to professionals in this matter, but it will cost a certain amount. In order not to waste money, it is better to clean old coins at home quickly and until they shine so that the process does not affect the quality and value if these are valuable specimens.
Before cleaning coins, you need to pay attention to the deposits on their surface. Patina is a coating that is the result of the interaction of a surface with its environment. Gold and silver are slightly susceptible to patina formation, while copper or alloys like bronze actively participate in these processes, as a result of which their surface layer changes.
The result of this surface corrosion is formed over many centuries and millennia, so the patina can have different colors depending on external agents that create chemical and electrochemical interactions.
Corrosion processes are activated by the following factors:
- air;
- water;
- soil composition and its components (sulfur, carbonates, acids, chlorides and oxidizing agents).
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Organic matter and temperature changes also affect the appearance of coins.
In the world of numismatics, patina is one of the most important evaluation criteria. A perfect patina along with style can increase the value of a numismatic item by more than 100% of the average market price for an example of the same type but with a different patina.
Restoration and cleaning requires a range of suitable tools, skilled hands and patience. It is important that the original patina should not be subjected to aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning, since such a valuable coating confirms the natural age of the coins.
Ancient specimens found in the ground
Ancient specimens found in the ground
A cleaning solution for coins found in the ground is warm distilled water. The coins are immersed in it for several hours until the ground becomes wet. After this, remove the dirt with a small soft-bristled brush , a cotton swab, a toothpick or the tip of a scalpel according to the amount of soil, always remembering to apply very little pressure so as not to damage the patina.
On ancient coins, dirt can remain even after soaking and cleaning. To get rid of it, take a sharp tool and carefully separate the dirt. Cleaning can be done with greater precision through good lighting and the help of a microscope or magnifying glass.
The process described above can be done even by beginners. But it is better, of course, to consult with experts. Perhaps, if the coin is very ancient and corrosion has damaged its structure, experts will be able to apply an artificial patina to it, which will protect the value from further destruction.
Old coins
Old coins
Before cleaning old coins, you need to keep them under running hot water. In this way, you can remove the first layer of dirt thanks to the pressure with which the water comes from the tap, making sure to plug the drain before washing the coins in the sink to avoid losing them due to slipping from your hands.
Using copper sulfate against fungus on walls
All coins can be washed with water, but copper and copper alloys react more strongly to substances in the external environment than coins made of nickel , silver or gold, and therefore can suffer greater damage. In this case, it is difficult to get a good result from water alone.
You need to make a soap solution in a bowl and dip each coin into it separately. Non-abrasive solvents (distilled water and mild soap) are powerful enough to clean soft metals. Then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and use it to clean the coins in soapy water. Continue until the metal regains its shine. This must be done carefully to avoid visual scratches on the surface.
This cleaning may cause some minor scratches on the coins, reducing their value. At the end of the procedure, they must be rinsed and dried each individually with a lint-free cloth.
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Another way to help clean more dirty coins is as follows. Prepare a product from isopropyl alcohol and salt. These chemicals are abrasive, acidic and can remove stubborn dirt. To make the solution , mix 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol with two tablespoons of salt in a bowl. After this, put the coin there for several hours.
Isopropyl alcohol is a universal solvent that can corrode water-insoluble substances (non-polar compounds, etc.) and has a strong odor. The substance is flammable, and a window must be opened when cleaning coins at home with this product.
Rinse coins using distilled water. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemical additives that can cause metal corrosion over time. You need to rinse the fines until there is no solution left on them. After this, wipe them with a cloth and leave them to dry, turning them over from time to time so that no traces of moisture remain, which can lead to damage over time.
Cleaning USSR coins, which are not yet of particular value to numismatists, can be carried out using both the above methods and citric acid. But after cleaning, thorough rinsing is necessary.
Collection storage
Collection storage
Extreme temperatures can affect the patina. It is important to avoid drying coins with hot air or near heating devices. After cleaning, specimens are placed in plastic boxes or folders at ambient temperature.
Effective ways to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits and old fat
Other common materials (paper, cardboard, some plastics) can degrade metal over time. You should not place coins in products made of polyvinyl chloride, as they contain substances that damage the metal.
Collectible coins are best placed in hard plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) envelopes as they are more durable and provide better protection. The main thing to do is to make sure the envelopes are sealed.
- Paper should not be used because it contains sulfur, which gives a gray tint to the metal.
- Do not store coins in places where they can fall.
- When picking up old copies, you need to hold them by the edge. Sebum and fingerprints can affect appearance and cost.
There is a standardized grading system and even the slightest scratches caused by cleaning can cause problems.
For items made of nickel or precious metals, you can apply the procedure with pure acetone by placing coins in it for 5 seconds. But if you do not remove the remains of this solvent on the metal, a brown coating will form , which significantly reduces the value, so it is important to rinse the valuables with water immediately after the procedure.
Since acetone is a solvent and not an acid, it will not adversely affect coins unless left in the product for too long. Other products contain chemicals that can damage the metal.
Source: https://RedSol.ru/chistka/kak-v-domashnih-usloviyah-proizvesti-chistku-monet
How to clean old coins without leaving home
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
General information about cleaning coins
It is important to understand that not all specimens require serious cleaning; sometimes the procedure can even be harmful. It would also be good to learn to distinguish patina from oxide and plaque, since it gives the metal nobility and protects it from external factors. Every collector knows that a layer of patina is more important than a brilliant shine.
If this is your first time trying to clean old coins at home, it's best to start with the least valuable coins. If they fail, they will not be so sorry. On them, try the method that interests you. When it comes time to work at elevated temperatures, try to ensure that the transition from room temperature to high is smooth. A sudden change can damage the metal.
When you have to use a brush, it is better to use a soft one, such as a toothbrush. Do not use items with metal bristles or sandpaper.
It is important to dry properly, especially antique coins. To do this, you need to place them on a soft cloth and carefully apply it on top several times. It happens that drops of water leave their mark on antiques.
See also video: 3 ways to clean old coins at home
Starting the cleaning process
Starting the cleaning process
We choose a cleaning method depending on what type of dirt we are dealing with. There are chemical and mechanical, in the second option we are talking about dirt, dust, earth and other contaminants that are cleaned mechanically without the use of special means. The first method involves a certain chemical reaction that will help wash the coin from oxide, green plaque or any other.
If you have not previously worked with the methods below, carefully follow the instructions and do not overdo it so as not to damage the product. Moreover, you should not change the recipe or come up with your own.
Cleaning from contaminants
Cleaning from contaminants
At this stage we are talking about mechanical cleaning. Depending on what kind of metal we are dealing with and how dirty it is, we choose the cleaning method:
- A soap solution can handle minor stains; use it to remove dirt using a brush or an old toothbrush.
- In difficult cases, we act depending on the composition of the coin. You can use the methods given in the paragraphs below.
- If the pattern on the surface is not visible, put it in a soap solution for 10-15 minutes. You can use laundry soap. After this, using a toothbrush, carefully wash the coin directly in the water. Then we dry it.
How to clean a coin found in the ground
How to clean a coin found in the ground
Often, when searching for old coins, they are found in the ground; such finds often resemble those from the USSR. Sometimes they lie there for years and the dirt has become so ingrained that it has become almost integral to the product. Cleaning such coins at home will be done by boiling.
You need to make a soda solution, one tablespoon of soda per glass. It is better to place the contaminated item in a sieve or something similar so that it does not lie at the bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for half an hour. Now turn off the heat source and let the water cool slightly. We take out the product and carefully clean it using a toothbrush or other soft brush. We carry out the procedure as many times as possible until the coin restores its normal appearance.
Cleaning with baking soda
Cleaning with baking soda
In this case, we will clean coins from oxidation using ordinary soda, which will be used as an alkali. That is, the main task is not mechanical cleaning, but chemical cleaning. We make a regular soda solution and immerse the products there. The concentration of the solution depends on the complexity of the case; as a rule, add 1-2 tablespoons of soda to a glass of water. After a few hours, pull it out; if there is still plaque, remove it with a soft cloth and dry it.
You can make a kind of paste from soda and water. We put coins there for a certain time and periodically watch it so that the soda does not start to dry out right on the surface. After the procedure, remove and use a soft brush to clean all residues from plaque and oxide while simultaneously rinsing in water.
You can make your own cleaning products. To do this, we make a mixture of ammonia, soda and toothpaste. By closing it all in a jar it can be stored for a long time. Cleaning with its help is very simple, apply the mixture and wash with a toothbrush.
Cleaning a coin with soap
Cleaning a coin with soap
The basic method for cleaning an old coin involves using a soapy solution. We rub the soap shavings on a grater and soak them in boiling water so that a mixture somewhat reminiscent of jelly is formed. Place a coin there, cover and leave for 1-2 days. In difficult cases, add soda, 2-5% of the total mass of the solution. When time has passed, remove it. Rinse under running water and dry. Soak in alcohol and leave until completely dry.
Boiling down coins
Boiling down coins
Vaseline or vegetable oil is heated and a coin is immersed in a strainer for 10 minutes. Wash with running water and soap. Pour clean water into a vessel, immerse our coin in it, heat it to a boil and leave to cool. After the procedure, wipe the product dry.
Jewelry Cleaners
Jewelry Cleaners
The best option for cleaning an old coin at home is a jewelry cleaner. It can be purchased at jewelry stores and workshops. This could be a napkin or solution. In the first case, you need to wipe the surface of the product. In the second, immerse the coin there for 5 minutes.
It is better to entrust valuable coins to professionals. It would be a shame to ruin an antique due to your own incompetence. The workshop will not only clean it, but also polish it and may apply an additional layer of protection.
Cleaning depending on alloy
Cleaning depending on alloy
The most common coins are:
- Gold;
- Silver;
- Bronze;
- Copper.
Depending on the metal, the cleaning method is determined. More details about each can be found in the relevant articles on our website.
Pure gold
Pure gold
Coins made of gold are surprisingly easy to clean. To do this, you can use one of the methods below:
- Make soapy water in a glass and add 10 drops of ammonia. Place the product there for 10-15 minutes. Wipe dry.
- To restore the shine to gold, onion juice is a cheap and effective remedy. Using a soft cloth, rub the surface of the metal with it and leave for several hours. Rinse under running water and wipe dry.
- In stores you can buy a special paste for laundering gold.
Laundering silver
Laundering silver
Silver coins are durable, so they are much more difficult to damage. It is not recommended to use baking soda with this metal. At first it will cope with its task, but over time micro-scratches may form. So how to clean silver?
- The easiest way is with toothpaste (or powder) and a brush. Apply the product to the surface and scrub until it returns to its normal appearance.
- Make a solution of citric acid in a ratio of 1:3. We put our coin collection there and leave it for 10 minutes. Take it out and clean it with a toothbrush.
- Sometimes, to restore shine, simply immersing it in ammonia for 2 minutes is enough.
Cleaning bronze
Cleaning bronze
If there is no damage, oxide or any deposits on the surface, then it is treated mechanically using a soap solution. In other cases, we resort to one of the methods below.
- As in the case of silver, we make a solution of citric acid, but this time you will need a 1:2 ratio. Place the product there for 10 minutes, rinse and wipe dry. The color may change slightly, but after a few days everything will return to normal.
- An excellent method for cleaning antique gold coins is to use vegetable oil. With its help you can not only restore the appearance, but also add an additional protective layer. To do this, you need to bring the oil to a boil and gently lower the coin there for 5 minutes. Remove and immerse in ethyl alcohol for the same amount of time. Rinse and dry.
Processing copper coins
How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.
To clean a coin from rust you can use:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/juice;
- soda;
- coca cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.
How to clean a silver coin?
Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.
Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.
To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result.
However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.
How to clean blackness from a coin?
Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.
However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.
There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.
How to clean green deposits from a coin?
There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.
There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:
- green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
- a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
- The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.
There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled).
After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed.
This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.
There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.
It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.
This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.
How to clean a bimetallic coin?
A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition.
And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.
That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes.
Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder.
But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.
If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.
After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.
How to clean a zinc coin?
Avid numismatists also have zinc specimens. Cleaning such coins is a very labor-intensive process. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts actively with strong acids, but its salts have poor reactivity to weak acid solutions. That is why the best option for cleaning such valuables is to dissolve the patina layer in a container with a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid.
Before you start etching the metal, you should remember that the coin cannot be left unattended in such a liquid, since it is required to check its condition every 5 seconds. This is necessary in order to see the moment when the patina has already worn off and the acid has taken on the base metal.
Cleaning zinc specimens at home will be much more effective if the container is wide enough. This is necessary in order to keep the coin in the acid and at the same time clean it with a toothbrush. Hydrochloric acid is different in that:
- has different activity with metals;
- does not harm human skin;
- has a good reaction with zinc and iron.
After cleaning, the coin should be rinsed from acid residues with strong water pressure. This is due to the fact that if you simply throw it into water, the acid will remain on the surface of the zinc for some time. This can lead to additional etching of the alloy, which is extremely undesirable for such products.
Completely cleaning zinc coins at home is quite a labor-intensive task, so you should not expect much effect. However, in any case, they will acquire a more attractive appearance and add to their value.
Source: https://otproblem.ru/kak-pochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
As you might expect, products made from different types of materials have their own nuances.
Copper coin
Copper is a capricious metal. And without knowledge of cleaning rules, the unique shine will be lost. The coin will become dull and boring. For home care, use citric acid, kefir and other products. It is important to remember that sand, soda, and tooth powder are not suitable for cleaning copper. The surface can be scratched so that it is no longer possible to get rid of the damage.
If copper is damaged or rusted, collectors use Trilon B, a slow-acting reagent that promotes peeling of plaque.
At times, after processing, coins take on an unnatural light shade. Numismatists cope with the problem with sunflower oil, where they immerse the items for a week, turning them over from time to time. Well, when “bronze disease” appears, only a specialist can help.
Silver coin
Cleaning is carried out using standard means, that is, lemon juice, ammonia, soap. Sometimes olive oil is added for a greater glow.
You can treat silver until it shines with prepared gruel. Salt is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, the resulting composition is distributed on foil. Silver samples are wrapped in it and kept for eight hours.
The darkening is removed with lemon juice, but the silver is not immersed in the drink, but wiped with a cotton pad. If the contamination is not severe, soak it in detergent, after 0.5 hours, rinse and dry with a rag. It is difficult to clean silver; a soft toothbrush and chamois leather are useful for polishing.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel coins are cleaned with soapy water. I dissolve soap shavings in warm water, and use the resulting composition to wash the surface. For more serious stains, use a thick composition. Copper-nickel products are cleaned with a special cleaner called Asidol. But since it contains abrasive substances, it is not recommended to rub cupronickel money with it in order to avoid scratches.
A commemorative copy of 10 rubles was produced from this composite, and almost every collector has one. To process the rarity at home, you will need 9% vinegar, toothpaste with bleach and a toothbrush (napkin). It is dipped in vinegar for a couple of minutes, then rubbed with a paste. And the dirt is removed with a napkin. If the result is unsatisfactory, the procedure is repeated. Do not soak in vinegar for more than two minutes.
Zinc coin
It is difficult to care for rarities made of this metal, since after exposure to reagents, the products darken and lose their original appearance. Some people clean zinc banknotes with hydrochloric acid, but this is a big risk, because in a few minutes you can lose the sample forever. It will simply dissolve.
And yet, there is a universal Leuchtturm liquid that can clean zinc money without any problems. Having a harmless composition, the liquid will not spoil the value. Place small change in it quietly for 15 minutes. Then wash them with cold liquid.
Soviet coins of the USSR
Many numismatists store valuables of the USSR, which were in circulation quite recently and carry a piece of the history of the Soviet Union. Like any other rarities, they need careful care and timely cleaning.
Small money was made from an alloy that included nickel and copper and added zinc, bronze, aluminum, and brass. This makes it even more difficult to remove contaminants. Collectors often use electrolysis, Trilon B. A strange, but quite effective method was invented. The coin is moistened, cigarette ash is sprinkled on it, and wait 20 minutes. Then the resulting slurry is rubbed into the exhibit. Later wash off with a cold stream.
When using standard methods, the following precautions apply:
- A soap solution is unable to cope with oxides, but only removes contaminants;
- vinegar reduces clarity, which reduces the value of the item;
- hydrochloric acid disturbs the silver-white color;
- GOI paste erases reliefs and patina.
