How to remove oxide from a copper coin

Cleaning Copper Coins

How to remove oxide from a copper coin

Before you start cleaning, you should once again pay attention to the material of the coin, this is due to the fact that copper, silver, nickel and brass must be cleaned using different methods.

The most important thing when cleaning is not to do any harm. The main assistant in any business is experience. And when it is not there, it is very difficult to achieve a good result on the first try. And when cleaning antique copper coins, you often don’t have enough coin - another one to experiment with. Below are the most common ways to clean coins at home. Not all of the above methods are safe for coins, but nevertheless, all the known ones are collected below.

If the coin is valuable, but there is no confidence in the result of cleaning, then it is better not to clean it at all or contact a professional.

Cleaning copper coins with soap

Perhaps the safest way to clean a coin. The main disadvantage is the time; it can take several months (possibly years) to put the coin in order. The essence of the method is that the soap solution, as a slightly alkaline medium, slowly and fairly gently dissolves copper oxides on the surface of the coin.

Preparation of soap solution

In order to prepare a solution in which we will clean copper coins (other copper objects coated with oxides), you need to grate soap (preferably laundry or baby soap) and brew it with boiling water. After an hour or two, the solution will begin to thicken and take on the consistency of ketchup or toothpaste.

The actual cleaning process

Coins are immersed in the prepared solution one at a time so that before they cake at the bottom of the jar they are evenly covered with soap. The coins remain in the solution for at least a day or up to a week.

Next, the coins are taken out and washed with warm water, the plaque on the surface is cleaned off with a toothbrush with the bristles cut off for rigidity. If the green ones remain, the process must be repeated. The soap solution can be used several times. As a rule, the coin is not cleaned the first time.

In the best case, cleaning takes a week during which the coin has to be removed from the soap 3-7 times. There may be dense oxides that can be cleaned off within six months.

After the coin is completely cleaned of oxides, it must be cleaned with baking soda using the same toothbrush, this is necessary so that there is no white residue left on the coin from soap, which gets into the pores and spoils the appearance.

Two kopecks from 1882 were cleaned with soapy water. The oxides were less durable than in the first example and were cleared off in 10 days.

In principle, we can finish here, but we can improve the appearance of the coin a little more. To do this, rub the coin on a woolen cloth or felt. After this treatment, the relief of the coin will be more clearly visible.

And at the very end, before sending it to the album, you can rub the coin with Vaseline. This will improve the appearance a little more and preserve the coin to some extent.

Citric acid for copper is a highly destructive reagent and you should think very carefully before using it. As a result, you can not only not improve, but also greatly worsen the appearance of the coin and its value. At the same time, citric acid is one of the best options for cleaning silver coins.

The 1875 penny before cleaning with citric acid looked quite ordinary, but the cleaning process can hardly be called such; the coin was practically destroyed in a few minutes in acid.

Cleaning copper coins with ammonia

The method is quite cruel for copper coins, as it significantly destroys the surface. But for the case when the coin is unevenly covered with a very strong green oxide, which does not take soap, ammonia can be used.

This 1903 kopeck was paid for 10 minutes. The result is certainly not excellent, but very persistent oxides were quickly removed.

The cleaning process itself is that the coin is completely immersed in ammonia, kept there for another minute, then taken out and cleaned with a toothbrush. Since ammonia corrodes oxides very quickly, it is better to take out the coin and clean it more often; it is also worth putting it on different sides each time.

Electrolysis

Cleaning copper by electrolysis is only possible when the coin is not severely damaged and the oxides have not corroded deep cavities in the coin. This requirement is due to the fact that when cleaning by electrolysis, all imperfections will appear very clearly on the coin.

Two kopecks from 1924 were purified by electrolysis. A solution of baking soda was used as an electrolyte, and a charger for a car battery (12V, 2A) was used as a current source. Cleaning time 5 minutes.

Electrolysis cleaning technology is that a coin is attached to the “-” (cathode) of a direct current source, and either a graphite element or any object made of the same material as the coin itself is attached to the “+” (anode). Next, the anode and cathode are immersed in the electrolyte and current is applied. As an electrolyte, you can use a solution of baking soda in water (2 tablespoons per liter). The cleaning process takes from several minutes to an hour depending on the size of the coin, its condition and the power of the current source.

A fairly simple and quick technique for cleaning copper coins. The name itself almost completely describes the technology. Copper coins are boiled in a solution of soda and water. The solution is made quite concentrated: 3-5 tablespoons of soda per half liter of water. The solution should cover the coins by 2 cm. This is necessary so that the coins do not appear from the solution during the cleaning process. The cooking itself should continue for 30 minutes. Then remove the coins from the solution and clean them with a toothbrush and a paste of the same soda.

The 1910 kopeck was cleaned by boiling it in soda for 30 minutes. The result is not bad at all: green oxides were completely removed and the patina layer was not damaged. The fact that irregularities and cavities have opened up on the coin’s field is rather a drawback of the coin itself, and this negative effect from cleaning could have occurred with any other method.

