How to clean a copper-zinc alloy coin

Ways to clean coins at home

An increasing number of people are showing interest in numismatics these days. The hunt for rare coins is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, almost any metal can be oxidized, which negatively affects the appearance of the product. Cleaning coins is the only way to deal with this problem. The tips given in the article will help you do this quickly and efficiently.

Cleaning coins: general recommendations

There are a large number of techniques that can be used to remove contaminants. Cleaning coins at home is a task that anyone can handle. Be sure to take into account the recommendations below.

• The cleaning method must be chosen depending on what alloy the affected specimen is made from. Otherwise, there is a danger of irreversibly damaging the coin rather than saving it.
• It is advisable to avoid products that contain abrasive particles. There is a high probability that their use will result in scratches on the surface of the coin.
• Cleaning coins with concentrated acids is also not recommended. First of all, this applies to copper specimens.
• Removing the patina may reduce the value of the coin. For some products it serves as decoration.
• It is advisable to check the selected product before the procedure. Experiments can be carried out on products that are made of similar material.

Silver

How to restore the original beauty of silver coins? Cleaning with a solution of ammonia and baking soda is an excellent choice.

• You need to dissolve two tablespoons of soda in a glass of hot water. You can also add a few drops of dish soap. The product is placed in the resulting mixture for approximately eight hours. The coin is then thoroughly washed and dried.
• In a glass of hot water you need to add 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of ammonia. The affected specimen must be kept in this solution for about 15 minutes. The mixture is then diluted and drained until the silver is in clean water. Next, the coin is thoroughly washed and wiped with a soft cloth.

If the choice is made in favor of the second method, extreme caution must be exercised. The coin must be turned over without removing it from the liquid. There is a possibility that an oxidation process will occur in air. In this case, the metal will be damaged.

Copper

How to clean copper coins at home? These products are famous for their capriciousness, so returning them to their original beauty must be done with care.

• Vaseline oil. The affected specimen must be boiled in it until the contaminants disappear. The final part of the work is to rinse the coin in alcohol and dry it with a soft cloth.
• Hydrogen peroxide. This product will help restore the lost shine to the product. Dissolve 30 ml of peroxide in 200 ml of water, and then add a teaspoon of ammonia. The coin should be kept in this mixture for no more than 15 minutes.
• Neutral soap (laundry, baby). It must be grated on a coarse grater. The resulting porridge should be coated on both sides of the damaged specimen. The product will have to be left in this form for a long time, which is the main disadvantage of this gentle method of cleaning copper coins. From time to time it is necessary to remove the specimen and clean it under running water with a soft brush. This will remove softened contaminants. The procedure continues until the desired result is achieved.

Bimetallic

When creating some coins, for example, commemorative coins, two different metals are used. The central part is made of silver or steel, and gold, copper or various alloys are used for the edging. How to clean such a product?

• Dishwashing liquid. You can use, for example, “Fairy”. Dissolve one tablespoon of the product in a liter of water and mix thoroughly. The coins are kept in the liquid for about an hour, then removed and wiped with a flannel rag. Dishwashing detergent shows excellent results when dealing with minor stains.
• Toothpaste. Apply a pea-sized amount of regular paste to a soft-bristled brush. The affected specimen must be rubbed carefully; strong pressure is not required. Cleaning coins ends with rinsing in water.
• Paste GOI. This product includes small abrasive particles, which allows it to effectively combat dirt and oxides. The paste should only be used for inexpensive coins, as there is still a danger of damaging the product.
• Formic acid. This product will help restore the specimen to its original shine. You need to immerse the coin that needs cleaning in a 14% solution for about five minutes, and then polish it. Instead of formic acid, it is allowed to use alcohol.

Cupronickel

Cupronickel is also capable of oxidizing and turning black, and has a similar composition to noble metals. The methods discussed below are suitable for cleaning coins at home.

• Ash. With its help, you can quickly and effectively rid the product of patina. The affected specimen is dipped in water, then cigarette ash is applied to it. After about 20 minutes, the coin needs to be rinsed.
• Dish powder. This product is applied to the product after wetting it with water. It is necessary to treat the surface of the damaged specimen with a sponge and wait for some time. The coin is then washed in water.

Brass

What product should I use to clean coins made from a copper-zinc alloy? Such money is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but still needs cleaning from time to time.