But a mixture of baking soda, ammonia and toothpaste has no contraindications and will remove stains from Soviet products without difficulty.
Universal folk methods
These techniques have been developed over the years, through trial and error. But modern antiquities experts can clean coins made of various metals without fear, taking into account certain requirements.
Lemon acid
Remove greens and rusty deposits:
- place the item in the pottery;
- pour 1 tbsp into it. l. acids;
- add 0.5 cups of water;
- constantly turn the coin over;
- rinse with jet;
- dry with a clean cloth.
Instead of lemon juice, 9% table vinegar is suitable. The composition is prepared in the same way.
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Soap
For the procedure, use laundry or baby soap. Using a grater, they turn it into shavings, which are smeared on both sides of the object. From time to time it is washed under running water and coated again. It should be noted that the final result will appear after 14-30 days.
Soda and soap
When time is limited, soda is added to the soap. After treatment, wipe with alcohol and lubricate with Vaseline oil so that the blackness does not reappear.
Coca Cola
Phosphoric acid contained in the drinking drink, which can clean metal surfaces from contaminants. It is also used for restoration of rarities. A drink is poured into a bowl, valuables are placed in it and kept warm. This may be the sun, a radiator, a fireplace.
Electrolysis method
To clean banknotes using this method, you will need the following equipment:
- charger (1 pc.);
- clamps (2 pcs.);
- copper (brass) item;
- tableware (glass, ceramics);
- a solution of soda (1 tbsp) and water (1 l).
The negative clamp is connected to the coin, the “+” to the object. Both electrolytes are lowered into the solution and the electric current is turned on. After some time, the result will be visible.
Before taking a valuable coin, test an unusable copy. And follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
Oil
The method is simple, but there are limitations. It is not used for restoration of rare specimens.
Banknotes are placed in a bowl with petroleum jelly and boiled until the coins are completely free of rust and oxide. After heating, wash in ethyl alcohol.
Dishwashing liquid
To wipe off small money, you can use dishwashing detergent. Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. any drug and put the fines in the liquid for 60 minutes. Then sand it with a piece of flannel. Fat stains will disappear and color will improve.
Chemicals
How and with what to clean coins at home if the available preparations did not cope with the task.
- Caustic sodium. The method is instant, but is not suitable for some metals. One packet of granules is dissolved in 0.5 liters of purified water. The coin is caught with tweezers (forceps) and immersed in the composition for 8-10 minutes. Then the product is washed off with liquid. The oxide has softened in the solution and can now be cleaned off with a brush. The procedure will not take long, as the cleaning proceeds quickly. If the coin turns green or blue, you should stop the procedure immediately.
- To remove red deposits from copper, a 5% ammonia solution or ammonium carbonate is suitable. The banknote is dipped into the preparation for only 1-2 minutes. After extraction, the green coating is removed with acid: acetic or citric. If the plaque is yellow, then use 10% acetic acid.
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After processing by any method, the value is boiled repeatedly in purified liquid. To determine whether the coin has been completely cleaned, a solution of silver nitrate is dripped into the composition. When the water remains clear, the purification is completed.
To dry, place the specimen in a drying cabinet or acetone, then immerse it in alcohol for 60 minutes.
Tips and precautions
Before cleaning an antique coin that has just been removed from the ground, it is washed with running water. Then clean with a soft brush. When oxidized, the product is cleaned by any of the methods previously tested on a simple specimen.
Coins should be stored properly, especially valuable collectibles:
- Store in darkness, dry and clean.
- After manual inspection, exhibits must be washed and dried.
- It is better to store in albums with compartments, glass cases, cardboard boxes.
- Clean carefully, preferably with homemade preparations.
From a caring attitude, compliance with storage rules and knowledge of how to clean old coins, exhibits will live a long life and delight children and grandchildren.
What coins should you not clean yourself?
There is a whole group of exhibits that should not be cleaned yourself. This applies to precious and semi-precious items.
In addition, if there are no deep scratches, chips, or gouges, they can get by with a stream of water, washing the rarity, and then drying it and placing it in their collection.
Professional cleaning, where to go
Proper cleaning of banknotes is the key to the value and value of the collection. A non-professional can destroy this or that treasure. And if this is a valuable specimen, it is better to turn to professional craftsmen. Such specialists sit on the National Numismatic Register.
Their responsibilities include consultations on the restoration of gold, copper, silver and other small money. In addition, they undertake cleaning of products using modern technologies, which make it possible to preserve the value of banknotes.
Their services are expensive, but the restoration may be worth it.
Drying after cleaning
The available coin cleaning products can do a good job, but if you neglect the drying rules, all your efforts will be in vain. Therefore, at the end of the process, the small change is laid out on a paper napkin (towel), after wiping it on all sides with a rag made of natural fabric.
Or keep in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 100°.
If you decide to start collecting, you should become more familiar with the methods of cleaning and storing banknotes. A numismatist is not an easy collector and custodian of relics.
This is a person who studies the history of coinage, monetary circulation, and therefore the history of the development of society.
Source: https://InfoUborka.ru/stati/kak-pochistit-starye-monety.html
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
In fact, not every coin needs deep cleaning. For many, especially copper, specimens, excessive zeal during cleaning even harms them. If the coin is evenly covered with a layer of patina, it is not worth cleaning it until it shines. Patina protects the metal from corrosion and other damage, and additionally helps determine the age of the coin. Real collectors do not need shiny coins - for them, specimens that have retained their most natural appearance are much more valuable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
Before cleaning old coins at home, choose the ones that are least valuable to you. Try new cleaning products on them to practice the process and not ruin rare specimens by improper cleaning. When hot cleaning, make sure that the coin is not exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This can lead not only to damage to the patina, but also to the destruction of the structure of the old metal.
Never use the following equipment when cleaning your numismatic collection:
- emery, and any abrasive in general;
- brushes with metal bristles;
- strong acid solutions.
Attention! Dry coins properly after washing! Place them on a soft textile or paper towel and gently pat them several times to remove moisture. Drops of water can leave dark stains on the metal; remove them carefully.
How to clean an old coin from soil
Often old coins are random finds. If you dug up a rare specimen during excavation work, or found it under the floor, you can put it in order by simply boiling it.
Before cleaning such coins at home, prepare a soda solution - a tablespoon per glass of water. Place the coins in a sieve or mesh container and lower them into the pan with the solution. Boil the pan for about half an hour.
Then cool the solution slightly, remove the coins and rinse them under running water, removing the soaked dirt with a soft brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0
You can repeat this procedure several times until you are satisfied with the result.
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Regular baking soda is often used to clean household items as an abrasive. But before you clean coins from oxidation with its help, keep in mind that here soda should not be used for mechanical, but rather for chemical cleaning, as an alkali. Just immerse the darkened money in a soda solution for a couple of hours, and its shine will return.
Another way is to make a paste of soda and water and immerse your collection piece in it for a while. Make sure that the paste does not start to dry on the metal surface. Then rinse the coin with running water, removing dirt and soda residues from the coinage with any soft brush.
Tip: after acid cleaning, for example, using citric acid, bathe the coins in a soda solution to extinguish the reaction.
A fairly common composition using soda is a mixture of it with ammonia and toothpaste. You can prepare it every time before cleaning a copper coin at home, or mix the product with a reserve and store it in a tightly closed jar. A mixture of soda, paste and ammonia is applied to the coin in a thick layer, and then brushed off with a toothbrush.
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How to clean an antique coin with soap
Professional coin restoration at home usually begins with cleaning the coins in a soapy solution. Soak soap shavings in boiling water to a jelly-like consistency, and immerse coins in the resulting mixture. Close the container with a lid and leave for a couple of days. To improve the effect, you can dissolve some baking soda in boiling water before adding soap.
Important! You should take baby soap or classic laundry soap. Neither glycerin varieties nor options with fragrances are acceptable!
After a couple of days, remove the coins from the soap jelly and rinse them thoroughly. After drying, treat the metal surface with alcohol and rub with Vaseline ointment. This way you will protect it from oxidation and new contaminants.
Heat vegetable or Vaseline oil in a small container. Then drop the coins into it, preferably in a lattice container, or at least a tea strainer. Leave your collection like this for no more than 10 minutes, then wash the specimens with soap and boil in distilled water to remove any remaining oil.
Attention! Before cleaning an old copper coin using this method, keep in mind that the oil will not only remove the oxides, but also the patina layer. For copper it is better not to use this method, but for silver, iron and alloys the method is quite suitable.
How to clean a copper coin at home
Copper coins do not need to be restored to shine. On the contrary, a layer of patina gives them additional value. If the coin is evenly covered with it, it is better not to subject it to aggressive cleaning. At most, wash the piece with warm water and soap to remove fingerprints and dust embedded in the relief.
If a coin is corroded, it should be cleaned with special compounds, for example, Trilon B. But since we are talking about how to clean a copper coin at home, we advise you to replace the special product with food-grade citric acid. It will remove the damaged layer of metal from the base without leaving noticeable damage on it.
Prepare a 30% solution of citric acid powder and soak a coin in it. The soaking time depends on the condition of the metal. A couple of hours will be enough for slightly oxidized coins; it is better to soak heavily damaged coins for a day. To restore the shine of an already cleaned coin, a 15-minute soak will be enough. At the end of processing, rinse the coin to remove any remaining acid and wipe dry.
Attention! Copper, after interacting with citric acid, may acquire a slightly pinkish tint. It's not scary - it will disappear in a couple of weeks.
Don't want to bother with solutions? Take a regular lemon, cut it and stick a coin into its pulp that needs cleaning. Here 20-30 minutes of processing will be enough. Once the process is complete, rinse and dry the coin.
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Contact a jeweler for help
In fact, there is nothing easier than cleaning a copper coin at home using a jewelry and jewelry cleaner. You can purchase it at any relevant store. If you take the solution, just dip a coin in it for a few minutes. If you use a napkin, gently rub the surface of the coin with it.
Well, if you can’t clean the old coin yourself, contact a jewelry workshop. They will not only carry out professional cleaning, but also polish the metal surface, eliminate corrosion and coat your specimen with a protective compound that prevents destruction. This is the only way to deal with highly valuable coins.
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Source: https://o4istote.ru/uxod-za-veshhami/kak-pochistit-monetu/
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
Soap solution
The simplest and cheapest cleaning method. This method is good because the metal is not exposed to an aggressive environment. The soap is crushed and dissolved in warm water. The resulting solution is used for cleaning. You can also use less water and make a paste from the soap. Place coins in the resulting mass and leave for several hours. The most common way to clean a copper coin.
Oil
A very gentle and at the same time very long method. Can be used in cases where there is a possibility of damaging the metal.
- Good olive oil is required.
- The coin is filled with oil for several months.
- The oil needs to be changed periodically. As it is cleaned, it will change color and sediment may appear in it.
This method can be used to clean antique coins, as it does not damage the metal or patina. But you need to take into account that the patina can change its color.
There is also another method of cleaning with oil - by cooking. Only copper can be cleaned this way. The coin is placed in oil and cooked for several minutes.
Trilon
Trilon is the commercial name for disodium salt. Its main chemical property is the replacement of metal ions in insoluble salts with sodium ions, most of whose salts are soluble. In simple terms, Trilon converts insoluble salts into soluble ones. This property is used to clean metal objects from scale and oxides.
Unlike acids, Trilon removes contaminants without damaging the metal . Can be used for items made of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, zinc. It is especially good at cleaning silver, but you should also be careful not to damage the patina on the coin. For use, use a 10% solution.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that dissolves oxides. The main disadvantage of this method is that vinegar, like any other acid, has a destructive effect on metal. This method cannot be used for zinc; vinegar makes it darker.
The duration of the procedure depends on the concentration of acid in the solution.
- The coin is filled with an acid solution.
- After a few hours, it is washed in water and any remaining dirt is removed using a cloth.
- Rinse again and wipe dry.
Electrolysis
The most aggressive cleaning method can damage the material being cleaned, so first you need to try it on not particularly valuable samples.
This is done as follows:
-
This method will require a 12V DC power supply, electrodes, and glass or ceramic utensils.
-
An electrolyte solution is prepared in a container. To prepare it, you can use table salt, soda, and caustic soda.
-
Electrodes, which will be cathodes, are lowered into the solution - they need to be connected to the negative side of the battery.
-
The “plus” of the battery is connected to the coin.
-
After turning on the electricity, a rapid electrolytic process begins. It happens quite quickly, so you need to monitor it by periodically inspecting the coin.
-
After the process is completed, the coin is washed with hot water.
Please remember safety precautions when working with electricity.
Paste GOI
GOI paste is an abrasive material used for polishing metals, so cleaning can easily damage the material. It is EXTREMELY not recommended to use it to clean coins .
If we talk about mechanical cleaning methods in general, they have many disadvantages over chemical ones. Mechanical cleaning scratches the material and is extremely uneven. First of all, the convex parts are cleaned, which begin to wear off as such cleaning continues. At the same time, some of the pollution remains.
How to properly clean coins at home
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material.
Copper coins
Copper and copper alloys are one of the most common materials in numismatics. To clean them, you can use any of the above methods. The greenish coating can be removed with acid, or lightened by holding the coin in a soap solution. Dark red or brown plaque can be removed with an ammonia solution.
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper with the addition of other metals. Cleaning methods are similar to those for copper. The peculiarity of cleaning bronze products is that chemical reagents affect not only copper, but also the metal in the alloy. This may result in the formation of reaction products between the cleaning agent and the alloying metal. Therefore, you need to monitor the cleaning process.
Nickel
As a rule, they are not susceptible to oxidation. They are simply washed with soapy water.
Cupronickel
Copper-nickel alloy (nickel silver) is often used for minting. Oxides may appear on them. Cupronickel coins are cleaned similarly to copper coins.
Silver
If light cleaning is required, use a soapy solution. More complex stains can be cleaned using Trilon or ammonia.
Zinc
Gentle cleaning methods should be used. Do not clean with acids, as this will cause the metal to turn black.
Aluminum
Over time they become covered with a dull gray film. These are the chemical properties of aluminum - oxides help the metal to survive. However, such a coin looks rather inconspicuous. You can clean it with a solution of ammonia and sodium tetraborate.
Bimetallic
Consist of two different types of metals. To clean them, you need to select a method that is equally suitable for each of the materials.
All coins can be divided into several historical eras. Each of them used its own materials for manufacturing. This knowledge will help determine which cleaning method to use.
Ancient coins
Cleaning old coins? In general, this makes no sense. The layer of patina on them is only confirmation of their authenticity. In addition, there is a considerable risk of damage during cleaning. If the coin is heavily soiled, you can clean it using the most gentle methods possible, such as soapy water or oil. Otherwise, you should not risk such a valuable specimen.
Royal
Royal coins were minted from copper and silver. Moreover, copper coins are indeed made of almost pure copper. The absence of additives in metals makes them easier to clean.
USSR
In Soviet times, coins were made from a variety of materials. At the dawn of the formation of the USSR, they were made of silver. Also, in Soviet times, they stopped using pure copper. At first, aluminum bronze was used instead, and then copper-zinc and copper-nickel alloys.
Modern
All coins of modern Russia are less than twenty years old. During this time, the patina does not have time to form. Therefore, the only thing that may require cleaning is ordinary dirt.
Anniversary
Such coins are produced in limited quantities and are made from the same materials as regular coins of the same denomination. Sometimes precious metals are used to mint them.
The appearance of a coin is the main criterion for its evaluation, for example, at an auction. The main way to make a coin look better is to clean it. This can be done even at home. To do this, you only need a few tools that can be found in any home.
But you should also remember that the wrong approach to cleaning a coin is the easiest way to ruin it . Therefore, it is important to do everything correctly: determine the material, the degree of contamination, choose a cleaning method and apply it correctly.
Source: http://kakpostirat.com/chistka/kak-ochistit-mednuyu-monetu.html
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Specialized solutions intended for cleaning procedures were developed taking into account the specifics of each specific metal: copper, silver, etc. Each of the products presented on the shelves of hardware stores allows you to remove various contaminants, uneven patina, and oxides from the surface of coins.
However, in an effort to restore copper and other metals to their original radiance and purity, not everyone can afford to purchase these rather expensive solutions.
Therefore, most ordinary consumers decide to tidy up the copper surface of coins using more accessible and less expensive means.
Alternative cleaning methods suitable for use at home can clean almost any dirty copper coin.