Cleaning with vinegar

Acetic acid, like any other, is suitable for cleaning copper coins. A limitation of its use is that this method damages the patina and exposes cavities and other irregularities in the field of the coin. For cleaning, use a solution of vinegar in water with a strength of 7-20% from any grocery store.

These 10 flights from 1892 were immersed in acetic acid for 15 minutes, then brushed with a toothbrush. It is clearly noticeable that the patina on the coin is damaged in places and will need to be applied artificially, but the green oxides were quickly removed.

Cleaning with Trilon-B

Trilon-B (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt) is a special cleaning agent designed to make most insoluble metal salts soluble. Thus, oxides and patina are easily washed off from the surface of the coin in a Trilon-B solution.

Trilon-B cleans coins coated with uniform oxides well.

But if the oxides on the coin have a different structure, then as a result of cleaning on some surfaces the coin is cleaned to a shine, while on others the oxides continue to persist, in this case it is necessary to resort to artificial patination after cleaning.

The main advantages of cleaning with Trilon are:

  • trilon does not destroy the metal of the coin, as acids and alkalis can do;
  • high cleaning speed - cleaning a copper coin takes a few minutes, in severe cases a couple of hours.
Two kopecks of 1841 had fairly uniform oxides, which were easily cleaned off with Trilon. But the 1836 penny was covered with oxides of varying densities, and when cleaning, the oxides were removed quickly from part of the coin, and slowly from the other part. Thus, part of the penny coin has acquired a copper metallic sheen and requires patina.

Mechanical cleaning is a special process for restoring coins in which the coin is not cleaned, but rather cut out or restored in a layer of oxides.

For such a reading, the decisive factor is the experience and hard work of the master. The technology can be described very primitively as follows:

  • The surface of the coin is desalted and cleaned of dried dirt in distilled water;
  • All oxides, including loose ones, are strengthened by impregnating the surface in synthetic resin (paraloid B72);
  • Using scrapers, cutters, brushes, and needles of varying hardness, the master removes from the surface everything that he considers unnecessary. By securing unstable areas, they do not fall through and can be aligned with the main field of the coin and no cavities remain. All work is performed under a microscope.
These 4 kopecks from 1762 were cleaned by a professional using mechanical cleaning technology. The result is simply magnificent, but such processing of the coin took a very long time (2 months for this coin) and is only relevant for rare and valuable coins.

Source: http://99-kopeek.ru/chistqa_monet/chistqa_mednykh_monet

How to remove greens from a copper coin - Metalist's Guide

How to remove oxide from a copper coin

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Beginning numismatists are often afraid to clean coins themselves, since at home there is always a chance of damaging the surface and thereby reducing their value. But in most cases it is not difficult and anyone can do it.

Methods for copper coins

It is worth noting that if you need to clean rare collectible or simply dear to your heart coins, then it is better to entrust this task to professionals. As a last resort, get their advice after a visual inspection of the item. However, you can clean a copper coin using one of the most common methods:

Soda . Dissolve 1-2 tbsp in a liter of water. l. soda Place the container with the solution on the fire and place the products in it, boil for several minutes depending on the degree of oxidation and contamination, until the liquid begins to darken. Remove the container from the heat, remove the coins with tweezers (the ends can be wrapped with electrical tape so as not to damage anything when pulling them out). Rinse and scrub with a toothbrush to remove any soda deposits that have formed.

Soap solution . A simple, but no less effective way to clean copper coins is to soak them in a soapy solution. You will need laundry soap. It must be finely chopped using a grater or knife.

  1. Place the soap crumbs in a container, for example, a regular plastic container.
  2. Pour warm water over the soap and stir until it forms a jelly-like mass.
  3. Then immerse the coins in the prepared mixture, and, periodically monitoring the process, leave it for a while until a green coating appears on it.
  4. After soaking, gently brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse thoroughly under running water to avoid the formation of white soap deposits.

If you decide to do it yourself, then this is the most gentle way to clean coins and not damage the ancient patina. But this option has one significant drawback - the duration and uncertainty of time; such cleaning can take weeks or months.

Lemon acid . A fairly aggressive cleaning method, not suitable for processing heavily damaged or rare specimens. The concentration of the solution is selected experimentally depending on the degree of contamination. Dissolve citric acid in water and load the coins for 2-3 minutes.

The cleaning process should be carried out under control, as you will need to turn them over. After removing, rinse in clean water and wipe dry with a towel. The use of citric acid is still not recommended; it does not spare either the relief or the design. In addition, after removing contaminants, you will need to apply an artificial patina.

Vegetable oil . Boiling in oil does a great job of removing rust and oxidation. This method can be used as an additional treatment for heavy stains.

Pour oil (vaseline, olive or sunflower) into a pan and place the products in it. Boil and hold for another 10 minutes over medium heat to prevent the oil from burning. Remove from the stove, let the oil cool, remove the coins, wash in soapy water and dry.