• Oxalic acid. This product can be purchased in a store. With its help it is easy to remove plaque, it shows good results even in the fight against old stains. The coins need to be immersed in acid for about ten minutes. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the money with water after finishing the cleaning procedure.
• Trilon-B. This product must be dissolved in clean water, maintaining a ratio of 1 to 10. Then the coin is dipped into the resulting solution. She shouldn't be there all the time. From time to time, the specimen must be washed in running water and inspected. Soaking is repeated until the desired result is achieved.
• Other means. What other methods of cleaning copper-zinc alloy coins are there? Citric acid, Coca-Cola, and a thick soap solution will help restore your products to their original beauty.

Aluminum bronze

Which tools should be preferred in this case? Coins made from this material can be cleaned using the same methods that are suitable for copper coins. There are other effective methods.

• Coca Cola. This popular drink is not only drinkable, it has also gained a reputation as a good stain remover. The main disadvantage of this method is the long wait for the result. You will have to keep the coins in a glass of Coca-Cola for about a week. Then they must be rinsed with clean water.
• Plumbing cleaner. The affected specimen must be immersed in such a solution for no more than a couple of minutes. It is then cleaned using running water.

USSR anniversary coins

There are specimens that need special care. For example, how to restore the lost attractiveness of USSR commemorative coins at home? Cleaning in this case is done using an ordinary eraser. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the drawing.

You need to rub the dry surface with an elastic band until the plaque disappears. This method is suitable for adding shine to any alloy products.

Universal remedy

What methods are suitable for bringing any coins back to normal? There is a universal remedy that contains several ingredients. It will help cope with rust, green deposits and other oxides.

• You need to mix 25 ml of soda and soap solution. 25 ml of ammonia and 75 ml of toothpaste are added to the resulting mixture.
• All specimens that need to be cleaned must be immersed in the finished product. There they remain until the goal is achieved. Periodically, coins should be removed, wiped with a toothbrush and inspected. At the end of the procedure they are washed with water.

Electrolysis

Working with electrical devices requires knowledge of safety precautions. We also must not forget that their use significantly increases the likelihood of damage to specimens. Cleaning coins by electrolysis is carried out in a well-ventilated and lit area. You should definitely take care to protect your hands and eyes.

• You need to prepare a power supply with a voltage of 6-12 V. Next, the plugs are cut off and the wires are cut into two parts. Then you should clean the ends and attach the copper wires to the clamps.
• The plastic container is filled with saline solution. It is easy to prepare by placing a tablespoon of salt in a liter of water.
• The power supply is connected to the network, the clamps are lowered into the resulting solution. The “+” terminal should be connected to the coin, on which a hissing sound will be heard. The entire procedure will take no more than ten minutes.

Vinegar

What other methods can be used? Vinegar is a product that is suitable for bringing inexpensive specimens into proper shape. It must be remembered that the solution can corrode the surface of the product and change its color. In addition, it is believed that after such a procedure the coin will deteriorate faster.

• Any specimen that needs cleaning can be immersed in a solution of 10% vinegar for a day. This is the easiest way.
• You can also prepare a mixture of vinegar and salt. Approximately 5 g of salt must be mixed with a quarter tablespoon of vinegar. You need to stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. Then coins are dropped into the resulting solution. This must be done so that the copies lie separately from each other. Products are soaked in the solution for no more than five minutes. If dirt remains, you can further treat them with a brush. Next, the specimens should be carefully washed in running water.

Cleaning coins with vinegar is a dangerous choice. Its use can negatively affect the appearance and condition of products made of silver, copper, aluminum, and lead.

Mechanical restoration

What other options are available? Mechanical cleaning of coins is used to remove surface deposits. We can talk about sand, earth, individual tubercles of corrosion.

To carry out the procedure, various brushes are required (brass, bristle, glass fiber). You will also need dental burs of different sizes and scalpels. These devices must be used with the utmost caution.

If used improperly, there is a danger of causing scratches that will distort images, inscriptions, and so on.

• The damaged specimen must be kept in distilled water for about an hour. This is necessary in order to desalt the product and get rid of dried dirt.
• Next comes the impregnation of the coin with synthetic resin. This is required to strengthen the noble patina and prevent damage.
• Then you can proceed directly to cleaning the instruments. This work is very painstaking and time-consuming; it will require a huge amount of patience. The master can clean some instances within a month or two.

Mechanical cleaning is a method that is more suitable for professionals. Hobbyists risk hopelessly damaging the coin. Therefore, it is recommended to develop appropriate skills on specimens that are not of particular value.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/62898/kak-delaetsya-chistka-monet/amp

Cleaning copper coins at home

If you're worried about your collection becoming dark or dirty, the first thing to consider is that some precious coins are more valuable with tarnish. It is this that is a sign of antiquity.