The list of necessary funds available in most households is as follows:
- "Coca Cola";
- lemon acid;
- soap;
- electrolysis.
With the help of each of them, many ordinary consumers were able to clean the copper surfaces of coins and other products made from this and other metals without unnecessary hassle.
The algorithm for cleaning coins made of copper and silver is characterized by the same simplicity and accessibility as for similar copper products. Numerous online resources contain all the necessary information.
The following review is devoted to the task of cleaning copper coins in various ways.
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
The preparatory stage consists of searching and selecting a container, the possible material for which is:
To clean copper coins, in addition to citric acid, you also need to prepare water. The acid is poured into a container and diluted with water. Coins are dropped into the solution.
It is necessary to take into account the fairly strong aggressiveness of the solution - the cleaning process must be carried out under continuous monitoring.
From time to time the product needs to be turned over. Carelessness and neglect of this requirement can lead to the fact that the solution can clean the coin right down to the metal.
After you have managed to clean the entire surface of the product, remove the contamination completely, it is advisable to create an artificial patina.
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
Option #1
This cleaning method is considered to be as gentle and safe as possible for the item. As a rule, in this case, it is not household soap that is used, but neutral baby soap.
Having decided how to clean the coins, you must first grate the soap on a coarse or medium grater. Then the grated soap is diluted with a small amount of water until a homogeneous plastic mass is obtained.
To clean coins, they are inserted into the resulting soap mass. Having left the products in this state for some time, it is nevertheless necessary to periodically remove them from the water and check them, washing off layers of dirt and oxides.
Having decided to clean coins using this method, you need to understand such specifics of the approach as its impressive duration. The fact is that absolute cleansing in extreme cases can only be achieved after several weeks.
Option No. 2 (optional)
You can also achieve the desired goal by resorting to laundry soap. The process is somewhat different from the similar one described above, but it is also simple.
In this case, a plastic container is used as a container. It is filled with boiling water, into which soap shavings are poured.
After waiting for the soap to completely dissolve and obtain a jelly-like substance, the owner can dip copper coins into it, leaving it for a day or even two. The length of stay in the solution depends on the degree of contamination of the products.
After the required period of time has passed, the money must be washed using a soft brush and dried thoroughly.
Multiple repetitions of the procedure are allowed. By removing all the oxides layer by layer, you can get coins with an absolutely clean surface without any damage.
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
The ambiguous properties of the drink, beloved by children and adults, have also found their application in the struggle for the purity and shine of hard coins.
Many people already know that it can be used to perfectly clean and shine the chrome surfaces of various products. Cleaning antique coins at home is no less successful.
So, to clean a dirty and tarnished coin, you need to put it in a container, preferably glass, and fill it with a fizzy drink. The dishes and their contents are left in this state for several days, preferably a week.
If you lack patience, the time required to clean coins can be significantly reduced. To do this, the dishes are placed on a radiator or other safe and effective heat source. The essence of the approach is that increasing the temperature speeds up the reaction.
It is possible to tidy up an old coin using the presented method due to the content of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid in the sweet drink. If the contamination is much more serious, you will have to resort to more radical methods.
Electrolysis method
Those who paid due attention to physics lessons are familiar with this concept from school. Its usefulness when processing coins will be ensured if the following two important rules are observed:
- compliance with safety regulations;
- testing the method on inexpensive items in order to avoid damage to more valuable products.
It is worth paying special attention to the second point of the operating principles: the fact is that sometimes, due to a minor mistake, serious, irreparable damage is caused to a coin or other valuable item.
Old coins are restored to their purity and shine through the use of a small power supply (6-12 Volts). As such, a universal charger can be used. Another alternative: an old mobile phone charger.
The following are attached to the power supply or its alternative:
- two alligator clips;
- some small metal object (not copper or brass is recommended);
- deep dishes made of glass or ceramics.
A saline solution is also used, prepared in compliance with the following proportions: 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of water.
The process is simple, you just need to follow all the steps exactly. One clip - with a minus sign - is attached to the specimen, while the opposite one - with a plus sign - is attached to a metal object.
Then the coin and the metal product are lowered into a pre-prepared container where the saline solution is located, while the power supply is plugged into the outlet.
The result makes itself known quite quickly: the process of dissolving oxides and dirt leads to rapid clouding of the solution. The “bathing” period is short, after which the specimen is washed with hot water and dried.
A little care and precision in following all steps will allow you to achieve the desired results.
Mix of soda and soap
If you want to achieve the desired cleanliness in the shortest possible time, then the soap method can be enhanced by using soda. However, you need to add soda already in dissolved form.
Having completed the cleaning, the coins must be rinsed thoroughly, and then lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline ointment. The last step provides maximum protection against the appearance of new contaminants and oxidation.
Method with oil
In this case, you need to boil the coins in an oil solution. The best option: use Vaseline oil. The boiling process must be completed until the coins are completely clean. Last step: rinsing in ethyl alcohol.
Edge Cases
If the coin is brought to an extreme state: it is unusually heavily soiled, you can resort to caustic soda. The product must be handled very carefully; it must be diluted in cold water.
Since this product is inherently a strong alkali, it is recommended to avoid contact with it. You need to lower the product into this solution using tweezers. Residence time in the solution: no more than ten minutes, after which the coins are removed and washed.
However, not all coins can handle this method. If a green or blue stain is noticed on their surface, the cleansing process must be interrupted. If you have a negative reaction, you should not use this method on already tested products.
Having studied various methods of cleaning coins and choosing the optimal one, you need to maintain the accuracy of each step.
It is also necessary to take care of your own safety - especially when using certain methods.
Clean, shiny and sparkling coins delight both connoisseurs and connoisseurs of these products, as well as ordinary users who, for one reason or another, are interested in cleaning reused coins made of copper and other metals.
Source: https://aistenok-63.ru/sovety/kak-i-chem-ochistit-mednuyu-bronzovuyu-ili-druguyu-starinnuyu-monetu.html
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
Of course, you can turn to professionals in this matter, but it will cost a certain amount. In order not to waste money, it is better to clean old coins at home quickly and until they shine so that the process does not affect the quality and value if these are valuable specimens.
Before cleaning coins, you need to pay attention to the deposits on their surface. Patina is a coating that is the result of the interaction of a surface with its environment. Gold and silver are slightly susceptible to patina formation, while copper or alloys like bronze actively participate in these processes, as a result of which their surface layer changes.
The result of this surface corrosion is formed over many centuries and millennia, so the patina can have different colors depending on external agents that create chemical and electrochemical interactions.
Corrosion processes are activated by the following factors:
- air;
- water;
- soil composition and its components (sulfur, carbonates, acids, chlorides and oxidizing agents).
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Organic matter and temperature changes also affect the appearance of coins.
In the world of numismatics, patina is one of the most important evaluation criteria. A perfect patina along with style can increase the value of a numismatic item by more than 100% of the average market price for an example of the same type but with a different patina.
Restoration and cleaning requires a range of suitable tools, skilled hands and patience. It is important that the original patina should not be subjected to aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning, since such a valuable coating confirms the natural age of the coins.
Ancient specimens found in the ground
A cleaning solution for coins found in the ground is warm distilled water. The coins are immersed in it for several hours until the ground becomes wet. After this, remove the dirt with a small soft-bristled brush , a cotton swab, a toothpick or the tip of a scalpel according to the amount of soil, always remembering to apply very little pressure so as not to damage the patina.
On ancient coins, dirt can remain even after soaking and cleaning. To get rid of it, take a sharp tool and carefully separate the dirt. Cleaning can be done with greater precision through good lighting and the help of a microscope or magnifying glass.
The process described above can be done even by beginners. But it is better, of course, to consult with experts. Perhaps, if the coin is very ancient and corrosion has damaged its structure, experts will be able to apply an artificial patina to it, which will protect the value from further destruction.
Old coins
Before cleaning old coins, you need to keep them under running hot water. In this way, you can remove the first layer of dirt thanks to the pressure with which the water comes from the tap, making sure to plug the drain before washing the coins in the sink to avoid losing them due to slipping from your hands.
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All coins can be washed with water, but copper and copper alloys react more strongly to substances in the external environment than coins made of nickel , silver or gold, and therefore can suffer greater damage. In this case, it is difficult to get a good result from water alone.
You need to make a soap solution in a bowl and dip each coin into it separately. Non-abrasive solvents (distilled water and mild soap) are powerful enough to clean soft metals. Then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and use it to clean the coins in soapy water. Continue until the metal regains its shine. This must be done carefully to avoid visual scratches on the surface.
This cleaning may cause some minor scratches on the coins, reducing their value. At the end of the procedure, they must be rinsed and dried each individually with a lint-free cloth.
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Another way to help clean more dirty coins is as follows. Prepare a product from isopropyl alcohol and salt. These chemicals are abrasive, acidic and can remove stubborn dirt. To make the solution , mix 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol with two tablespoons of salt in a bowl. After this, put the coin there for several hours.
Isopropyl alcohol is a universal solvent that can corrode water-insoluble substances (non-polar compounds, etc.) and has a strong odor. The substance is flammable, and a window must be opened when cleaning coins at home with this product.
Rinse coins using distilled water. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemical additives that can cause metal corrosion over time. You need to rinse the fines until there is no solution left on them. After this, wipe them with a cloth and leave them to dry, turning them over from time to time so that no traces of moisture remain, which can lead to damage over time.
Cleaning USSR coins, which are not yet of particular value to numismatists, can be carried out using both the above methods and citric acid. But after cleaning, thorough rinsing is necessary.
Collection storage
Extreme temperatures can affect the patina. It is important to avoid drying coins with hot air or near heating devices. After cleaning, specimens are placed in plastic boxes or folders at ambient temperature.
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Other common materials (paper, cardboard, some plastics) can degrade metal over time. You should not place coins in products made of polyvinyl chloride, as they contain substances that damage the metal.
Collectible coins are best placed in hard plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) envelopes as they are more durable and provide better protection. The main thing to do is to make sure the envelopes are sealed.
- Paper should not be used because it contains sulfur, which gives a gray tint to the metal.
- Do not store coins in places where they can fall.
- When picking up old copies, you need to hold them by the edge. Sebum and fingerprints can affect appearance and cost.
There is a standardized grading system and even the slightest scratches caused by cleaning can cause problems.
For items made of nickel or precious metals, you can apply the procedure with pure acetone by placing coins in it for 5 seconds. But if you do not remove the remains of this solvent on the metal, a brown coating will form , which significantly reduces the value, so it is important to rinse the valuables with water immediately after the procedure.
Since acetone is a solvent and not an acid, it will not adversely affect coins unless left in the product for too long. Other products contain chemicals that can damage the metal.
Source: https://RedSol.ru/chistka/kak-v-domashnih-usloviyah-proizvesti-chistku-monet
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
It is important to understand that not all specimens require serious cleaning; sometimes the procedure can even be harmful. It would also be good to learn to distinguish patina from oxide and plaque, since it gives the metal nobility and protects it from external factors. Every collector knows that a layer of patina is more important than a brilliant shine.
If this is your first time trying to clean old coins at home, it's best to start with the least valuable coins. If they fail, they will not be so sorry. On them, try the method that interests you. When it comes time to work at elevated temperatures, try to ensure that the transition from room temperature to high is smooth. A sudden change can damage the metal.
When you have to use a brush, it is better to use a soft one, such as a toothbrush. Do not use items with metal bristles or sandpaper.
It is important to dry properly, especially antique coins. To do this, you need to place them on a soft cloth and carefully apply it on top several times. It happens that drops of water leave their mark on antiques.
See also video: 3 ways to clean old coins at home
Starting the cleaning process
We choose a cleaning method depending on what type of dirt we are dealing with. There are chemical and mechanical, in the second option we are talking about dirt, dust, earth and other contaminants that are cleaned mechanically without the use of special means. The first method involves a certain chemical reaction that will help wash the coin from oxide, green plaque or any other.
If you have not previously worked with the methods below, carefully follow the instructions and do not overdo it so as not to damage the product. Moreover, you should not change the recipe or come up with your own.
Cleaning from contaminants
At this stage we are talking about mechanical cleaning. Depending on what kind of metal we are dealing with and how dirty it is, we choose the cleaning method:
- A soap solution can handle minor stains; use it to remove dirt using a brush or an old toothbrush.
- In difficult cases, we act depending on the composition of the coin. You can use the methods given in the paragraphs below.
- If the pattern on the surface is not visible, put it in a soap solution for 10-15 minutes. You can use laundry soap. After this, using a toothbrush, carefully wash the coin directly in the water. Then we dry it.
How to clean a coin found in the ground
Often, when searching for old coins, they are found in the ground; such finds often resemble those from the USSR. Sometimes they lie there for years and the dirt has become so ingrained that it has become almost integral to the product. Cleaning such coins at home will be done by boiling.
You need to make a soda solution, one tablespoon of soda per glass. It is better to place the contaminated item in a sieve or something similar so that it does not lie at the bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for half an hour. Now turn off the heat source and let the water cool slightly. We take out the product and carefully clean it using a toothbrush or other soft brush. We carry out the procedure as many times as possible until the coin restores its normal appearance.
Cleaning with baking soda
In this case, we will clean coins from oxidation using ordinary soda, which will be used as an alkali. That is, the main task is not mechanical cleaning, but chemical cleaning. We make a regular soda solution and immerse the products there. The concentration of the solution depends on the complexity of the case; as a rule, add 1-2 tablespoons of soda to a glass of water. After a few hours, pull it out; if there is still plaque, remove it with a soft cloth and dry it.
You can make a kind of paste from soda and water. We put coins there for a certain time and periodically watch it so that the soda does not start to dry out right on the surface. After the procedure, remove and use a soft brush to clean all residues from plaque and oxide while simultaneously rinsing in water.
You can make your own cleaning products. To do this, we make a mixture of ammonia, soda and toothpaste. By closing it all in a jar it can be stored for a long time. Cleaning with its help is very simple, apply the mixture and wash with a toothbrush.
Cleaning a coin with soap
The basic method for cleaning an old coin involves using a soapy solution. We rub the soap shavings on a grater and soak them in boiling water so that a mixture somewhat reminiscent of jelly is formed. Place a coin there, cover and leave for 1-2 days. In difficult cases, add soda, 2-5% of the total mass of the solution. When time has passed, remove it. Rinse under running water and dry. Soak in alcohol and leave until completely dry.
Boiling down coins
Vaseline or vegetable oil is heated and a coin is immersed in a strainer for 10 minutes. Wash with running water and soap. Pour clean water into a vessel, immerse our coin in it, heat it to a boil and leave to cool. After the procedure, wipe the product dry.
Jewelry Cleaners
The best option for cleaning an old coin at home is a jewelry cleaner. It can be purchased at jewelry stores and workshops. This could be a napkin or solution. In the first case, you need to wipe the surface of the product. In the second, immerse the coin there for 5 minutes.
It is better to entrust valuable coins to professionals. It would be a shame to ruin an antique due to your own incompetence. The workshop will not only clean it, but also polish it and may apply an additional layer of protection.
Cleaning depending on alloy
The most common coins are:
- Gold;
- Silver;
- Bronze;
- Copper.
Depending on the metal, the cleaning method is determined. More details about each can be found in the relevant articles on our website.
Pure gold
Coins made of gold are surprisingly easy to clean. To do this, you can use one of the methods below:
- Make soapy water in a glass and add 10 drops of ammonia. Place the product there for 10-15 minutes. Wipe dry.
- To restore the shine to gold, onion juice is a cheap and effective remedy. Using a soft cloth, rub the surface of the metal with it and leave for several hours. Rinse under running water and wipe dry.
- In stores you can buy a special paste for laundering gold.
Laundering silver
Silver coins are durable, so they are much more difficult to damage. It is not recommended to use baking soda with this metal. At first it will cope with its task, but over time micro-scratches may form. So how to clean silver?
- The easiest way is with toothpaste (or powder) and a brush. Apply the product to the surface and scrub until it returns to its normal appearance.
- Make a solution of citric acid in a ratio of 1:3. We put our coin collection there and leave it for 10 minutes. Take it out and clean it with a toothbrush.
- Sometimes, to restore shine, simply immersing it in ammonia for 2 minutes is enough.
Cleaning bronze
If there is no damage, oxide or any deposits on the surface, then it is treated mechanically using a soap solution. In other cases, we resort to one of the methods below.