You can also clean coins with an oil cleaner. Pour olive oil over them and set the container aside for two months. Then remove, clean with a soft brush, assess the level of dirt and repeat the procedure.

Options for silver

Cleaning coins at home without the proper skills and experience is fraught with obtaining a completely opposite result from what was intended. It will be impossible to correct the consequences later, so it is better to initially entrust this matter to restorers, which is also good if you receive subsequent professional advice on storage and care.

  • Toothpaste. You will need toothpaste without abrasive particles, otherwise you may cause minor scratches. Rub the coins with enough paste and wipe with a clean, soft cloth. Toothpaste is good for cleaning silver, but it will not cope with severe and long-standing stains.
  • Ammonia. Pour ammonia (10% ammonia solution) into a glass or any other glass container so that the products can be completely immersed. Leave for 20-30 seconds. Remove, wipe, rinse with water and dry. Repeat if necessary.
  • Salt and foil. A simple way to quickly clean silver of any contaminants. To do this, cover the bottom of a plastic container with foil, dilute a mixture of water and fine salt on it in a 2:1 ratio. Place coins in the solution, close the edges of the foil and leave for 30-60 minutes. In case of heavy contamination, the time can be increased. Next, remove and rinse well. Never rub salt on silver coins or press them, otherwise scratches may appear.
  • Vinegar. You can add shine to your collection items by wiping them with a cloth soaked in 9% table vinegar. The process will go faster if you warm the vinegar a little.
  • Trilon-B. This aqueous solution for cleaning metal surfaces is also suitable for cleaning low-grade silver coins. Rub the item with a soft brush soaked in the product, then rinse and dry. If you purchased the substance in powder form, then you need to dissolve it in a glass of hot water and immerse the coins in it for 3-4 minutes. Remove them with tweezers, rinse and dry.
  • Soda and ammonia. At home, cleaning coins from greens with a mixture of ammonia and soda is effective. Lightly rub the banknote with the mixture. But the method is absolutely not suitable for rare antique coins, because soda is an abrasive product, it is better to choose a more gentle option.
  • To clean USSR coins, prepare a mixture of ammonia, soda and toothpaste without abrasive particles. After treatment, clean the item with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry.

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For bronze coins

Cleaning numismatic bronze objects is a careful and painstaking job. If you decide to do it yourself, then follow the golden rule “from easy to complex, from less valuable to more expensive.”

  • An eraser. Perfectly removes surface dirt. You need to take the product, place it on a flat surface, and holding it by the free edge, carefully rub it with an eraser until it shines.
  • Pemolux. This product serves for additional processing after using one of the main methods, for example, soda, salt or vinegar, in order to finally remove all existing contaminants. The cleaned product is treated with Pemolux and a brush, washed with clean water and dried. This method is not recommended for cleaning valuable specimens. More suitable for ordinary and fairly common ones.
  • Methods for cleaning copper banknotes are suitable for cleaning bronze collectibles: soaking in soapy water, boiling in oil. After boiling, the color of bronze may change. It all depends on the result you want to get. You can use a flannel cloth to polish the coin until it shines, or wait for the natural patina to appear.
  • Methods that coincide with cleaning silver objects: ammonia plus soda, Trilon-B. But after using these products, you need to apply toothpaste without small particles to the coins and then rinse with water. This will prevent possible darkening from the use of these substances.

Numismatists do not recommend cleaning old coins at home; in this case, it is better to trust the professionals, since the main thing here is to preserve the patina, which indicates their value.

Storage after cleaning

If stored incorrectly for a long time, the products may darken and become dirty again. For this reason, you should adhere to certain rules and know the features of handling coins:

  1. It is advisable to touch them with fabric gloves, since there is always a layer of sweat and fat on the fingers, which is imprinted on the coin and accumulates on it over time. Alternatively, tweezers can be used.
  2. Before each cleaning, you must make sure that it is necessary, since in some cases cleaning significantly depreciates the value of the product.
  3. The choice of means for cleaning coins, first of all, depends on the metal from which they are cast.
  4. Cleaned items must be dried very well with a paper towel or soft cloth; under no circumstances should traces of moisture be left on their surface and it is advisable to immediately put them away in the chosen storage system.
  5. Store coins in a dry place, maintaining a constant temperature, each separately. Do not keep them in a damp place or expose them to sudden temperature changes. Storing with a shaft is excluded, since corrosion and rust will be transferred from one to another.
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There are different types of coin holders and storage systems:

  • albums;
  • cardboard tablets;
  • plastic blisters;
  • glass cases;
  • holders;
  • capsules.

With the right choice of cleaning method, you will not only improve the appearance of coins, but you will also be able to preserve the value of your collection for many years, replenishing it with new worthy specimens.

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

Antique items also include cutlery that looks like silver or is plated. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how to care for cupronickel products and restore their lost shine during use.