If dust or grease has simply accumulated on them, then the question arises of how and how to clean coins made of different metals and, in general, whether it is possible to clean copper coins at home.

This, of course, can be done, but you need to know several features of such a procedure and use the right technology and tools.

What metals are coins made from?

Depending on what historical period the banknote you have belongs to and what country it was made in, the coin can be made of:

• silver;
• gold;
• copper;
• zinc;
• bronze;
• cupronickel;
• platinum;
• aluminum;
• gland;
• tin;
• chromium.

How to clean coins?

Cleaning copper or any other coins at home can be done using the following means:

• soap solution;
• ammonia;
• lemon acid;
• toothpaste;
• Coca Cola;
• special chemicals for cleaning jewelry.

You will apply the products and remove dirt using available tools:

• soft rags;
• soft or medium-hard brushes;
• thin needles.

Important! Be sure to keep in mind that everyday coins can be cleaned with more complex and aggressive substances without fear of damaging them. Cleaning old and valuable coins requires a delicate approach, otherwise the procedure may destroy them or reduce the value of the item.

Universal ways to clean copper coins

Before cleaning a coin made of any metal with complex or aggressive solutions that you think are suitable, try using the simplest, most universal methods.

Option 1

1. Prepare a warm soapy solution.
2. Dip soiled items into it.
3. Leave it for a while.
4. Rub lightly with a cloth or sponge to remove dirt.
5. Place the coin in a soft, clean cloth to dry.

Option 2

1. Grate soap on a fine grater - any baby or laundry soap.
2. Add a little water to the mixture to make a paste.
3. Put all the coins in it.
4. Leave it for 1-2 days, if very dirty leave it for a week.
5. Remove, rinse with water, scrub lightly with a soft brush and dry properly.
6. Make sure your money items are clean.

How to clean everyday coins?

If you simply don’t like using dirty money, and some have fallen into your hands and you decide to handle the task of cleaning coins on your own, use one of the methods suggested below.

Method 1

1. Mix vinegar with a little water.
2. Soak a cotton pad in it and rub the surface of the product.
3. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to an unwanted brush and work the metal.
4. Remove the products with a damp sponge or cloth.
5. Polish with a dry cloth until shiny.

Method 2

1. Place all items in a bowl of warm water.
2. Sprinkle soda on top.
3. Leave for half an hour.
4. Rub with a brush and baking soda.
5. Rinse under running water and dry the coins.

Method 3

1. Pour cola into any convenient container.
2. Place your dirty money in it overnight.
3. Take out in the morning and rinse under running water.

Method 4

1. Take a not very concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid.
2. Soak a cotton pad in it.
3. Rub the surface of the coins.
4. Dry properly by placing between a soft cloth.

Important! Using this method to solve the question of how to clean copper coins at home, be sure to wear gloves so as not to damage the skin of your hands.

How to clean old or precious coins?

As mentioned above, precious coins require a special approach. Therefore, before cleaning old coins, find out what metal or alloy they are made of. After that, use the methods suggested below, suitable for the specific type of coin.

Gold

This metal can be safely washed from dirt in this way:

1. Take ⅛ of a bar of soap, rub it and dilute the shavings in 1 liter of warm water.
2. Soak the coins in the solution for a short time.
3. Rub them with your fingers.
4. Place the pan with coins in the soapy solution on the fire and heat a little, but do not bring to a boil.
5. Remove and rinse all items with clean water.
6. Place on cloth to dry.

Silver

If you are deciding what and how to clean silver coins, be sure to take into account the fineness of the metal and how much it has oxidized. The most gentle, but quite effective method of cleaning looks like this:

1. Pour ammonia into a plate.
2. Put all the coins in it.
3. Leave for 1 hour.
4. Wipe lightly and leave to dry on a moisture-wicking cloth.

Important! To clean low-grade silver, you can also use a product called “trilon B”. Detailed instructions for its use are indicated on the packaging.

Iron

The following solution will help you deal with traces of rust and whitish stains on iron coins:

1. Take a weak solution of hydrochloric acid and dip a cotton pad in it.
2. Wipe all iron products carefully.
3. Scrub very dirty areas a little with a brush with brass bristles or remove with a needle.
4. Rinse under running water.
5. Dry and rub with a felt cloth to restore the items to their former shine.