- As in the case of silver, we make a solution of citric acid, but this time you will need a 1:2 ratio. Place the product there for 10 minutes, rinse and wipe dry. The color may change slightly, but after a few days everything will return to normal.
- An excellent method for cleaning antique gold coins is to use vegetable oil. With its help you can not only restore the appearance, but also add an additional protective layer. To do this, you need to bring the oil to a boil and gently lower the coin there for 5 minutes. Remove and immerse in ethyl alcohol for the same amount of time. Rinse and dry.
How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.
To clean a coin from rust you can use:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/juice;
- soda;
- coca cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.
How to clean a silver coin?
Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.
Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.
To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result.
However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.
How to clean blackness from a coin?
Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.
However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.
There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.
How to clean green deposits from a coin?
There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.
There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:
- green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
- a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
- The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.
There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled).
After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed.
This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.
There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.
It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.
This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.
How to clean a bimetallic coin?
A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition.
And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.
That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes.
Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder.
But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.
If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.
After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.
How to clean a zinc coin?
Avid numismatists also have zinc specimens. Cleaning such coins is a very labor-intensive process. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts actively with strong acids, but its salts have poor reactivity to weak acid solutions. That is why the best option for cleaning such valuables is to dissolve the patina layer in a container with a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid.
Before you start etching the metal, you should remember that the coin cannot be left unattended in such a liquid, since it is required to check its condition every 5 seconds. This is necessary in order to see the moment when the patina has already worn off and the acid has taken on the base metal.
Cleaning zinc specimens at home will be much more effective if the container is wide enough. This is necessary in order to keep the coin in the acid and at the same time clean it with a toothbrush. Hydrochloric acid is different in that:
- has different activity with metals;
- does not harm human skin;
- has a good reaction with zinc and iron.
After cleaning, the coin should be rinsed from acid residues with strong water pressure. This is due to the fact that if you simply throw it into water, the acid will remain on the surface of the zinc for some time. This can lead to additional etching of the alloy, which is extremely undesirable for such products.
Completely cleaning zinc coins at home is quite a labor-intensive task, so you should not expect much effect. However, in any case, they will acquire a more attractive appearance and add to their value.
Source: https://otproblem.ru/kak-pochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
Features of different types of cleaning
As you might expect, products made from different types of materials have their own nuances.
Copper coin
Copper coin
Copper is a capricious metal. And without knowledge of cleaning rules, the unique shine will be lost. The coin will become dull and boring. For home care, use citric acid, kefir and other products. It is important to remember that sand, soda, and tooth powder are not suitable for cleaning copper. The surface can be scratched so that it is no longer possible to get rid of the damage.
If copper is damaged or rusted, collectors use Trilon B, a slow-acting reagent that promotes peeling of plaque.
At times, after processing, coins take on an unnatural light shade. Numismatists cope with the problem with sunflower oil, where they immerse the items for a week, turning them over from time to time. Well, when “bronze disease” appears, only a specialist can help.
Silver coin
Silver coin
Cleaning is carried out using standard means, that is, lemon juice, ammonia, soap. Sometimes olive oil is added for a greater glow.
You can treat silver until it shines with prepared gruel. Salt is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, the resulting composition is distributed on foil. Silver samples are wrapped in it and kept for eight hours.
The darkening is removed with lemon juice, but the silver is not immersed in the drink, but wiped with a cotton pad. If the contamination is not severe, soak it in detergent, after 0.5 hours, rinse and dry with a rag. It is difficult to clean silver; a soft toothbrush and chamois leather are useful for polishing.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Cupronickel coins are cleaned with soapy water. I dissolve soap shavings in warm water, and use the resulting composition to wash the surface. For more serious stains, use a thick composition. Copper-nickel products are cleaned with a special cleaner called Asidol. But since it contains abrasive substances, it is not recommended to rub cupronickel money with it in order to avoid scratches.
A commemorative copy of 10 rubles was produced from this composite, and almost every collector has one. To process the rarity at home, you will need 9% vinegar, toothpaste with bleach and a toothbrush (napkin). It is dipped in vinegar for a couple of minutes, then rubbed with a paste. And the dirt is removed with a napkin. If the result is unsatisfactory, the procedure is repeated. Do not soak in vinegar for more than two minutes.
Zinc coin
Zinc coin
It is difficult to care for rarities made of this metal, since after exposure to reagents, the products darken and lose their original appearance. Some people clean zinc banknotes with hydrochloric acid, but this is a big risk, because in a few minutes you can lose the sample forever. It will simply dissolve.
And yet, there is a universal Leuchtturm liquid that can clean zinc money without any problems. Having a harmless composition, the liquid will not spoil the value. Place small change in it quietly for 15 minutes. Then wash them with cold liquid.
Soviet coins of the USSR
Soviet coins of the USSR
Many numismatists store valuables of the USSR, which were in circulation quite recently and carry a piece of the history of the Soviet Union. Like any other rarities, they need careful care and timely cleaning.
Small money was made from an alloy that included nickel and copper and added zinc, bronze, aluminum, and brass. This makes it even more difficult to remove contaminants. Collectors often use electrolysis, Trilon B. A strange, but quite effective method was invented. The coin is moistened, cigarette ash is sprinkled on it, and wait 20 minutes. Then the resulting slurry is rubbed into the exhibit. Later wash off with a cold stream.
When using standard methods, the following precautions apply:
- A soap solution is unable to cope with oxides, but only removes contaminants;
- vinegar reduces clarity, which reduces the value of the item;
- hydrochloric acid disturbs the silver-white color;
- GOI paste erases reliefs and patina.
But a mixture of baking soda, ammonia and toothpaste has no contraindications and will remove stains from Soviet products without difficulty.
Universal folk methods
Universal folk methods
These techniques have been developed over the years, through trial and error. But modern antiquities experts can clean coins made of various metals without fear, taking into account certain requirements.
Lemon acid
Lemon acid
Remove greens and rusty deposits:
- place the item in the pottery;
- pour 1 tbsp into it. l. acids;
- add 0.5 cups of water;
- constantly turn the coin over;
- rinse with jet;
- dry with a clean cloth.
Instead of lemon juice, 9% table vinegar is suitable. The composition is prepared in the same way.
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Soap
Soap
For the procedure, use laundry or baby soap. Using a grater, they turn it into shavings, which are smeared on both sides of the object. From time to time it is washed under running water and coated again. It should be noted that the final result will appear after 14-30 days.
Soda and soap
Soda and soap
When time is limited, soda is added to the soap. After treatment, wipe with alcohol and lubricate with Vaseline oil so that the blackness does not reappear.
Coca Cola
Coca Cola
Phosphoric acid contained in the drinking drink, which can clean metal surfaces from contaminants. It is also used for restoration of rarities. A drink is poured into a bowl, valuables are placed in it and kept warm. This may be the sun, a radiator, a fireplace.
Electrolysis method
Electrolysis method
To clean banknotes using this method, you will need the following equipment:
- charger (1 pc.);
- clamps (2 pcs.);
- copper (brass) item;
- tableware (glass, ceramics);
- a solution of soda (1 tbsp) and water (1 l).
The negative clamp is connected to the coin, the “+” to the object. Both electrolytes are lowered into the solution and the electric current is turned on. After some time, the result will be visible.
Before taking a valuable coin, test an unusable copy. And follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
Oil
Oil
The method is simple, but there are limitations. It is not used for restoration of rare specimens.
Banknotes are placed in a bowl with petroleum jelly and boiled until the coins are completely free of rust and oxide. After heating, wash in ethyl alcohol.
Dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing liquid
To wipe off small money, you can use dishwashing detergent. Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. any drug and put the fines in the liquid for 60 minutes. Then sand it with a piece of flannel. Fat stains will disappear and color will improve.
Chemicals
Chemicals
How and with what to clean coins at home if the available preparations did not cope with the task.
- Caustic sodium. The method is instant, but is not suitable for some metals. One packet of granules is dissolved in 0.5 liters of purified water. The coin is caught with tweezers (forceps) and immersed in the composition for 8-10 minutes. Then the product is washed off with liquid. The oxide has softened in the solution and can now be cleaned off with a brush. The procedure will not take long, as the cleaning proceeds quickly. If the coin turns green or blue, you should stop the procedure immediately.
- To remove red deposits from copper, a 5% ammonia solution or ammonium carbonate is suitable. The banknote is dipped into the preparation for only 1-2 minutes. After extraction, the green coating is removed with acid: acetic or citric. If the plaque is yellow, then use 10% acetic acid.
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After processing by any method, the value is boiled repeatedly in purified liquid. To determine whether the coin has been completely cleaned, a solution of silver nitrate is dripped into the composition. When the water remains clear, the purification is completed.
To dry, place the specimen in a drying cabinet or acetone, then immerse it in alcohol for 60 minutes.
Tips and precautions
Tips and precautions
Before cleaning an antique coin that has just been removed from the ground, it is washed with running water. Then clean with a soft brush. When oxidized, the product is cleaned by any of the methods previously tested on a simple specimen.
Coins should be stored properly, especially valuable collectibles:
- Store in darkness, dry and clean.
- After manual inspection, exhibits must be washed and dried.
- It is better to store in albums with compartments, glass cases, cardboard boxes.
- Clean carefully, preferably with homemade preparations.
From a caring attitude, compliance with storage rules and knowledge of how to clean old coins, exhibits will live a long life and delight children and grandchildren.
What coins should you not clean yourself?
What coins should you not clean yourself?
There is a whole group of exhibits that should not be cleaned yourself. This applies to precious and semi-precious items.
In addition, if there are no deep scratches, chips, or gouges, they can get by with a stream of water, washing the rarity, and then drying it and placing it in their collection.
Professional cleaning, where to go
Professional cleaning, where to go
Proper cleaning of banknotes is the key to the value and value of the collection. A non-professional can destroy this or that treasure. And if this is a valuable specimen, it is better to turn to professional craftsmen. Such specialists sit on the National Numismatic Register.
Their responsibilities include consultations on the restoration of gold, copper, silver and other small money. In addition, they undertake cleaning of products using modern technologies, which make it possible to preserve the value of banknotes.
Their services are expensive, but the restoration may be worth it.
Drying after cleaning
Drying after cleaning
The available coin cleaning products can do a good job, but if you neglect the drying rules, all your efforts will be in vain. Therefore, at the end of the process, the small change is laid out on a paper napkin (towel), after wiping it on all sides with a rag made of natural fabric.
Or keep in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 100°.
If you decide to start collecting, you should become more familiar with the methods of cleaning and storing banknotes. A numismatist is not an easy collector and custodian of relics.
This is a person who studies the history of coinage, monetary circulation, and therefore the history of the development of society.
Source: https://InfoUborka.ru/stati/kak-pochistit-starye-monety.html
How to clean an old coin at home
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
In fact, not every coin needs deep cleaning. For many, especially copper, specimens, excessive zeal during cleaning even harms them. If the coin is evenly covered with a layer of patina, it is not worth cleaning it until it shines. Patina protects the metal from corrosion and other damage, and additionally helps determine the age of the coin. Real collectors do not need shiny coins - for them, specimens that have retained their most natural appearance are much more valuable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
Before cleaning old coins at home, choose the ones that are least valuable to you. Try new cleaning products on them to practice the process and not ruin rare specimens by improper cleaning. When hot cleaning, make sure that the coin is not exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This can lead not only to damage to the patina, but also to the destruction of the structure of the old metal.
Never use the following equipment when cleaning your numismatic collection:
- emery, and any abrasive in general;
- brushes with metal bristles;
- strong acid solutions.
Attention! Dry coins properly after washing! Place them on a soft textile or paper towel and gently pat them several times to remove moisture. Drops of water can leave dark stains on the metal; remove them carefully.
How to clean an old coin from soil
How to clean an old coin from soil
Often old coins are random finds. If you dug up a rare specimen during excavation work, or found it under the floor, you can put it in order by simply boiling it.
Before cleaning such coins at home, prepare a soda solution - a tablespoon per glass of water. Place the coins in a sieve or mesh container and lower them into the pan with the solution. Boil the pan for about half an hour.
Then cool the solution slightly, remove the coins and rinse them under running water, removing the soaked dirt with a soft brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0
You can repeat this procedure several times until you are satisfied with the result.
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Regular baking soda is often used to clean household items as an abrasive. But before you clean coins from oxidation with its help, keep in mind that here soda should not be used for mechanical, but rather for chemical cleaning, as an alkali. Just immerse the darkened money in a soda solution for a couple of hours, and its shine will return.
Another way is to make a paste of soda and water and immerse your collection piece in it for a while. Make sure that the paste does not start to dry on the metal surface. Then rinse the coin with running water, removing dirt and soda residues from the coinage with any soft brush.
Tip: after acid cleaning, for example, using citric acid, bathe the coins in a soda solution to extinguish the reaction.
A fairly common composition using soda is a mixture of it with ammonia and toothpaste. You can prepare it every time before cleaning a copper coin at home, or mix the product with a reserve and store it in a tightly closed jar. A mixture of soda, paste and ammonia is applied to the coin in a thick layer, and then brushed off with a toothbrush.
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How to clean an antique coin with soap
How to clean an antique coin with soap
Professional coin restoration at home usually begins with cleaning the coins in a soapy solution. Soak soap shavings in boiling water to a jelly-like consistency, and immerse coins in the resulting mixture. Close the container with a lid and leave for a couple of days. To improve the effect, you can dissolve some baking soda in boiling water before adding soap.
Important! You should take baby soap or classic laundry soap. Neither glycerin varieties nor options with fragrances are acceptable!
After a couple of days, remove the coins from the soap jelly and rinse them thoroughly. After drying, treat the metal surface with alcohol and rub with Vaseline ointment. This way you will protect it from oxidation and new contaminants.
Heat vegetable or Vaseline oil in a small container. Then drop the coins into it, preferably in a lattice container, or at least a tea strainer. Leave your collection like this for no more than 10 minutes, then wash the specimens with soap and boil in distilled water to remove any remaining oil.
Attention! Before cleaning an old copper coin using this method, keep in mind that the oil will not only remove the oxides, but also the patina layer. For copper it is better not to use this method, but for silver, iron and alloys the method is quite suitable.
How to clean a copper coin at home
How to clean a copper coin at home
Copper coins do not need to be restored to shine. On the contrary, a layer of patina gives them additional value. If the coin is evenly covered with it, it is better not to subject it to aggressive cleaning. At most, wash the piece with warm water and soap to remove fingerprints and dust embedded in the relief.
If a coin is corroded, it should be cleaned with special compounds, for example, Trilon B. But since we are talking about how to clean a copper coin at home, we advise you to replace the special product with food-grade citric acid. It will remove the damaged layer of metal from the base without leaving noticeable damage on it.
Prepare a 30% solution of citric acid powder and soak a coin in it. The soaking time depends on the condition of the metal. A couple of hours will be enough for slightly oxidized coins; it is better to soak heavily damaged coins for a day. To restore the shine of an already cleaned coin, a 15-minute soak will be enough. At the end of processing, rinse the coin to remove any remaining acid and wipe dry.
Attention! Copper, after interacting with citric acid, may acquire a slightly pinkish tint. It's not scary - it will disappear in a couple of weeks.
Don't want to bother with solutions? Take a regular lemon, cut it and stick a coin into its pulp that needs cleaning. Here 20-30 minutes of processing will be enough. Once the process is complete, rinse and dry the coin.
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Contact a jeweler for help
Contact a jeweler for help
In fact, there is nothing easier than cleaning a copper coin at home using a jewelry and jewelry cleaner. You can purchase it at any relevant store. If you take the solution, just dip a coin in it for a few minutes. If you use a napkin, gently rub the surface of the coin with it.
Well, if you can’t clean the old coin yourself, contact a jewelry workshop. They will not only carry out professional cleaning, but also polish the metal surface, eliminate corrosion and coat your specimen with a protective compound that prevents destruction. This is the only way to deal with highly valuable coins.
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Source: https://o4istote.ru/uxod-za-veshhami/kak-pochistit-monetu/
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
Cleaning methods and methods
Soap solution
Soap solution
The simplest and cheapest cleaning method. This method is good because the metal is not exposed to an aggressive environment. The soap is crushed and dissolved in warm water. The resulting solution is used for cleaning. You can also use less water and make a paste from the soap. Place coins in the resulting mass and leave for several hours. The most common way to clean a copper coin.