Source: https://ssk2121.com/kak-ubrat-zelen-s-mednoy-monety/

Cleaning coins at home: 8 ways to clean copper coins until they shine

How to remove oxide from a copper coin

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:

  • plastic;
  • ceramics.

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.

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://adella.ru/home/cleaning/chistim-monety-v-domashnih-usloviyah-elektroliza.html

How to clean coins from rust and oxidation at home?

Like any metal product, coins become dull and black over time, and if exposed to excess moisture, become covered with rust. Basically, this problem is faced by numismatists who need to maintain their collection in decent shape. To restore shine to coins and remove oxides and dirt, you can use professional or home remedies. The latter attract collectors with their accessibility and simplicity.

If you clean coins incorrectly, they can simply be ruined. Therefore, it is important to correctly determine the material from which they are made, and after the procedure, dry them correctly.

How to clean coins at home?

Home methods for cleaning rusty old coins involve the use of readily available products: vinegar, ammonia, citric acid.

Copper coins

Cleaning copper coins is done using the following home methods:

  • Grate 50 g of laundry soap 72.5% and dissolve in 1 liter of warm water. Soak the coins in this solution for a quarter of an hour. Then rub them with a sponge;
  • Citric acid will clean copper products to a shine if you prepare a concentrated solution of it. For 2 glasses of water you need to take 4 tbsp. l. acids, stand for 20 minutes;
  • The method of cleaning with ammonia is quite effective. You need to either soak a cotton swab in ammonia and wipe the coin, or dip it in undiluted liquid for 10 seconds.

Green spots indicate that the surface has oxidized. Most likely, the coins were damp or in the ground for a long time. To get rid of green plaque, you need to prepare a vinegar solution. Take 40 ml of table vinegar for 1 liter of water. Let the coins sit for exactly one hour, then rub them with a soft brush.

Advice! If the dirt is not completely removed, continue soaking in the vinegar solution, making sure that the edges of the coins do not touch each other.

Blackening indicates that the metal is very old. You can clean the surface from blackness using a regular lemon. Fresh fruit is cut lengthwise into 2 halves, and coins are inserted directly into the pulp for 15-20 minutes. Fruit acids will cope with pollution.

Copper is one of the most common materials used in coinage. For products made from other metals, alternative cleaning methods are used.

Silver coins

Cleaning silver coins at home is carried out according to the following recipes:

  • Cover a wide-bottomed dish with foil. In a separate container, mix table salt and boiled water in such proportions as to form a paste. Place some of the mixture on foil, place coins on it, and cover them with the rest of the mixture. Leave for 2-3 hours, then carefully remove and rinse. You should not rub coins, otherwise you can scratch them with salt.
  • Heat 9% table vinegar to a temperature of 36-37°C, soak a cotton swab in the liquid, and remove dirt with quick movements.
  • Mix hot water and baking soda. The resulting mixture should have a thick consistency. Gently rub the contaminated areas with it, rinse the coins with water;
  • A more aggressive way is to mix soda not with water, but with ammonia. Ammonia perfectly cleans silver of any quality.
  • Cleaning with Trilon B, it is a white powder. For 100 ml of water you need to take 1 tsp. product, soak a cotton swab in it and spot treat the most contaminated areas.

Care must be taken when cleaning with citric acid. Add 20 g of powder to 100 ml of water at room temperature and completely dissolve. You can immerse coins in liquid for no more than 1 minute, then rinse with running water.

Advice! Before the cleaning procedure, it is recommended to carry out preliminary preparation: place the products in hot water to remove surface dirt.

Antique pieces made of pure silver can be treated with a special compound, which can be easily purchased at a jewelry store. It is necessary to explain to the consultant that it is planned to process silver products.

Bronze coins

Cleaning bronze coins at home is not a problem. Here are some proven recipes:

  • Dilute citric acid in a ratio of 7:3. This means that for 7 parts of water you need to take 3 parts of citric acid powder. Immerse coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then remove and carefully peel off dirt. After this treatment, the plaque comes off easily.
  • Vegetable oil, you can take regular sunflower oil, heat it up and put the coins in for 5 minutes. After this time, rinse with hot water and soak in rubbing alcohol for a couple of minutes. You must work with hot oil very carefully so as not to get burned.
  • The standard method is to prepare a concentrated soap solution from laundry soap 72.5%. For a liter of hot water you will need to take 50-60 g of soap and grate it on a coarse grater. Place coins in this solution for 15 minutes, then rub the softened dirt with a sponge.

It should be taken into account that after high-quality cleaning, defects appear that were previously invisible. These are scratches, cracks, deformation of the design and other possible damage. The task is not to aggravate them with too aggressive treatment.

Aluminum coins

Aluminum products develop a grayish coating - an oxide film that protects the metal from further destruction. If you remove it completely, the coin will become stained and look even worse. Therefore, the task is to make the film thinner using non-aggressive means.