Copper

To solve the problem of how and how to clean copper, vinegar or even Cilit cleaner, which perfectly removes rust, is suitable. Both options are suitable not only for processing household items, but also for coping with such a problem as cleaning copper coins at home.

To use the first remedy, proceed as follows:

1. Pour vinegar into any container.
2. Drop copper coins into it.
3. Leave for a while - determine the duration of treatment based on how dirty the products are.
4. Remove and dry.

In the second case:

1. Apply the paste to the metal surface.
2. Rub lightly with a sponge or soft brush.
3. Rinse off with running warm water.
4. Dry on a soft cloth.

Coins from the times of the USSR

In Soviet times, money was minted mainly from copper, as well as from an alloy of aluminum, nickel or zinc and copper. Therefore, before cleaning USSR coins, check exactly what alloy was used for your products.

Please note that when performing the procedure the following recommendations:

1. Aluminum does not tolerate harsh chemicals, so soap and a brush are more suitable for cleaning coins this way.
2. For those products that include zinc in the alloy, a weakly concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid is quite suitable. To do this, dip the coin into it, but not for long, and then clean off the deposit with brass wire.
3. For nickel, a special solvent such as WD-40 or vinegar is suitable.

What should you not do to clean coins?

Before cleaning coins made of any metal at home, please note that it is strictly not recommended to use for this purpose:

• Any abrasive powders and tools - for example, sandpaper, a metal brush or modern household chemicals - will quickly remove not only dirt, but also the patina on expensive products, which will cause their price to drop sharply.
• Concentrates of acetic, hydrochloric, nitric or sulfuric acids - their impact can completely melt the coinage pattern.
• Heat treatment at high temperatures can simply melt the metal or lead to its crumbling after cooling.

material

Now you know how to clean different types of coins and we hope that after putting into practice our useful tips, you were able to restore the attractiveness of your collection.

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

Cleaning Bronze and Brass Coins

Bronze and brass coins began to be minted quite recently, and the most common representatives of such coins are USSR coins in denominations of 1, 2, 3 and 5 kopecks.

Cleaning brass coins by electrolysis

This cleaning method does an excellent job of removing oxides and deposits from the surface of the coin, but since the coin consists of brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), this cleaning may cause the color to have a copper tint. Particular attention should be paid to the secure fixation of the coin and the electrode during cleaning. On the given penny, when cleaning, the coin touched the electrode and, accordingly, a short circuit occurred. At the point of contact, the coin received a noticeable dent (bottom right on the edge).

This 1969 penny was purified using electrolysis. A soda solution was used as an electrolyte, a current source was a charger for a car battery, a coin was attached to “-”, and a stainless steel electrode was attached to “+”. Cleaning time: 5 minutes. After electrolysis, the coin was ground in soda paste.

Cleaning brass coins with ammonia

In general, brass coins are preserved well, but sometimes pockets of corrosion (green spots) appear on the surface of the coin, and the oxides are quite strong and are not easy to remove. Ammonia dissolves oxides well and is quite safe for bronze coins.

When removing coins from ammonia, you should immediately rinse them in cold water; this should be done to prevent the appearance of dark, uneven spots on the coin, because ammonia can be used not only for cleaning, but also for patination of coins. 

Both of these coins were cleaned using ammonia. Deep cavities remain on the surface of the coins after removing the greenery, but it is difficult to do anything about it - time in an aggressive environment has taken its toll.

Cleaning brass coins with Trilon B

Trilon B is perhaps the best cleaning product for brass and bronze coins. Trilon solution removes all oxides and does not interact in any way with the metal of the coin. Even after being in the solution for a long time, the coin does not change color and is not destroyed. Strong oxides require quite a long dissolution (up to several days), but this disadvantage can be solved by heating the solution.

Five kopecks of the USSR in 1952 were cleaned using Trilon B. Initially, the coin had very dense oxides. Unfortunately, the metal of the coin was severely damaged under the oxides and deep cavities opened up during the cleaning process. But nevertheless, the main goal of cleaning was achieved - complete removal of greenery without damaging areas untouched by corrosion.

In general, the abrasive cleaning method is not desirable and is completely unacceptable for rare and valuable coins, but can be used to add shine to inexpensive coins from modern or not very old circulation.

Such cleaning only has a negative effect on the value of the coins, so if the coins are ever sold, it is best not to clean them with GOI paste and other micro-abrasives.