Oil
Oil
A very gentle and at the same time very long method. Can be used in cases where there is a possibility of damaging the metal.
- Good olive oil is required.
- The coin is filled with oil for several months.
- The oil needs to be changed periodically. As it is cleaned, it will change color and sediment may appear in it.
This method can be used to clean antique coins, as it does not damage the metal or patina. But you need to take into account that the patina can change its color.
There is also another method of cleaning with oil - by cooking. Only copper can be cleaned this way. The coin is placed in oil and cooked for several minutes.
Trilon
Trilon
Trilon is the commercial name for disodium salt. Its main chemical property is the replacement of metal ions in insoluble salts with sodium ions, most of whose salts are soluble. In simple terms, Trilon converts insoluble salts into soluble ones. This property is used to clean metal objects from scale and oxides.
Unlike acids, Trilon removes contaminants without damaging the metal . Can be used for items made of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, zinc. It is especially good at cleaning silver, but you should also be careful not to damage the patina on the coin. For use, use a 10% solution.
Vinegar
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that dissolves oxides. The main disadvantage of this method is that vinegar, like any other acid, has a destructive effect on metal. This method cannot be used for zinc; vinegar makes it darker.
The duration of the procedure depends on the concentration of acid in the solution.
- The coin is filled with an acid solution.
- After a few hours, it is washed in water and any remaining dirt is removed using a cloth.
- Rinse again and wipe dry.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis
The most aggressive cleaning method can damage the material being cleaned, so first you need to try it on not particularly valuable samples.
This is done as follows:
-
This method will require a 12V DC power supply, electrodes, and glass or ceramic utensils.
-
An electrolyte solution is prepared in a container. To prepare it, you can use table salt, soda, and caustic soda.
-
Electrodes, which will be cathodes, are lowered into the solution - they need to be connected to the negative side of the battery.
-
The “plus” of the battery is connected to the coin.
-
After turning on the electricity, a rapid electrolytic process begins. It happens quite quickly, so you need to monitor it by periodically inspecting the coin.
-
After the process is completed, the coin is washed with hot water.
Please remember safety precautions when working with electricity.
Paste GOI
Paste GOI
GOI paste is an abrasive material used for polishing metals, so cleaning can easily damage the material. It is EXTREMELY not recommended to use it to clean coins .
If we talk about mechanical cleaning methods in general, they have many disadvantages over chemical ones. Mechanical cleaning scratches the material and is extremely uneven. First of all, the convex parts are cleaned, which begin to wear off as such cleaning continues. At the same time, some of the pollution remains.
How to properly clean coins at home
How to properly clean coins at home
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material.
Copper coins
Copper coins
Copper and copper alloys are one of the most common materials in numismatics. To clean them, you can use any of the above methods. The greenish coating can be removed with acid, or lightened by holding the coin in a soap solution. Dark red or brown plaque can be removed with an ammonia solution.
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper with the addition of other metals. Cleaning methods are similar to those for copper. The peculiarity of cleaning bronze products is that chemical reagents affect not only copper, but also the metal in the alloy. This may result in the formation of reaction products between the cleaning agent and the alloying metal. Therefore, you need to monitor the cleaning process.
Nickel
Nickel
As a rule, they are not susceptible to oxidation. They are simply washed with soapy water.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Copper-nickel alloy (nickel silver) is often used for minting. Oxides may appear on them. Cupronickel coins are cleaned similarly to copper coins.
Silver
Silver
If light cleaning is required, use a soapy solution. More complex stains can be cleaned using Trilon or ammonia.
Zinc
Zinc
Gentle cleaning methods should be used. Do not clean with acids, as this will cause the metal to turn black.
Aluminum
Aluminum
Over time they become covered with a dull gray film. These are the chemical properties of aluminum - oxides help the metal to survive. However, such a coin looks rather inconspicuous. You can clean it with a solution of ammonia and sodium tetraborate.
Bimetallic
Bimetallic
Consist of two different types of metals. To clean them, you need to select a method that is equally suitable for each of the materials.
All coins can be divided into several historical eras. Each of them used its own materials for manufacturing. This knowledge will help determine which cleaning method to use.
Ancient coins
Ancient coins
Cleaning old coins? In general, this makes no sense. The layer of patina on them is only confirmation of their authenticity. In addition, there is a considerable risk of damage during cleaning. If the coin is heavily soiled, you can clean it using the most gentle methods possible, such as soapy water or oil. Otherwise, you should not risk such a valuable specimen.
Royal
Royal
Royal coins were minted from copper and silver. Moreover, copper coins are indeed made of almost pure copper. The absence of additives in metals makes them easier to clean.
USSR
USSR
In Soviet times, coins were made from a variety of materials. At the dawn of the formation of the USSR, they were made of silver. Also, in Soviet times, they stopped using pure copper. At first, aluminum bronze was used instead, and then copper-zinc and copper-nickel alloys.
Modern
Modern
All coins of modern Russia are less than twenty years old. During this time, the patina does not have time to form. Therefore, the only thing that may require cleaning is ordinary dirt.
Anniversary
Anniversary
Such coins are produced in limited quantities and are made from the same materials as regular coins of the same denomination. Sometimes precious metals are used to mint them.
The appearance of a coin is the main criterion for its evaluation, for example, at an auction. The main way to make a coin look better is to clean it. This can be done even at home. To do this, you only need a few tools that can be found in any home.
But you should also remember that the wrong approach to cleaning a coin is the easiest way to ruin it . Therefore, it is important to do everything correctly: determine the material, the degree of contamination, choose a cleaning method and apply it correctly.
Source: http://kakpostirat.com/chistka/kak-ochistit-mednuyu-monetu.html
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Specialized solutions intended for cleaning procedures were developed taking into account the specifics of each specific metal: copper, silver, etc. Each of the products presented on the shelves of hardware stores allows you to remove various contaminants, uneven patina, and oxides from the surface of coins.
However, in an effort to restore copper and other metals to their original radiance and purity, not everyone can afford to purchase these rather expensive solutions.
Therefore, most ordinary consumers decide to tidy up the copper surface of coins using more accessible and less expensive means.
Alternative cleaning methods suitable for use at home can clean almost any dirty copper coin.
The list of necessary funds available in most households is as follows:
- "Coca Cola";
- lemon acid;
- soap;
- electrolysis.
With the help of each of them, many ordinary consumers were able to clean the copper surfaces of coins and other products made from this and other metals without unnecessary hassle.
The algorithm for cleaning coins made of copper and silver is characterized by the same simplicity and accessibility as for similar copper products. Numerous online resources contain all the necessary information.
The following review is devoted to the task of cleaning copper coins in various ways.
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
The preparatory stage consists of searching and selecting a container, the possible material for which is:
To clean copper coins, in addition to citric acid, you also need to prepare water. The acid is poured into a container and diluted with water. Coins are dropped into the solution.
It is necessary to take into account the fairly strong aggressiveness of the solution - the cleaning process must be carried out under continuous monitoring.
From time to time the product needs to be turned over. Carelessness and neglect of this requirement can lead to the fact that the solution can clean the coin right down to the metal.
After you have managed to clean the entire surface of the product, remove the contamination completely, it is advisable to create an artificial patina.
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
Option #1
Option #1
This cleaning method is considered to be as gentle and safe as possible for the item. As a rule, in this case, it is not household soap that is used, but neutral baby soap.
Having decided how to clean the coins, you must first grate the soap on a coarse or medium grater. Then the grated soap is diluted with a small amount of water until a homogeneous plastic mass is obtained.
To clean coins, they are inserted into the resulting soap mass. Having left the products in this state for some time, it is nevertheless necessary to periodically remove them from the water and check them, washing off layers of dirt and oxides.
Having decided to clean coins using this method, you need to understand such specifics of the approach as its impressive duration. The fact is that absolute cleansing in extreme cases can only be achieved after several weeks.
Option No. 2 (optional)
Option No. 2 (optional)
You can also achieve the desired goal by resorting to laundry soap. The process is somewhat different from the similar one described above, but it is also simple.
In this case, a plastic container is used as a container. It is filled with boiling water, into which soap shavings are poured.
After waiting for the soap to completely dissolve and obtain a jelly-like substance, the owner can dip copper coins into it, leaving it for a day or even two. The length of stay in the solution depends on the degree of contamination of the products.
After the required period of time has passed, the money must be washed using a soft brush and dried thoroughly.
Multiple repetitions of the procedure are allowed. By removing all the oxides layer by layer, you can get coins with an absolutely clean surface without any damage.
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
The ambiguous properties of the drink, beloved by children and adults, have also found their application in the struggle for the purity and shine of hard coins.
Many people already know that it can be used to perfectly clean and shine the chrome surfaces of various products. Cleaning antique coins at home is no less successful.
So, to clean a dirty and tarnished coin, you need to put it in a container, preferably glass, and fill it with a fizzy drink. The dishes and their contents are left in this state for several days, preferably a week.
If you lack patience, the time required to clean coins can be significantly reduced. To do this, the dishes are placed on a radiator or other safe and effective heat source. The essence of the approach is that increasing the temperature speeds up the reaction.
It is possible to tidy up an old coin using the presented method due to the content of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid in the sweet drink. If the contamination is much more serious, you will have to resort to more radical methods.
Electrolysis method
Electrolysis method
Those who paid due attention to physics lessons are familiar with this concept from school. Its usefulness when processing coins will be ensured if the following two important rules are observed:
- compliance with safety regulations;
- testing the method on inexpensive items in order to avoid damage to more valuable products.
It is worth paying special attention to the second point of the operating principles: the fact is that sometimes, due to a minor mistake, serious, irreparable damage is caused to a coin or other valuable item.
Old coins are restored to their purity and shine through the use of a small power supply (6-12 Volts). As such, a universal charger can be used. Another alternative: an old mobile phone charger.
The following are attached to the power supply or its alternative:
- two alligator clips;
- some small metal object (not copper or brass is recommended);
- deep dishes made of glass or ceramics.
A saline solution is also used, prepared in compliance with the following proportions: 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of water.
The process is simple, you just need to follow all the steps exactly. One clip - with a minus sign - is attached to the specimen, while the opposite one - with a plus sign - is attached to a metal object.
Then the coin and the metal product are lowered into a pre-prepared container where the saline solution is located, while the power supply is plugged into the outlet.
The result makes itself known quite quickly: the process of dissolving oxides and dirt leads to rapid clouding of the solution. The “bathing” period is short, after which the specimen is washed with hot water and dried.
A little care and precision in following all steps will allow you to achieve the desired results.
Mix of soda and soap
Mix of soda and soap
If you want to achieve the desired cleanliness in the shortest possible time, then the soap method can be enhanced by using soda. However, you need to add soda already in dissolved form.
Having completed the cleaning, the coins must be rinsed thoroughly, and then lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline ointment. The last step provides maximum protection against the appearance of new contaminants and oxidation.
Method with oil
Method with oil
In this case, you need to boil the coins in an oil solution. The best option: use Vaseline oil. The boiling process must be completed until the coins are completely clean. Last step: rinsing in ethyl alcohol.
Edge Cases
Edge Cases
If the coin is brought to an extreme state: it is unusually heavily soiled, you can resort to caustic soda. The product must be handled very carefully; it must be diluted in cold water.
Since this product is inherently a strong alkali, it is recommended to avoid contact with it. You need to lower the product into this solution using tweezers. Residence time in the solution: no more than ten minutes, after which the coins are removed and washed.
However, not all coins can handle this method. If a green or blue stain is noticed on their surface, the cleansing process must be interrupted. If you have a negative reaction, you should not use this method on already tested products.
Having studied various methods of cleaning coins and choosing the optimal one, you need to maintain the accuracy of each step.
It is also necessary to take care of your own safety - especially when using certain methods.
Clean, shiny and sparkling coins delight both connoisseurs and connoisseurs of these products, as well as ordinary users who, for one reason or another, are interested in cleaning reused coins made of copper and other metals.
Source: https://aistenok-63.ru/sovety/kak-i-chem-ochistit-mednuyu-bronzovuyu-ili-druguyu-starinnuyu-monetu.html
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
Formation and value of patina
Of course, you can turn to professionals in this matter, but it will cost a certain amount. In order not to waste money, it is better to clean old coins at home quickly and until they shine so that the process does not affect the quality and value if these are valuable specimens.
Before cleaning coins, you need to pay attention to the deposits on their surface. Patina is a coating that is the result of the interaction of a surface with its environment. Gold and silver are slightly susceptible to patina formation, while copper or alloys like bronze actively participate in these processes, as a result of which their surface layer changes.
The result of this surface corrosion is formed over many centuries and millennia, so the patina can have different colors depending on external agents that create chemical and electrochemical interactions.
Corrosion processes are activated by the following factors:
- air;
- water;
- soil composition and its components (sulfur, carbonates, acids, chlorides and oxidizing agents).
How to clean an iron from burnt marks on the soleplate
Organic matter and temperature changes also affect the appearance of coins.
In the world of numismatics, patina is one of the most important evaluation criteria. A perfect patina along with style can increase the value of a numismatic item by more than 100% of the average market price for an example of the same type but with a different patina.
Restoration and cleaning requires a range of suitable tools, skilled hands and patience. It is important that the original patina should not be subjected to aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning, since such a valuable coating confirms the natural age of the coins.
Ancient specimens found in the ground
Ancient specimens found in the ground
A cleaning solution for coins found in the ground is warm distilled water. The coins are immersed in it for several hours until the ground becomes wet. After this, remove the dirt with a small soft-bristled brush , a cotton swab, a toothpick or the tip of a scalpel according to the amount of soil, always remembering to apply very little pressure so as not to damage the patina.
On ancient coins, dirt can remain even after soaking and cleaning. To get rid of it, take a sharp tool and carefully separate the dirt. Cleaning can be done with greater precision through good lighting and the help of a microscope or magnifying glass.
The process described above can be done even by beginners. But it is better, of course, to consult with experts. Perhaps, if the coin is very ancient and corrosion has damaged its structure, experts will be able to apply an artificial patina to it, which will protect the value from further destruction.
Old coins
Old coins
Before cleaning old coins, you need to keep them under running hot water. In this way, you can remove the first layer of dirt thanks to the pressure with which the water comes from the tap, making sure to plug the drain before washing the coins in the sink to avoid losing them due to slipping from your hands.
Using copper sulfate against fungus on walls
All coins can be washed with water, but copper and copper alloys react more strongly to substances in the external environment than coins made of nickel , silver or gold, and therefore can suffer greater damage. In this case, it is difficult to get a good result from water alone.
You need to make a soap solution in a bowl and dip each coin into it separately. Non-abrasive solvents (distilled water and mild soap) are powerful enough to clean soft metals. Then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and use it to clean the coins in soapy water. Continue until the metal regains its shine. This must be done carefully to avoid visual scratches on the surface.
This cleaning may cause some minor scratches on the coins, reducing their value. At the end of the procedure, they must be rinsed and dried each individually with a lint-free cloth.
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Another way to help clean more dirty coins is as follows. Prepare a product from isopropyl alcohol and salt. These chemicals are abrasive, acidic and can remove stubborn dirt. To make the solution , mix 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol with two tablespoons of salt in a bowl. After this, put the coin there for several hours.
Isopropyl alcohol is a universal solvent that can corrode water-insoluble substances (non-polar compounds, etc.) and has a strong odor. The substance is flammable, and a window must be opened when cleaning coins at home with this product.
Rinse coins using distilled water. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemical additives that can cause metal corrosion over time. You need to rinse the fines until there is no solution left on them. After this, wipe them with a cloth and leave them to dry, turning them over from time to time so that no traces of moisture remain, which can lead to damage over time.
Cleaning USSR coins, which are not yet of particular value to numismatists, can be carried out using both the above methods and citric acid. But after cleaning, thorough rinsing is necessary.
Collection storage
Collection storage
Extreme temperatures can affect the patina. It is important to avoid drying coins with hot air or near heating devices. After cleaning, specimens are placed in plastic boxes or folders at ambient temperature.
Effective ways to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits and old fat
Other common materials (paper, cardboard, some plastics) can degrade metal over time. You should not place coins in products made of polyvinyl chloride, as they contain substances that damage the metal.
Collectible coins are best placed in hard plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) envelopes as they are more durable and provide better protection. The main thing to do is to make sure the envelopes are sealed.