Cleaning aluminum coins at home is carried out in the following ways:

  • "Coca Cola". It needs to be poured into an enamel bowl, filled with coins, and kept for at least 12 hours. It is most convenient to carry out the procedure at night, and if the result is not satisfactory, it can be repeated.
  • Grate children's toilet soap and dissolve in hot water until rich foam forms. The required proportions are 50 g of soap per 0.5 liter of water at a temperature of 40-41C. Baby soap is not as aggressive as laundry soap, but it does a good job of removing darkening. The disadvantage of this method is that it takes a long time. It may take a week for good results. Soak the coins in the solution and periodically remove and wipe them.
  • Using citric acid or fresh lemon juice. Citric acid dissolves in water at room temperature in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. per 100 ml of liquid. An alternative is to squeeze the juice of fresh lemon and dip the coins in it. The duration of the procedure in both cases is 20 minutes. Another effective way is to dissolve 50 g of borax and a tablespoon of ammonia in a liter of water. Borax is a dry white powder - the sodium salt of boric acid. Aluminum products should spend a quarter of an hour in this solution, then they are washed with running water.

Bimetallic coins

Bimetallic coins are coins whose central part is made of one metal and the surrounding ring is made of another. They can be difficult to put in order, since corrosion can only affect one type of metal, and the second is at risk of tarnishing during processing.

Cleaning such coins at home is carried out with 9% table vinegar. The liquid should be poured into a wide, shallow bowl, and coins should be placed at the bottom, at some distance from each other. They must be removed no later than two minutes later.

If the contamination is not very strong, a soda solution prepared in the proportion of 40 g of soda per 200 ml of hot water will help. The products are kept in the liquid for 10 minutes.

Another way to clean bimetallic 10 rubles is to rub them with toothpaste. Any paste is suitable, there is only one obligatory condition - it must be white, without dyes. After the procedure, the coins must be thoroughly rinsed so that no white dried particles or stains remain.

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How to clean USSR coins

For the production of USSR coins, an alloy of copper and aluminum, copper and zinc, as well as copper, zinc and nickel was used. Now they are a collectible value, and without proper care they quickly lose their shine and become covered with rust.

Cleaning Soviet coins at home is carried out using a mixture of baking soda, toothpaste and ammonia solution. The substances must be mixed in equal proportions, apply the mixture to a napkin, and carefully treat the contaminated surfaces, then rinse the coins with running warm water and wipe with a clean cloth.

Cleaning brass coins is carried out with ordinary soapy water. Both baby and laundry soap will do.

Approximately 30 g of the substance is grated and dissolved in 0.5 liters of boiling water. You need to soak the coins in this solution for 30-40 minutes, then take them out and gently rub them with an old toothbrush.

The purpose of cleaning cupronickel products at home is to rid them of a reddish coating. To do this, the following procedure is carried out: you need to take an enamel container, cover its bottom with foil, and sprinkle it thickly with baking soda. Lay out the coins and pour in a small amount of boiling water, leave overnight. After 10-12 hours, rinse with warm water. If necessary, repeat 2-3 times.

Copper-nickel specimens are perfectly preserved in unfavorable conditions and aggressive environments. Even if they are found in the ground during searches, various types of corrosion on products are observed in a minimal form. You can get rid of them using a vinegar-salt solution. Dissolve 1 tsp in 50 g of table vinegar. salt, and keep the coins for 5 to 20 minutes.

Drying coins after cleaning

Regardless of which cleaning method you choose at home, coins must be properly dried to prevent corrosion from occurring again.

The easiest way is to wipe the cleaned items dry with a soft cloth; microfiber or flannel will do. It is not recommended to rub the surface intensively, since even the most delicate material can leave scratches invisible to the eye.

It is recommended to wrap bronze specimens first in a thick paper towel and then in a clean cloth. This will be enough to absorb excess water.

There is a simple method for knowing that coins have been properly cleaned and are ready for drying. They need to be placed in water and one drop of silver azonate solution added. The water should remain clear.

Collectible items can be dried in a special drying cabinet at a temperature of 100°C.

Which coins should not be cleaned?

If your home collection contains particularly valuable, expensive and rare specimens, it is better not to take risks and not clean them yourself at home. Especially if they have chips, deep scratches, unevenness or potholes. In this case, it will be enough to remove dirt with running water and dry the coins properly.

The value of a coin depends not only on its purity, but also on the preservation of the relief. Rough mechanical and chemical cleaning can smooth out important parts and create scratches, bumps and dents.

If you need to bring the most valuable coins in your collection into maximum order, it is best to entrust this to a professional restorer. For example, museum workers have a lot of experience.

When carrying out cleansing procedures at home, it is important to follow safety precautions and prevent ammonia, vinegar and other hazardous substances from getting inside the body or on mucous membranes.

Source: https://chistsovet.ru/chistka/kak-ochistit-monety-ot-rzhavchiny-i-okisleniya-v-domashnih-usloviyah/

Ways to clean copper coins from rust and oxidation

The following methods are designed to eliminate blackening, greening and oxidation.