As a result of such cleaning, small details are erased and for coins of average or poor preservation this method is not applicable since the relief can be completely destroyed.

To clean this coin (3 kopecks from 1969), GOI paste was used + a felt attachment on an engraver (Dremel 4000, revolutions 10 - 15 thousand per minute). In 2 minutes, the oxides were removed from the coin and the patina began to shine like new. The shine is certainly beautiful, but not at all natural for a coin that is several decades old.

The method of cleaning with GOI paste is most suitable for bimetallic coins, since problems may arise with chemical cleaning due to the dual composition, but such problems cannot arise with micro-abrasive cleaning. The photo shows the result of cleaning bimetallic 10 rubles; next to it for comparison is a coin in approximately the same condition, but not cleaned.

Source: http://www.wheeclamp.ru/chistqa_monet/chistqa_bronzovih_monet

Cleaning brass coins at home

Attention! If you want to buy or sell the coins described in the article, write about it in the comments below. Our site is visited by thousands of people a day, you are sure to find a buyer or seller.

Brass coins are not found as often as copper or bronze coins. Nevertheless, they are in many collections and collections. Naturally, brass also oxidizes and is subject to corrosion and the appearance of an uneven patina.

It is clear that brass and copper are related metals, but the methods for cleaning them may differ. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is therefore considered a more durable metal that is less susceptible to corrosion. Although all these arguments can be refuted, since there are coins containing equal parts of brass and copper. But we will talk specifically about those coins that are considered brass. So! Cleaning brass coins at home.

Cleaning Brass Coins with Soap

Cleaning coins with baby soap

It's hard to surprise anyone here. In principle, soapy water is used to clean any coins. It is also suitable for brass, as it is the most gentle cleaning method. Making a soap solution. To do this, we use laundry or baby soap, having previously grated it. Then we lower it into boiling water, stirring the mixture thoroughly.

Having received a homogeneous mass, we lower our coins there. Now all that remains is to wait, periodically carefully removing the coins. As soon as the cleaning result satisfies you, feel free to complete the procedure. This cleaning is very effective, but has the disadvantage that it can take quite a long time.

After this, the coins should be thoroughly washed and brushed with a soft (tooth) brush.

Cleaning Brass Coins Using Citric Acid

Cleaning coins with citric acid

Also great for cleaning brass coins. This product can be used to tidy up both copper and bronze items. Naturally, it will take a little time, since the acid is quite aggressive towards these metals. It is necessary to dilute water and citric acid in a small container.

After putting a coin there, you need to periodically monitor its condition. You also need to flip the coin. This is done for greater control and uniform cleaning of the product. The length of the process depends on the concentration of the solution. It usually takes 10 minutes. After cleaning, rinse the coin with water and dry.

Cleaning Brass Coins with Vinegar

Cleaning Coins with Vinegar

A very simple and convenient way to clean. However, there is a drawback - it is not suitable for all brass coins. This is due to the difference in the composition of the coins. Of course, with proper attention, you can achieve good results.

How does the process work? You need to put a brass coin in ordinary vinegar - that’s the whole process. True, it takes 1-2 days. Afterwards, rinse, dry, and wipe the coin. It happens that the product becomes simply magnificent. Unfortunately, the opposite happens.

Here we need control and more control. However, it is needed for any cleaning.

Cleaning Brass Coins with Coca-Cola

Cleaning Coca-Cola Coins

Yes, the glorious overseas drink is also suitable for cleaning brass coins. True, it will perfectly clean coins from dirt and unnecessary patina, nothing more. It turns out that there is orthophosphoric acid, which copes well with such defects. She cannot cope with more serious shortcomings.

Other home cleaning methods for such coins

Cleaning coins with oxalic acid

For example, using oxalic acid, sold in any store. Its solution with water sometimes gives wonderful results. The coins are immersed in the solution for 5-10 minutes, after the procedure they are washed and dried. Or pour a pinch of baking soda onto the coin, which is washed off after 3-5 minutes. They can also be cleaned with strong acids. Just don’t put a coin in there, but simply wipe it with a cloth soaked in acid.

Summary

There are quite a lot of ways to clean coins. Many people know how to clean brass coins, but even extensive practice does not always help. The fact is that each such procedure is very individual. After all, brass coins have different composition, age, and condition. These characteristics make cleaning a unique procedure. Of course, there are certain rules for handling coins that are worth knowing. Then you can put any coins in order.

Source: https://monetainfo.ru/chistka-monet-iz-latuni-v-domashnix-usloviyax/