- Paper should not be used because it contains sulfur, which gives a gray tint to the metal.
- Do not store coins in places where they can fall.
- When picking up old copies, you need to hold them by the edge. Sebum and fingerprints can affect appearance and cost.
There is a standardized grading system and even the slightest scratches caused by cleaning can cause problems.
For items made of nickel or precious metals, you can apply the procedure with pure acetone by placing coins in it for 5 seconds. But if you do not remove the remains of this solvent on the metal, a brown coating will form , which significantly reduces the value, so it is important to rinse the valuables with water immediately after the procedure.
Since acetone is a solvent and not an acid, it will not adversely affect coins unless left in the product for too long. Other products contain chemicals that can damage the metal.
Source: https://RedSol.ru/chistka/kak-v-domashnih-usloviyah-proizvesti-chistku-monet
How to clean old coins without leaving home
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
General information about cleaning coins
It is important to understand that not all specimens require serious cleaning; sometimes the procedure can even be harmful. It would also be good to learn to distinguish patina from oxide and plaque, since it gives the metal nobility and protects it from external factors. Every collector knows that a layer of patina is more important than a brilliant shine.
If this is your first time trying to clean old coins at home, it's best to start with the least valuable coins. If they fail, they will not be so sorry. On them, try the method that interests you. When it comes time to work at elevated temperatures, try to ensure that the transition from room temperature to high is smooth. A sudden change can damage the metal.
When you have to use a brush, it is better to use a soft one, such as a toothbrush. Do not use items with metal bristles or sandpaper.
It is important to dry properly, especially antique coins. To do this, you need to place them on a soft cloth and carefully apply it on top several times. It happens that drops of water leave their mark on antiques.
See also video: 3 ways to clean old coins at home
Starting the cleaning process
Starting the cleaning process
We choose a cleaning method depending on what type of dirt we are dealing with. There are chemical and mechanical, in the second option we are talking about dirt, dust, earth and other contaminants that are cleaned mechanically without the use of special means. The first method involves a certain chemical reaction that will help wash the coin from oxide, green plaque or any other.
If you have not previously worked with the methods below, carefully follow the instructions and do not overdo it so as not to damage the product. Moreover, you should not change the recipe or come up with your own.
Cleaning from contaminants
Cleaning from contaminants
At this stage we are talking about mechanical cleaning. Depending on what kind of metal we are dealing with and how dirty it is, we choose the cleaning method:
- A soap solution can handle minor stains; use it to remove dirt using a brush or an old toothbrush.
- In difficult cases, we act depending on the composition of the coin. You can use the methods given in the paragraphs below.
- If the pattern on the surface is not visible, put it in a soap solution for 10-15 minutes. You can use laundry soap. After this, using a toothbrush, carefully wash the coin directly in the water. Then we dry it.
How to clean a coin found in the ground
How to clean a coin found in the ground
Often, when searching for old coins, they are found in the ground; such finds often resemble those from the USSR. Sometimes they lie there for years and the dirt has become so ingrained that it has become almost integral to the product. Cleaning such coins at home will be done by boiling.
You need to make a soda solution, one tablespoon of soda per glass. It is better to place the contaminated item in a sieve or something similar so that it does not lie at the bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for half an hour. Now turn off the heat source and let the water cool slightly. We take out the product and carefully clean it using a toothbrush or other soft brush. We carry out the procedure as many times as possible until the coin restores its normal appearance.
Cleaning with baking soda
Cleaning with baking soda
In this case, we will clean coins from oxidation using ordinary soda, which will be used as an alkali. That is, the main task is not mechanical cleaning, but chemical cleaning. We make a regular soda solution and immerse the products there. The concentration of the solution depends on the complexity of the case; as a rule, add 1-2 tablespoons of soda to a glass of water. After a few hours, pull it out; if there is still plaque, remove it with a soft cloth and dry it.
You can make a kind of paste from soda and water. We put coins there for a certain time and periodically watch it so that the soda does not start to dry out right on the surface. After the procedure, remove and use a soft brush to clean all residues from plaque and oxide while simultaneously rinsing in water.
You can make your own cleaning products. To do this, we make a mixture of ammonia, soda and toothpaste. By closing it all in a jar it can be stored for a long time. Cleaning with its help is very simple, apply the mixture and wash with a toothbrush.
Cleaning a coin with soap
Cleaning a coin with soap
The basic method for cleaning an old coin involves using a soapy solution. We rub the soap shavings on a grater and soak them in boiling water so that a mixture somewhat reminiscent of jelly is formed. Place a coin there, cover and leave for 1-2 days. In difficult cases, add soda, 2-5% of the total mass of the solution. When time has passed, remove it. Rinse under running water and dry. Soak in alcohol and leave until completely dry.
Boiling down coins
Boiling down coins
Vaseline or vegetable oil is heated and a coin is immersed in a strainer for 10 minutes. Wash with running water and soap. Pour clean water into a vessel, immerse our coin in it, heat it to a boil and leave to cool. After the procedure, wipe the product dry.
Jewelry Cleaners
Jewelry Cleaners
The best option for cleaning an old coin at home is a jewelry cleaner. It can be purchased at jewelry stores and workshops. This could be a napkin or solution. In the first case, you need to wipe the surface of the product. In the second, immerse the coin there for 5 minutes.
It is better to entrust valuable coins to professionals. It would be a shame to ruin an antique due to your own incompetence. The workshop will not only clean it, but also polish it and may apply an additional layer of protection.
Cleaning depending on alloy
Cleaning depending on alloy
The most common coins are:
- Gold;
- Silver;
- Bronze;
- Copper.
Depending on the metal, the cleaning method is determined. More details about each can be found in the relevant articles on our website.
Pure gold
Pure gold
Coins made of gold are surprisingly easy to clean. To do this, you can use one of the methods below:
- Make soapy water in a glass and add 10 drops of ammonia. Place the product there for 10-15 minutes. Wipe dry.
- To restore the shine to gold, onion juice is a cheap and effective remedy. Using a soft cloth, rub the surface of the metal with it and leave for several hours. Rinse under running water and wipe dry.
- In stores you can buy a special paste for laundering gold.
Laundering silver
Laundering silver
Silver coins are durable, so they are much more difficult to damage. It is not recommended to use baking soda with this metal. At first it will cope with its task, but over time micro-scratches may form. So how to clean silver?
- The easiest way is with toothpaste (or powder) and a brush. Apply the product to the surface and scrub until it returns to its normal appearance.
- Make a solution of citric acid in a ratio of 1:3. We put our coin collection there and leave it for 10 minutes. Take it out and clean it with a toothbrush.
- Sometimes, to restore shine, simply immersing it in ammonia for 2 minutes is enough.
Cleaning bronze
Cleaning bronze
If there is no damage, oxide or any deposits on the surface, then it is treated mechanically using a soap solution. In other cases, we resort to one of the methods below.
- As in the case of silver, we make a solution of citric acid, but this time you will need a 1:2 ratio. Place the product there for 10 minutes, rinse and wipe dry. The color may change slightly, but after a few days everything will return to normal.
- An excellent method for cleaning antique gold coins is to use vegetable oil. With its help you can not only restore the appearance, but also add an additional protective layer. To do this, you need to bring the oil to a boil and gently lower the coin there for 5 minutes. Remove and immerse in ethyl alcohol for the same amount of time. Rinse and dry.
Processing copper coins
How to clean old coins at home - For problems
Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process. To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits.
Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.
Method 1: soap and water
Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.
Method 2: Vinegar
Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.
Method 3: lemon
Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.
How to clean rust from a coin?
Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.
To clean a coin from rust you can use:
- vinegar;
- citric acid/juice;
- soda;
- coca cola;
- salt;
- laundry soap.
Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.
How to clean a silver coin?
Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.
Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.
To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.
For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result.
However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.
How to clean blackness from a coin?
Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.
However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.
There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.
How to clean green deposits from a coin?
There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.
There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:
- green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
- a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
- The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.
There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled).
After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed.
This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.
There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.
It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.
This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.
How to clean a bimetallic coin?
A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition.
And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.
That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes.
Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder.
But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.
If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.
After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.
How to clean a zinc coin?
Avid numismatists also have zinc specimens. Cleaning such coins is a very labor-intensive process. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts actively with strong acids, but its salts have poor reactivity to weak acid solutions. That is why the best option for cleaning such valuables is to dissolve the patina layer in a container with a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid.
Before you start etching the metal, you should remember that the coin cannot be left unattended in such a liquid, since it is required to check its condition every 5 seconds. This is necessary in order to see the moment when the patina has already worn off and the acid has taken on the base metal.
Cleaning zinc specimens at home will be much more effective if the container is wide enough. This is necessary in order to keep the coin in the acid and at the same time clean it with a toothbrush. Hydrochloric acid is different in that:
- has different activity with metals;
- does not harm human skin;
- has a good reaction with zinc and iron.
After cleaning, the coin should be rinsed from acid residues with strong water pressure. This is due to the fact that if you simply throw it into water, the acid will remain on the surface of the zinc for some time. This can lead to additional etching of the alloy, which is extremely undesirable for such products.
Completely cleaning zinc coins at home is quite a labor-intensive task, so you should not expect much effect. However, in any case, they will acquire a more attractive appearance and add to their value.
Source: https://otproblem.ru/kak-pochistit-starye-monety-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean coins at home
Source: https://serviceyard.net/sovetyi/kak-ochistit-monetyi-do-bleska.html
How to clean old coins at home
Cleaning coins at home is a fun activity. It is interesting to see how symbols and engravings appear on products. The older they are, the thicker the plaque, but if they are put in order, the cost will increase significantly. Special preparations for cleaning are quite expensive, but collectors use home remedies, which they use to carry out the beautification themselves. Let's take a closer look at the available compounds and learn how to properly clean them.
Features of different types of cleaning
As you might expect, products made from different types of materials have their own nuances.
Copper coin
Copper is a capricious metal. And without knowledge of cleaning rules, the unique shine will be lost. The coin will become dull and boring. For home care, use citric acid, kefir and other products. It is important to remember that sand, soda, and tooth powder are not suitable for cleaning copper. The surface can be scratched so that it is no longer possible to get rid of the damage.
If copper is damaged or rusted, collectors use Trilon B, a slow-acting reagent that promotes peeling of plaque.
At times, after processing, coins take on an unnatural light shade. Numismatists cope with the problem with sunflower oil, where they immerse the items for a week, turning them over from time to time. Well, when “bronze disease” appears, only a specialist can help.
Silver coin
Cleaning is carried out using standard means, that is, lemon juice, ammonia, soap. Sometimes olive oil is added for a greater glow.
You can treat silver until it shines with prepared gruel. Salt is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, the resulting composition is distributed on foil. Silver samples are wrapped in it and kept for eight hours.
The darkening is removed with lemon juice, but the silver is not immersed in the drink, but wiped with a cotton pad. If the contamination is not severe, soak it in detergent, after 0.5 hours, rinse and dry with a rag. It is difficult to clean silver; a soft toothbrush and chamois leather are useful for polishing.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel coins are cleaned with soapy water. I dissolve soap shavings in warm water, and use the resulting composition to wash the surface. For more serious stains, use a thick composition. Copper-nickel products are cleaned with a special cleaner called Asidol. But since it contains abrasive substances, it is not recommended to rub cupronickel money with it in order to avoid scratches.
A commemorative copy of 10 rubles was produced from this composite, and almost every collector has one. To process the rarity at home, you will need 9% vinegar, toothpaste with bleach and a toothbrush (napkin). It is dipped in vinegar for a couple of minutes, then rubbed with a paste. And the dirt is removed with a napkin. If the result is unsatisfactory, the procedure is repeated. Do not soak in vinegar for more than two minutes.
Zinc coin
It is difficult to care for rarities made of this metal, since after exposure to reagents, the products darken and lose their original appearance. Some people clean zinc banknotes with hydrochloric acid, but this is a big risk, because in a few minutes you can lose the sample forever. It will simply dissolve.
And yet, there is a universal Leuchtturm liquid that can clean zinc money without any problems. Having a harmless composition, the liquid will not spoil the value. Place small change in it quietly for 15 minutes. Then wash them with cold liquid.
Soviet coins of the USSR
Many numismatists store valuables of the USSR, which were in circulation quite recently and carry a piece of the history of the Soviet Union. Like any other rarities, they need careful care and timely cleaning.
Small money was made from an alloy that included nickel and copper and added zinc, bronze, aluminum, and brass. This makes it even more difficult to remove contaminants. Collectors often use electrolysis, Trilon B. A strange, but quite effective method was invented. The coin is moistened, cigarette ash is sprinkled on it, and wait 20 minutes. Then the resulting slurry is rubbed into the exhibit. Later wash off with a cold stream.
When using standard methods, the following precautions apply:
- A soap solution is unable to cope with oxides, but only removes contaminants;
- vinegar reduces clarity, which reduces the value of the item;
- hydrochloric acid disturbs the silver-white color;
- GOI paste erases reliefs and patina.
But a mixture of baking soda, ammonia and toothpaste has no contraindications and will remove stains from Soviet products without difficulty.
Universal folk methods
These techniques have been developed over the years, through trial and error. But modern antiquities experts can clean coins made of various metals without fear, taking into account certain requirements.
Lemon acid
Remove greens and rusty deposits:
- place the item in the pottery;
- pour 1 tbsp into it. l. acids;
- add 0.5 cups of water;
- constantly turn the coin over;
- rinse with jet;
- dry with a clean cloth.
Instead of lemon juice, 9% table vinegar is suitable. The composition is prepared in the same way.
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Soap
For the procedure, use laundry or baby soap. Using a grater, they turn it into shavings, which are smeared on both sides of the object. From time to time it is washed under running water and coated again. It should be noted that the final result will appear after 14-30 days.
Soda and soap
When time is limited, soda is added to the soap. After treatment, wipe with alcohol and lubricate with Vaseline oil so that the blackness does not reappear.
Coca Cola
Phosphoric acid contained in the drinking drink, which can clean metal surfaces from contaminants. It is also used for restoration of rarities. A drink is poured into a bowl, valuables are placed in it and kept warm. This may be the sun, a radiator, a fireplace.
Electrolysis method
To clean banknotes using this method, you will need the following equipment:
- charger (1 pc.);
- clamps (2 pcs.);
- copper (brass) item;
- tableware (glass, ceramics);
- a solution of soda (1 tbsp) and water (1 l).
The negative clamp is connected to the coin, the “+” to the object. Both electrolytes are lowered into the solution and the electric current is turned on. After some time, the result will be visible.
Before taking a valuable coin, test an unusable copy. And follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
Oil
The method is simple, but there are limitations. It is not used for restoration of rare specimens.
Banknotes are placed in a bowl with petroleum jelly and boiled until the coins are completely free of rust and oxide. After heating, wash in ethyl alcohol.
Dishwashing liquid
To wipe off small money, you can use dishwashing detergent. Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. any drug and put the fines in the liquid for 60 minutes. Then sand it with a piece of flannel. Fat stains will disappear and color will improve.
Chemicals
How and with what to clean coins at home if the available preparations did not cope with the task.
- Caustic sodium. The method is instant, but is not suitable for some metals. One packet of granules is dissolved in 0.5 liters of purified water. The coin is caught with tweezers (forceps) and immersed in the composition for 8-10 minutes. Then the product is washed off with liquid. The oxide has softened in the solution and can now be cleaned off with a brush. The procedure will not take long, as the cleaning proceeds quickly. If the coin turns green or blue, you should stop the procedure immediately.
- To remove red deposits from copper, a 5% ammonia solution or ammonium carbonate is suitable. The banknote is dipped into the preparation for only 1-2 minutes. After extraction, the green coating is removed with acid: acetic or citric. If the plaque is yellow, then use 10% acetic acid.
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After processing by any method, the value is boiled repeatedly in purified liquid. To determine whether the coin has been completely cleaned, a solution of silver nitrate is dripped into the composition. When the water remains clear, the purification is completed.
To dry, place the specimen in a drying cabinet or acetone, then immerse it in alcohol for 60 minutes.
Tips and precautions
Before cleaning an antique coin that has just been removed from the ground, it is washed with running water. Then clean with a soft brush. When oxidized, the product is cleaned by any of the methods previously tested on a simple specimen.
Coins should be stored properly, especially valuable collectibles:
- Store in darkness, dry and clean.