No. 1. Soap shavings with water

Pass a third of a bar of household soap through a grater and combine with 500 ml. hot water. Dip the artifacts into the solution and time it for a quarter of an hour. After a specified period of time, the plaque will peel off; all that remains is to completely rinse the coins with a sponge.

No. 2. Lemon

Drill the citrus in half. Insert the products directly into the soft part and wait a third of an hour. Then remove, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse and dry.

No. 3. Vinegar

Protect your skin with gloves. Start clearing the coins one by one. Place each of them in your palm, pour vinegar over them and rub with your fingers. Finally, don’t forget to rinse your items. As a second option, you can take ammonia.

No. 4. Salt/soda

Since there is a simple way to clean coins from rust and oxidation, we recommend using it. At home, everyone has soda or salt. Measure out 2 tbsp. l., combine with 200 ml. hot water. Soak the artifacts in the solution, after half an hour, rub and rinse.

No. 5. "Coca Cola"

Cleaning is carried out similarly to the previous method. It is enough to immerse the artifacts in soda for 20-25 minutes. After a specified period of time, clean with a sponge and do not forget to rinse the coins.

No. 6. Lemon acid

You can remove severe rust with a solution of lemon juice. At 0.4 l. water is about 20 grams. acids. After the granules have dissolved, place the coins inside and time a third of an hour. Wipe with a sponge and rinse.

Ways to Clean Silver Coins

Cleaning methods depend on the sample and the extent of the damage, so proceed according to the situation.

1. If the silver is old and of the highest standard, then the blackness can be removed with ammonia. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1 to 10, soak the products for an hour.

2. If there is no alcohol, use soda (per 150 grams there is 0.5 liters of water). Immerse the coins in the warm mixture for 3 hours.

3. You can also clean it with ammonia, tooth powder/paste and soda. Combine the components in equal proportions. Apply to coins and use a brush. After all actions, rinse and dry.

4. If the exhibits are of low standard, then you will have to arm yourself with a special type of salt called “Trilon B”. Measure out 20 g, mix with 0.25 l. warm water and send the coins inside. Cleaning is carried out after the plaque has peeled off.

Important!

Since coins can be cleaned with special means that remove not only rust and oxidation, but also blackness, we advise you to buy the product and use it at home. The product is selected taking into account the silver standard.

Methods for cleaning coins from blackness

Patina is a kind of coating that forms on copper coins after prolonged contact with air. There are several ways to remove blackness, and we’ll look at them.

1. Prepare a highly concentrated solution from soap shavings and warm it up a little. Dampen cosmetic sponges and rub the exhibits.

2. You can also clean it with ammonia. Wear gloves, place the products on your palm and wipe with a disk soaked in ammonia.

3. If the blackness is so strong that nothing helps, act differently. Combine turpentine, water, rubbing alcohol and oxalic acid. Wipe the exhibits with a dampened cotton wool until they shine.

Methods for cleaning coins from green plaque

Before you clean coins from rust and oxidation, consider effective methods. At home, they will help make the task much easier.

1. For safe cleaning, use a solution of water and 9% vinegar. For 1 l. distilled water accounts for 60 ml. vinegar. Then the coins are placed in the solution so that their surfaces do not come into contact with each other or with the walls of the container.

2. The surface of the coins must be completely exposed to the acid. This will ensure a uniform chemical reaction. To avoid stains, do not place many coins in a small container.

3. Monitor the process carefully. From time to time, remove the layers that will form during the chemical reaction. Actions are carried out several times a day. To do this, remove the coins from the solution.

4. For convenience, use a toothbrush. Don't overdo it, or you'll end up with red spots on the coins. It will not be possible to get rid of them without mechanical intervention. The method will help eliminate dirt stains and oxidation.

Methods for cleaning bimetallic coins

Before cleaning coins from rust and oxidation, it is worth mentioning that each alloy needs individual cleaning. Before carrying out the procedure at home, it is important to evaluate the quality of the metal.

1. Often one side of the coin needs to be cleaned with an anti-corrosion compound; the reverse side may not be damaged. Therefore, during classical cleaning with acidic compounds, pure metal can deteriorate. Fading and discoloration appear.

2. Therefore, cleaning such coins at home does not guarantee the desired result, but improving the appearance of the metal can still be achieved. To do this, prepare a solution of 250 ml. hot water and 50 gr. table soda.

3. Place a coin in the composition for a third of an hour. The metal should not come into contact with anything. Next, take out the product and start brushing with toothpaste without any additives. Tooth powder will do.

4. When using the powder, manipulations should be carried out with extreme caution. Small particles often leave micro-scratches. If after the procedure you are not satisfied with the result, use a different chemical composition.

5. Purchase a special product to remove corrosion and plaque. Spread the gel over the surface and start rubbing with a soft cloth. If stains cannot be removed, use a coarse brush instead of a rag. If the procedure is carried out correctly, the metal will shine.