- After manual inspection, exhibits must be washed and dried.
- It is better to store in albums with compartments, glass cases, cardboard boxes.
- Clean carefully, preferably with homemade preparations.
From a caring attitude, compliance with storage rules and knowledge of how to clean old coins, exhibits will live a long life and delight children and grandchildren.
What coins should you not clean yourself?
There is a whole group of exhibits that should not be cleaned yourself. This applies to precious and semi-precious items.
In addition, if there are no deep scratches, chips, or gouges, they can get by with a stream of water, washing the rarity, and then drying it and placing it in their collection.
Professional cleaning, where to go
Proper cleaning of banknotes is the key to the value and value of the collection. A non-professional can destroy this or that treasure. And if this is a valuable specimen, it is better to turn to professional craftsmen. Such specialists sit on the National Numismatic Register.
Their responsibilities include consultations on the restoration of gold, copper, silver and other small money. In addition, they undertake cleaning of products using modern technologies, which make it possible to preserve the value of banknotes.
Their services are expensive, but the restoration may be worth it.
Drying after cleaning
The available coin cleaning products can do a good job, but if you neglect the drying rules, all your efforts will be in vain. Therefore, at the end of the process, the small change is laid out on a paper napkin (towel), after wiping it on all sides with a rag made of natural fabric.
Or keep in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 100°.
If you decide to start collecting, you should become more familiar with the methods of cleaning and storing banknotes. A numismatist is not an easy collector and custodian of relics.
This is a person who studies the history of coinage, monetary circulation, and therefore the history of the development of society.
Source: https://InfoUborka.ru/stati/kak-pochistit-starye-monety.html
How to clean an old coin at home
The collectible value of coins depends not only on their age, but also on their condition. Old coins stored in unsuitable conditions accumulate a large layer of dirt and oxides form. There are special solutions to remove such contaminants, but they can be quite expensive. Therefore, it would be useful for a novice numismatist to know how to clean coins at home, using household products. We will talk about this in our article.
:
What you need to know about restoring coins at home
In fact, not every coin needs deep cleaning. For many, especially copper, specimens, excessive zeal during cleaning even harms them. If the coin is evenly covered with a layer of patina, it is not worth cleaning it until it shines. Patina protects the metal from corrosion and other damage, and additionally helps determine the age of the coin. Real collectors do not need shiny coins - for them, specimens that have retained their most natural appearance are much more valuable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bam1IE5TRy0
Before cleaning old coins at home, choose the ones that are least valuable to you. Try new cleaning products on them to practice the process and not ruin rare specimens by improper cleaning. When hot cleaning, make sure that the coin is not exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This can lead not only to damage to the patina, but also to the destruction of the structure of the old metal.
Never use the following equipment when cleaning your numismatic collection:
- emery, and any abrasive in general;
- brushes with metal bristles;
- strong acid solutions.
Attention! Dry coins properly after washing! Place them on a soft textile or paper towel and gently pat them several times to remove moisture. Drops of water can leave dark stains on the metal; remove them carefully.
How to clean an old coin from soil
Often old coins are random finds. If you dug up a rare specimen during excavation work, or found it under the floor, you can put it in order by simply boiling it.
Before cleaning such coins at home, prepare a soda solution - a tablespoon per glass of water. Place the coins in a sieve or mesh container and lower them into the pan with the solution. Boil the pan for about half an hour.
Then cool the solution slightly, remove the coins and rinse them under running water, removing the soaked dirt with a soft brush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJqg6ljJf0
You can repeat this procedure several times until you are satisfied with the result.
Using Baking Soda When Cleaning Coins
Regular baking soda is often used to clean household items as an abrasive. But before you clean coins from oxidation with its help, keep in mind that here soda should not be used for mechanical, but rather for chemical cleaning, as an alkali. Just immerse the darkened money in a soda solution for a couple of hours, and its shine will return.
Another way is to make a paste of soda and water and immerse your collection piece in it for a while. Make sure that the paste does not start to dry on the metal surface. Then rinse the coin with running water, removing dirt and soda residues from the coinage with any soft brush.
Tip: after acid cleaning, for example, using citric acid, bathe the coins in a soda solution to extinguish the reaction.
A fairly common composition using soda is a mixture of it with ammonia and toothpaste. You can prepare it every time before cleaning a copper coin at home, or mix the product with a reserve and store it in a tightly closed jar. A mixture of soda, paste and ammonia is applied to the coin in a thick layer, and then brushed off with a toothbrush.
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How to clean an antique coin with soap
Professional coin restoration at home usually begins with cleaning the coins in a soapy solution. Soak soap shavings in boiling water to a jelly-like consistency, and immerse coins in the resulting mixture. Close the container with a lid and leave for a couple of days. To improve the effect, you can dissolve some baking soda in boiling water before adding soap.
Important! You should take baby soap or classic laundry soap. Neither glycerin varieties nor options with fragrances are acceptable!
After a couple of days, remove the coins from the soap jelly and rinse them thoroughly. After drying, treat the metal surface with alcohol and rub with Vaseline ointment. This way you will protect it from oxidation and new contaminants.
Heat vegetable or Vaseline oil in a small container. Then drop the coins into it, preferably in a lattice container, or at least a tea strainer. Leave your collection like this for no more than 10 minutes, then wash the specimens with soap and boil in distilled water to remove any remaining oil.
Attention! Before cleaning an old copper coin using this method, keep in mind that the oil will not only remove the oxides, but also the patina layer. For copper it is better not to use this method, but for silver, iron and alloys the method is quite suitable.
How to clean a copper coin at home
Copper coins do not need to be restored to shine. On the contrary, a layer of patina gives them additional value. If the coin is evenly covered with it, it is better not to subject it to aggressive cleaning. At most, wash the piece with warm water and soap to remove fingerprints and dust embedded in the relief.
If a coin is corroded, it should be cleaned with special compounds, for example, Trilon B. But since we are talking about how to clean a copper coin at home, we advise you to replace the special product with food-grade citric acid. It will remove the damaged layer of metal from the base without leaving noticeable damage on it.
Prepare a 30% solution of citric acid powder and soak a coin in it. The soaking time depends on the condition of the metal. A couple of hours will be enough for slightly oxidized coins; it is better to soak heavily damaged coins for a day. To restore the shine of an already cleaned coin, a 15-minute soak will be enough. At the end of processing, rinse the coin to remove any remaining acid and wipe dry.
Attention! Copper, after interacting with citric acid, may acquire a slightly pinkish tint. It's not scary - it will disappear in a couple of weeks.
Don't want to bother with solutions? Take a regular lemon, cut it and stick a coin into its pulp that needs cleaning. Here 20-30 minutes of processing will be enough. Once the process is complete, rinse and dry the coin.
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Contact a jeweler for help
In fact, there is nothing easier than cleaning a copper coin at home using a jewelry and jewelry cleaner. You can purchase it at any relevant store. If you take the solution, just dip a coin in it for a few minutes. If you use a napkin, gently rub the surface of the coin with it.
Well, if you can’t clean the old coin yourself, contact a jewelry workshop. They will not only carry out professional cleaning, but also polish the metal surface, eliminate corrosion and coat your specimen with a protective compound that prevents destruction. This is the only way to deal with highly valuable coins.
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Source: https://o4istote.ru/uxod-za-veshhami/kak-pochistit-monetu/
How to Clean Antique Coins: Copper, Bronze or Silver
Interest in numismatics has allowed many people to earn, if not a huge fortune, then a decent increase in their salary. But to sell at auction, it is very important that the coin looks good. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean it using simple methods that can be used at home.
Cleaning methods and methods
Soap solution
The simplest and cheapest cleaning method. This method is good because the metal is not exposed to an aggressive environment. The soap is crushed and dissolved in warm water. The resulting solution is used for cleaning. You can also use less water and make a paste from the soap. Place coins in the resulting mass and leave for several hours. The most common way to clean a copper coin.
Oil
A very gentle and at the same time very long method. Can be used in cases where there is a possibility of damaging the metal.
- Good olive oil is required.
- The coin is filled with oil for several months.
- The oil needs to be changed periodically. As it is cleaned, it will change color and sediment may appear in it.
This method can be used to clean antique coins, as it does not damage the metal or patina. But you need to take into account that the patina can change its color.
There is also another method of cleaning with oil - by cooking. Only copper can be cleaned this way. The coin is placed in oil and cooked for several minutes.
Trilon
Trilon is the commercial name for disodium salt. Its main chemical property is the replacement of metal ions in insoluble salts with sodium ions, most of whose salts are soluble. In simple terms, Trilon converts insoluble salts into soluble ones. This property is used to clean metal objects from scale and oxides.
Unlike acids, Trilon removes contaminants without damaging the metal . Can be used for items made of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, zinc. It is especially good at cleaning silver, but you should also be careful not to damage the patina on the coin. For use, use a 10% solution.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acid that dissolves oxides. The main disadvantage of this method is that vinegar, like any other acid, has a destructive effect on metal. This method cannot be used for zinc; vinegar makes it darker.
The duration of the procedure depends on the concentration of acid in the solution.
- The coin is filled with an acid solution.
- After a few hours, it is washed in water and any remaining dirt is removed using a cloth.
- Rinse again and wipe dry.
Electrolysis
The most aggressive cleaning method can damage the material being cleaned, so first you need to try it on not particularly valuable samples.
This is done as follows:
-
This method will require a 12V DC power supply, electrodes, and glass or ceramic utensils.
-
An electrolyte solution is prepared in a container. To prepare it, you can use table salt, soda, and caustic soda.
-
Electrodes, which will be cathodes, are lowered into the solution - they need to be connected to the negative side of the battery.
-
The “plus” of the battery is connected to the coin.
-
After turning on the electricity, a rapid electrolytic process begins. It happens quite quickly, so you need to monitor it by periodically inspecting the coin.
-
After the process is completed, the coin is washed with hot water.
Please remember safety precautions when working with electricity.
Paste GOI
GOI paste is an abrasive material used for polishing metals, so cleaning can easily damage the material. It is EXTREMELY not recommended to use it to clean coins .
If we talk about mechanical cleaning methods in general, they have many disadvantages over chemical ones. Mechanical cleaning scratches the material and is extremely uneven. First of all, the convex parts are cleaned, which begin to wear off as such cleaning continues. At the same time, some of the pollution remains.
How to properly clean coins at home
Cleaning methods vary depending on the material.
Copper coins
Copper and copper alloys are one of the most common materials in numismatics. To clean them, you can use any of the above methods. The greenish coating can be removed with acid, or lightened by holding the coin in a soap solution. Dark red or brown plaque can be removed with an ammonia solution.
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper with the addition of other metals. Cleaning methods are similar to those for copper. The peculiarity of cleaning bronze products is that chemical reagents affect not only copper, but also the metal in the alloy. This may result in the formation of reaction products between the cleaning agent and the alloying metal. Therefore, you need to monitor the cleaning process.
Nickel
As a rule, they are not susceptible to oxidation. They are simply washed with soapy water.
Cupronickel
Copper-nickel alloy (nickel silver) is often used for minting. Oxides may appear on them. Cupronickel coins are cleaned similarly to copper coins.
Silver
If light cleaning is required, use a soapy solution. More complex stains can be cleaned using Trilon or ammonia.
Zinc
Gentle cleaning methods should be used. Do not clean with acids, as this will cause the metal to turn black.
Aluminum
Over time they become covered with a dull gray film. These are the chemical properties of aluminum - oxides help the metal to survive. However, such a coin looks rather inconspicuous. You can clean it with a solution of ammonia and sodium tetraborate.
Bimetallic
Consist of two different types of metals. To clean them, you need to select a method that is equally suitable for each of the materials.
All coins can be divided into several historical eras. Each of them used its own materials for manufacturing. This knowledge will help determine which cleaning method to use.
Ancient coins
Cleaning old coins? In general, this makes no sense. The layer of patina on them is only confirmation of their authenticity. In addition, there is a considerable risk of damage during cleaning. If the coin is heavily soiled, you can clean it using the most gentle methods possible, such as soapy water or oil. Otherwise, you should not risk such a valuable specimen.
Royal
Royal coins were minted from copper and silver. Moreover, copper coins are indeed made of almost pure copper. The absence of additives in metals makes them easier to clean.
USSR
In Soviet times, coins were made from a variety of materials. At the dawn of the formation of the USSR, they were made of silver. Also, in Soviet times, they stopped using pure copper. At first, aluminum bronze was used instead, and then copper-zinc and copper-nickel alloys.
Modern
All coins of modern Russia are less than twenty years old. During this time, the patina does not have time to form. Therefore, the only thing that may require cleaning is ordinary dirt.
Anniversary
Such coins are produced in limited quantities and are made from the same materials as regular coins of the same denomination. Sometimes precious metals are used to mint them.
The appearance of a coin is the main criterion for its evaluation, for example, at an auction. The main way to make a coin look better is to clean it. This can be done even at home. To do this, you only need a few tools that can be found in any home.
But you should also remember that the wrong approach to cleaning a coin is the easiest way to ruin it . Therefore, it is important to do everything correctly: determine the material, the degree of contamination, choose a cleaning method and apply it correctly.
Source: http://kakpostirat.com/chistka/kak-ochistit-mednuyu-monetu.html
How and with what to clean a copper, bronze or other ancient coin - Cleaning Master
Cleaning coins at home is a simple set of works, the need for which is due to the oxidation of almost any metal over a certain period of time.
Those who know the specifics of various metals, in particular copper, gold, silver, etc., are aware of the fact that the older the coin, the more oxides appear on it.
When cleaning coins made of copper and other materials on your own, without turning to specialists, you need to follow simple rules to avoid causing damage to even the oldest coins.
Do we spend money on shopping or make do with what we have at hand?
Specialized solutions intended for cleaning procedures were developed taking into account the specifics of each specific metal: copper, silver, etc. Each of the products presented on the shelves of hardware stores allows you to remove various contaminants, uneven patina, and oxides from the surface of coins.
However, in an effort to restore copper and other metals to their original radiance and purity, not everyone can afford to purchase these rather expensive solutions.
Therefore, most ordinary consumers decide to tidy up the copper surface of coins using more accessible and less expensive means.
Alternative cleaning methods suitable for use at home can clean almost any dirty copper coin.
The list of necessary funds available in most households is as follows:
- "Coca Cola";
- lemon acid;
- soap;
- electrolysis.
With the help of each of them, many ordinary consumers were able to clean the copper surfaces of coins and other products made from this and other metals without unnecessary hassle.
The algorithm for cleaning coins made of copper and silver is characterized by the same simplicity and accessibility as for similar copper products. Numerous online resources contain all the necessary information.
The following review is devoted to the task of cleaning copper coins in various ways.
Citric acid for clean and shiny copper coins
The preparatory stage consists of searching and selecting a container, the possible material for which is:
To clean copper coins, in addition to citric acid, you also need to prepare water. The acid is poured into a container and diluted with water. Coins are dropped into the solution.
It is necessary to take into account the fairly strong aggressiveness of the solution - the cleaning process must be carried out under continuous monitoring.
From time to time the product needs to be turned over. Carelessness and neglect of this requirement can lead to the fact that the solution can clean the coin right down to the metal.
After you have managed to clean the entire surface of the product, remove the contamination completely, it is advisable to create an artificial patina.
How to clean quickly: 2 options with soap
Option #1
This cleaning method is considered to be as gentle and safe as possible for the item. As a rule, in this case, it is not household soap that is used, but neutral baby soap.
Having decided how to clean the coins, you must first grate the soap on a coarse or medium grater. Then the grated soap is diluted with a small amount of water until a homogeneous plastic mass is obtained.
To clean coins, they are inserted into the resulting soap mass. Having left the products in this state for some time, it is nevertheless necessary to periodically remove them from the water and check them, washing off layers of dirt and oxides.
Having decided to clean coins using this method, you need to understand such specifics of the approach as its impressive duration. The fact is that absolute cleansing in extreme cases can only be achieved after several weeks.
Option No. 2 (optional)
You can also achieve the desired goal by resorting to laundry soap. The process is somewhat different from the similar one described above, but it is also simple.
In this case, a plastic container is used as a container. It is filled with boiling water, into which soap shavings are poured.
After waiting for the soap to completely dissolve and obtain a jelly-like substance, the owner can dip copper coins into it, leaving it for a day or even two. The length of stay in the solution depends on the degree of contamination of the products.