Ways to Clean Zinc Coins

How to clean zinc coins not only from rust and oxidation, but also from other deposits? The process is quite labor intensive. Therefore, at home you will have to work with hydrochloric acid.

1. Please note that it is strongly not recommended to leave the product unattended in such a liquid. Literally every few seconds you need to check the condition of the coin. You will see the patina come off. Next, the acid will take on the metal.

2. To make the procedure as effective as possible, arm yourself with a wide container. This is necessary so that you can keep the product in the solution and at the same time clean it with a brush. You will need a 1% hydrochloric acid solution. The composition does not harm human skin.

3. Once you have completed all the steps, rinse the metal with running water under strong pressure. This will get rid of any remaining acid. Remember that the procedure is labor-intensive, but the end result will please you.

Cleaning antiques is a labor-intensive task. If you find a decent example and can restore it, you can make some good money at auction. In any case, try it and do not forget that each metal needs an individual approach.

Source: https://more-vsego.net/kak-ochistit-monety-ot-rzhavchiny-i-okislenija-v-domashnih-uslovijah.html

Cleaning copper-nickel coins at home: solutions and ashes

Cleaning copper-nickel coins of the USSR (also known as cupronickel coins) is a constant headache for those who collect them; treasure hunters especially often face this problem. Sometimes even experienced collectors with experience do not really know how to clean such a coin in order to return it to its presentation.

The fact is that this alloy is practically impossible to clean, if we talk about a good, high-quality result.

And yet, it is possible to improve the appearance of coins made of a copper-nickel alloy; we will consider some relatively safe cleaning methods and its rules, with the caveat that in some cases it is better to leave everything as is.

What kind of coins are these?

An alloy of copper and nickel or cupronickel was used for minting banknotes in the USSR in the short period of 1931-1935. It was small things in the middle segment - 10, 15, 20 kopecks. Minting was carried out in the northern capital to replace silver change money. This metal was valued for its high wear resistance; at first it had a brilliant white color, similar to silver.

But the appearance of such coins quickly changed, they acquired a characteristic reddish coating due to copper, gradually darkened and eventually became almost brown. It is in this form that treasure hunters most often find them, and even at home, Soviet small items from the 1930s that have been lying around for a long time look far from exemplary. And since these coins are of certain interest to collectors, the issue of cleaning them remains relevant.

. The copper-nickel alloy with the more noble name cupronickel came into coinage from cooking. During the Soviet period, in many homes one could see cutlery, salt shakers and other household kitchen items made of cupronickel. And, by the way, every housewife knew how to clean them.

What not to do

Before we talk about how to clean copper-nickel coins, it is worth talking about how not to do this, that is, about methods that are useless or unsafe. First of all, you don’t even have to try using such a popular method of cleaning other coin metals as soapy water. In this case we are talking about oxides, which no soap can remove. Vinegar should be mentioned next, since they really manage to dissolve the oxides of this alloy.

But the downside of such a procedure can be very sad; the image of the coin may lose its clarity. And the alloy itself, under the influence of vinegar, tends to acquire a strange, uncharacteristic pinkish color, which in no way increases the value of the coin, and moreover, can render it unsuitable from a collectible point of view.

Hydrochloric acid

From the chemistry course it is known that hydrochloric acid is an effective means for dissolving oxides. You shouldn’t be afraid of this name; analogues of hydrochloric acid are used in the household, in particular, for cleaning toilets (“Toilet duckling”). You can use this remedy by dropping a coin into it, but it is important to maintain the correct time.

If it lies in the “duckling” for several hours, that very unpleasant and uncharacteristic pink tint for which copper is responsible may appear on the metal. It is important to correctly evaluate the initial appearance of the coin. If it is not very damaged and has that same silver-white color, such cleaning can only ruin everything. And, as in the case of table vinegar, the acid can “eat” the reliefs, which is completely undesirable.

GOI paste is another product that is only suitable for inexpensive coins that are not very valuable in terms of rarity. If you have a real rarity in your hands, this method cannot be used. Abrasive particles of the composition will not only erase the patina, but also spoil the relief, its clarity and even small details. In addition, GOI paste tends to give metals an unnatural shine, which is not at all characteristic of metal money that was stamped almost a century ago.

How to clean copper-nickel coins?

Let's consider the main available methods for cleaning copper-nickel coins of the USSR and their features. It is highly recommended that you start testing them on the least valuable specimens, which you won’t be too sorry for if they fail.

"Tilon-B"

This is an effective product that can dissolve patina, but it is very important to do it right. For 1 part of Trilon-B you need to take 10 parts of water. You don’t need to make a lot of solution, just enough volume to immerse a coin in it. After immersion, you need to stand nearby and monitor the cleansing process. The duration of the procedure depends on its condition. After this, the coin should be washed with soapy water, easily and without pressure, cleaning it with a soft brush. Rinse and wipe dry.