After the required period of time has passed, the money must be washed using a soft brush and dried thoroughly.
Multiple repetitions of the procedure are allowed. By removing all the oxides layer by layer, you can get coins with an absolutely clean surface without any damage.
Fizzy Coca-Cola: Spend Money to Clean
The ambiguous properties of the drink, beloved by children and adults, have also found their application in the struggle for the purity and shine of hard coins.
Many people already know that it can be used to perfectly clean and shine the chrome surfaces of various products. Cleaning antique coins at home is no less successful.
So, to clean a dirty and tarnished coin, you need to put it in a container, preferably glass, and fill it with a fizzy drink. The dishes and their contents are left in this state for several days, preferably a week.
If you lack patience, the time required to clean coins can be significantly reduced. To do this, the dishes are placed on a radiator or other safe and effective heat source. The essence of the approach is that increasing the temperature speeds up the reaction.
It is possible to tidy up an old coin using the presented method due to the content of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid in the sweet drink. If the contamination is much more serious, you will have to resort to more radical methods.
Electrolysis method
Those who paid due attention to physics lessons are familiar with this concept from school. Its usefulness when processing coins will be ensured if the following two important rules are observed:
- compliance with safety regulations;
- testing the method on inexpensive items in order to avoid damage to more valuable products.
It is worth paying special attention to the second point of the operating principles: the fact is that sometimes, due to a minor mistake, serious, irreparable damage is caused to a coin or other valuable item.
Old coins are restored to their purity and shine through the use of a small power supply (6-12 Volts). As such, a universal charger can be used. Another alternative: an old mobile phone charger.
The following are attached to the power supply or its alternative:
- two alligator clips;
- some small metal object (not copper or brass is recommended);
- deep dishes made of glass or ceramics.
A saline solution is also used, prepared in compliance with the following proportions: 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of water.
The process is simple, you just need to follow all the steps exactly. One clip - with a minus sign - is attached to the specimen, while the opposite one - with a plus sign - is attached to a metal object.
Then the coin and the metal product are lowered into a pre-prepared container where the saline solution is located, while the power supply is plugged into the outlet.
The result makes itself known quite quickly: the process of dissolving oxides and dirt leads to rapid clouding of the solution. The “bathing” period is short, after which the specimen is washed with hot water and dried.
A little care and precision in following all steps will allow you to achieve the desired results.
Mix of soda and soap
If you want to achieve the desired cleanliness in the shortest possible time, then the soap method can be enhanced by using soda. However, you need to add soda already in dissolved form.
Having completed the cleaning, the coins must be rinsed thoroughly, and then lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline ointment. The last step provides maximum protection against the appearance of new contaminants and oxidation.
Method with oil
In this case, you need to boil the coins in an oil solution. The best option: use Vaseline oil. The boiling process must be completed until the coins are completely clean. Last step: rinsing in ethyl alcohol.
Edge Cases
If the coin is brought to an extreme state: it is unusually heavily soiled, you can resort to caustic soda. The product must be handled very carefully; it must be diluted in cold water.
Since this product is inherently a strong alkali, it is recommended to avoid contact with it. You need to lower the product into this solution using tweezers. Residence time in the solution: no more than ten minutes, after which the coins are removed and washed.
However, not all coins can handle this method. If a green or blue stain is noticed on their surface, the cleansing process must be interrupted. If you have a negative reaction, you should not use this method on already tested products.
Having studied various methods of cleaning coins and choosing the optimal one, you need to maintain the accuracy of each step.
It is also necessary to take care of your own safety - especially when using certain methods.
Clean, shiny and sparkling coins delight both connoisseurs and connoisseurs of these products, as well as ordinary users who, for one reason or another, are interested in cleaning reused coins made of copper and other metals.
Source: https://aistenok-63.ru/sovety/kak-i-chem-ochistit-mednuyu-bronzovuyu-ili-druguyu-starinnuyu-monetu.html
Cleaning coins until they shine at home
Over the years, dust, microorganisms and other debris accumulate on coins, especially old ones, which deprives them of their original shine and beauty. But in fact, it is not at all difficult to clean coins at home in order to return the money to its original appearance and prevent its destructive oxidation.
Formation and value of patina
Of course, you can turn to professionals in this matter, but it will cost a certain amount. In order not to waste money, it is better to clean old coins at home quickly and until they shine so that the process does not affect the quality and value if these are valuable specimens.
Before cleaning coins, you need to pay attention to the deposits on their surface. Patina is a coating that is the result of the interaction of a surface with its environment. Gold and silver are slightly susceptible to patina formation, while copper or alloys like bronze actively participate in these processes, as a result of which their surface layer changes.
The result of this surface corrosion is formed over many centuries and millennia, so the patina can have different colors depending on external agents that create chemical and electrochemical interactions.
Corrosion processes are activated by the following factors:
- air;
- water;
- soil composition and its components (sulfur, carbonates, acids, chlorides and oxidizing agents).
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Organic matter and temperature changes also affect the appearance of coins.
In the world of numismatics, patina is one of the most important evaluation criteria. A perfect patina along with style can increase the value of a numismatic item by more than 100% of the average market price for an example of the same type but with a different patina.
Restoration and cleaning requires a range of suitable tools, skilled hands and patience. It is important that the original patina should not be subjected to aggressive mechanical or chemical cleaning, since such a valuable coating confirms the natural age of the coins.
Ancient specimens found in the ground
A cleaning solution for coins found in the ground is warm distilled water. The coins are immersed in it for several hours until the ground becomes wet. After this, remove the dirt with a small soft-bristled brush , a cotton swab, a toothpick or the tip of a scalpel according to the amount of soil, always remembering to apply very little pressure so as not to damage the patina.
On ancient coins, dirt can remain even after soaking and cleaning. To get rid of it, take a sharp tool and carefully separate the dirt. Cleaning can be done with greater precision through good lighting and the help of a microscope or magnifying glass.
The process described above can be done even by beginners. But it is better, of course, to consult with experts. Perhaps, if the coin is very ancient and corrosion has damaged its structure, experts will be able to apply an artificial patina to it, which will protect the value from further destruction.
Old coins
Before cleaning old coins, you need to keep them under running hot water. In this way, you can remove the first layer of dirt thanks to the pressure with which the water comes from the tap, making sure to plug the drain before washing the coins in the sink to avoid losing them due to slipping from your hands.
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All coins can be washed with water, but copper and copper alloys react more strongly to substances in the external environment than coins made of nickel , silver or gold, and therefore can suffer greater damage. In this case, it is difficult to get a good result from water alone.
You need to make a soap solution in a bowl and dip each coin into it separately. Non-abrasive solvents (distilled water and mild soap) are powerful enough to clean soft metals. Then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and use it to clean the coins in soapy water. Continue until the metal regains its shine. This must be done carefully to avoid visual scratches on the surface.
This cleaning may cause some minor scratches on the coins, reducing their value. At the end of the procedure, they must be rinsed and dried each individually with a lint-free cloth.
Removing stains with isopropyl alcohol
Another way to help clean more dirty coins is as follows. Prepare a product from isopropyl alcohol and salt. These chemicals are abrasive, acidic and can remove stubborn dirt. To make the solution , mix 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol with two tablespoons of salt in a bowl. After this, put the coin there for several hours.
Isopropyl alcohol is a universal solvent that can corrode water-insoluble substances (non-polar compounds, etc.) and has a strong odor. The substance is flammable, and a window must be opened when cleaning coins at home with this product.
Rinse coins using distilled water. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemical additives that can cause metal corrosion over time. You need to rinse the fines until there is no solution left on them. After this, wipe them with a cloth and leave them to dry, turning them over from time to time so that no traces of moisture remain, which can lead to damage over time.
Cleaning USSR coins, which are not yet of particular value to numismatists, can be carried out using both the above methods and citric acid. But after cleaning, thorough rinsing is necessary.
Collection storage
Extreme temperatures can affect the patina. It is important to avoid drying coins with hot air or near heating devices. After cleaning, specimens are placed in plastic boxes or folders at ambient temperature.
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Other common materials (paper, cardboard, some plastics) can degrade metal over time. You should not place coins in products made of polyvinyl chloride, as they contain substances that damage the metal.
Collectible coins are best placed in hard plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) envelopes as they are more durable and provide better protection. The main thing to do is to make sure the envelopes are sealed.
- Paper should not be used because it contains sulfur, which gives a gray tint to the metal.
- Do not store coins in places where they can fall.
- When picking up old copies, you need to hold them by the edge. Sebum and fingerprints can affect appearance and cost.
There is a standardized grading system and even the slightest scratches caused by cleaning can cause problems.
For items made of nickel or precious metals, you can apply the procedure with pure acetone by placing coins in it for 5 seconds. But if you do not remove the remains of this solvent on the metal, a brown coating will form , which significantly reduces the value, so it is important to rinse the valuables with water immediately after the procedure.
Since acetone is a solvent and not an acid, it will not adversely affect coins unless left in the product for too long. Other products contain chemicals that can damage the metal.
Source: https://RedSol.ru/chistka/kak-v-domashnih-usloviyah-proizvesti-chistku-monet
How to clean old coins without leaving home
Today we will talk about how to clean old coins. Every year they gain even more value, but the price greatly depends on the condition. Therefore, an item preserved in proper condition receives additional value.
When antique coins are kept in unfavorable conditions, dirt, oxides and deposits of different colors develop. You can use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores, but not everyone can afford it.
Therefore, let's look at how to clean an ancient coin using available methods.
General information about cleaning coins
It is important to understand that not all specimens require serious cleaning; sometimes the procedure can even be harmful. It would also be good to learn to distinguish patina from oxide and plaque, since it gives the metal nobility and protects it from external factors. Every collector knows that a layer of patina is more important than a brilliant shine.
If this is your first time trying to clean old coins at home, it's best to start with the least valuable coins. If they fail, they will not be so sorry. On them, try the method that interests you. When it comes time to work at elevated temperatures, try to ensure that the transition from room temperature to high is smooth. A sudden change can damage the metal.
When you have to use a brush, it is better to use a soft one, such as a toothbrush. Do not use items with metal bristles or sandpaper.
It is important to dry properly, especially antique coins. To do this, you need to place them on a soft cloth and carefully apply it on top several times. It happens that drops of water leave their mark on antiques.
See also video: 3 ways to clean old coins at home
Starting the cleaning process
We choose a cleaning method depending on what type of dirt we are dealing with. There are chemical and mechanical, in the second option we are talking about dirt, dust, earth and other contaminants that are cleaned mechanically without the use of special means. The first method involves a certain chemical reaction that will help wash the coin from oxide, green plaque or any other.
If you have not previously worked with the methods below, carefully follow the instructions and do not overdo it so as not to damage the product. Moreover, you should not change the recipe or come up with your own.
Cleaning from contaminants
At this stage we are talking about mechanical cleaning. Depending on what kind of metal we are dealing with and how dirty it is, we choose the cleaning method:
- A soap solution can handle minor stains; use it to remove dirt using a brush or an old toothbrush.
- In difficult cases, we act depending on the composition of the coin. You can use the methods given in the paragraphs below.
- If the pattern on the surface is not visible, put it in a soap solution for 10-15 minutes. You can use laundry soap. After this, using a toothbrush, carefully wash the coin directly in the water. Then we dry it.
How to clean a coin found in the ground
Often, when searching for old coins, they are found in the ground; such finds often resemble those from the USSR. Sometimes they lie there for years and the dirt has become so ingrained that it has become almost integral to the product. Cleaning such coins at home will be done by boiling.
You need to make a soda solution, one tablespoon of soda per glass. It is better to place the contaminated item in a sieve or something similar so that it does not lie at the bottom of the pan. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for half an hour. Now turn off the heat source and let the water cool slightly. We take out the product and carefully clean it using a toothbrush or other soft brush. We carry out the procedure as many times as possible until the coin restores its normal appearance.
Cleaning with baking soda
In this case, we will clean coins from oxidation using ordinary soda, which will be used as an alkali. That is, the main task is not mechanical cleaning, but chemical cleaning. We make a regular soda solution and immerse the products there. The concentration of the solution depends on the complexity of the case; as a rule, add 1-2 tablespoons of soda to a glass of water. After a few hours, pull it out; if there is still plaque, remove it with a soft cloth and dry it.
You can make a kind of paste from soda and water. We put coins there for a certain time and periodically watch it so that the soda does not start to dry out right on the surface. After the procedure, remove and use a soft brush to clean all residues from plaque and oxide while simultaneously rinsing in water.
You can make your own cleaning products. To do this, we make a mixture of ammonia, soda and toothpaste. By closing it all in a jar it can be stored for a long time. Cleaning with its help is very simple, apply the mixture and wash with a toothbrush.
Cleaning a coin with soap
The basic method for cleaning an old coin involves using a soapy solution. We rub the soap shavings on a grater and soak them in boiling water so that a mixture somewhat reminiscent of jelly is formed. Place a coin there, cover and leave for 1-2 days. In difficult cases, add soda, 2-5% of the total mass of the solution. When time has passed, remove it. Rinse under running water and dry. Soak in alcohol and leave until completely dry.
Boiling down coins
Vaseline or vegetable oil is heated and a coin is immersed in a strainer for 10 minutes. Wash with running water and soap. Pour clean water into a vessel, immerse our coin in it, heat it to a boil and leave to cool. After the procedure, wipe the product dry.
Jewelry Cleaners
The best option for cleaning an old coin at home is a jewelry cleaner. It can be purchased at jewelry stores and workshops. This could be a napkin or solution. In the first case, you need to wipe the surface of the product. In the second, immerse the coin there for 5 minutes.
It is better to entrust valuable coins to professionals. It would be a shame to ruin an antique due to your own incompetence. The workshop will not only clean it, but also polish it and may apply an additional layer of protection.
Cleaning depending on alloy
The most common coins are:
- Gold;
- Silver;
- Bronze;
- Copper.
Depending on the metal, the cleaning method is determined. More details about each can be found in the relevant articles on our website.
Pure gold
Coins made of gold are surprisingly easy to clean. To do this, you can use one of the methods below:
- Make soapy water in a glass and add 10 drops of ammonia. Place the product there for 10-15 minutes. Wipe dry.
- To restore the shine to gold, onion juice is a cheap and effective remedy. Using a soft cloth, rub the surface of the metal with it and leave for several hours. Rinse under running water and wipe dry.
- In stores you can buy a special paste for laundering gold.
Laundering silver
Silver coins are durable, so they are much more difficult to damage. It is not recommended to use baking soda with this metal. At first it will cope with its task, but over time micro-scratches may form. So how to clean silver?
- The easiest way is with toothpaste (or powder) and a brush. Apply the product to the surface and scrub until it returns to its normal appearance.
- Make a solution of citric acid in a ratio of 1:3. We put our coin collection there and leave it for 10 minutes. Take it out and clean it with a toothbrush.
- Sometimes, to restore shine, simply immersing it in ammonia for 2 minutes is enough.
Cleaning bronze
If there is no damage, oxide or any deposits on the surface, then it is treated mechanically using a soap solution. In other cases, we resort to one of the methods below.
- As in the case of silver, we make a solution of citric acid, but this time you will need a 1:2 ratio. Place the product there for 10 minutes, rinse and wipe dry. The color may change slightly, but after a few days everything will return to normal.
- An excellent method for cleaning antique gold coins is to use vegetable oil. With its help you can not only restore the appearance, but also add an additional protective layer. To do this, you need to bring the oil to a boil and gently lower the coin there for 5 minutes. Remove and immerse in ethyl alcohol for the same amount of time. Rinse and dry.
Processing copper coins
On copper coins, not only oxide is possible, but also yellow, white, red and green patina.
- If the coin is covered with a red layer, a solution of ammonium carbonate or 5% ammonia will help. Immerse the item in the solution for 5-10 minutes, wipe well and dry.
- The above-mentioned citric acid in a ratio of 1:10 will help with green.
- Regular table vinegar will help remove yellow stains. Dip a coin into it for 5-10 minutes, wipe and wipe dry.
- The easiest way to wash off the white coating is to simply take distilled water and immerse dirty copper coins in it for several days. Remove and wipe with a soft cloth.
- In particularly problematic cases, use Trilon-B.
Another way to clean copper coins in the video:
Source: https://kakchistit.ru/sovety/dragocennosti/staruyu-monetu.html