Cigarette ash

The method is more likely to be a folk, non-standard one, but sometimes it turns out to be very effective. You will need ashes from smoked cigarettes and plain water. The contaminated coin is first moistened with water, after which ash is applied to it. She remains there for about 20 minutes. After this, you need to gently and carefully rub the ashes into the metal, and then rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Ayran

The well-known fermented milk drink can also help in cleaning coins made of copper-nickel alloy. But this process will not be quick and gradual. The coin is placed in the ayran for 3-5 days, after which it is removed, rubbed with fingers and placed in a new composition. Each time the result obtained is evaluated to understand how many cycles need to be applied to achieve the desired effect. This is one of the methods, the advantage of which is that there is no reddening of the copper surface.

Cleaning with soda

Let us immediately make a reservation that for coins that, due to storage conditions (for example, buried in the ground) have a frankly bad appearance, this method is unlikely to be effective. You will need: baking soda (carbonate), foil, enamel bowl and boiling water.

Soda is poured onto the foil in an even layer of approximately 2-3 mm, and a coin (or several) is placed on it. The same layer of soda is poured on top. Now you need to fill everything with a small amount of boiling (not boiling water a minute ago, but boiling) water.

The container is closed with a lid and left for 0.5 days. Depending on the neglect of the coin and the result obtained, you can repeat the cleaning several times.

After that, everything is as usual - we take it out, wash it with soap (it’s a good idea to use toothpaste instead of soap), dry it or wipe it dry.

You should be prepared for the fact that in places where the surface is damaged it will not be shiny silver, but darker and more matte.

And yet vinegar

The vinegar method, with all its “barbaric” essence, is still effective, and in some cases the only possible one. But you should understand that everyone uses all the proposed methods at their own peril and risk. The essence of the method point by point:

  • Buy a brass brush or sponge.
  • Take a small non-metallic container and pour vinegar solution into it, based on the proportion of 1 part undiluted acetic acid to 10 parts water. Sufficient liquid depth is 5 mm.
  • Place a coin in the solution and every 12 hours remove it from there and use a brush to remove all flaking oxides from both sides and the edge. Repeat as many times as the state of the instance requires (usually 3-10 cycles).
  • Wipe the coin with alcohol and put it in a warm, bright place to dry for several days.
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After lying there, the coin will begin to turn gray and lose its shine; this is a natural process. As for scratches, they will not be noticeable visually, since the brush is still soft. But, if you look under magnification, they, of course, will be visible.

If the oxides have “eaten” part of the metal, then after they are removed the surface will be unsightly and uneven, like the surface of the moon - nothing can be done about this, because patina is not a coating, but a part of the metal. If drying is poor, rainbow stains may appear on the surface after several months.

And one more important detail: vinegar must be of high quality and comply with GOST.

And finally, it must be said that not all copper-nickel coins covered with patina (oxides) need to be cleaned. If the surface of the coin disc is covered with a thin and smooth, so-called noble or cabinet patina, there is no need to remove it. This is an indicator of the age and authenticity of a collector's item.

Source: https://yacollectioner.ru/kak-chistit-medno-nikelevye-monety/

How to clean copper coins?

Hello everyone! Winter is a time to clean coins. At the height of the season, they don’t really get around to sorting out the swag and putting it in order, and therefore, many cops leave this task until winter. Copper, in turn, is a metal susceptible to various oxidizing agents. Search engines often come across dead copper coins or so-called poop coins. And almost always they are destroyed by the soil.

The most common reason is fertilizers that are added to the soil of fields to increase its fertility. These substances create a very aggressive environment for copper objects, eating the metal of coins and creating various oxides on their surface. Let's talk about how to remove these oxides. I won’t particularly describe the sophisticated and barbaric methods.

I’ll tell you about the most gentle ones that I used myself.

Cleaning coins with soap

Soap is a fairly mild cleaning agent that is practically incapable of killing a coin. We need to make a soap slurry. To do this, we are looking for a bar of soap that contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

This is our cleaning agent, which will rid the coin of oxides and dirt. We grate the soap or chop it with a knife, dump it into an unnecessary container and fill it with warm water to make a porridge.

Stir until a homogeneous consistency and throw in coins, previously washed under the tap with a brush.

The time during which coins will be cleaned depends on the amount and nature of the oxides. For example, you can wait a month, or two, or even six months. It is better to take out the coins once a week and rub them under running water with a toothbrush with cut bristles.

As I wrote above, the disadvantage of this method is the long cleaning time. Soap has almost no effect on the metal of a coin. but if you overexpose the coin, the patina may come off, since it is also an oxide. In theory, when you arrive from the cops, you can immediately throw the coins into a bowl of soap.

By the way, I highly recommend covering the whole thing with a lid so that the soap does not dry out and lose its activity. I will also say that if the coin’s relief is supported solely by oxides, later only a bald round piece will come out of the mess. If such specimens are of any value, it is better to clean them mechanically.

Mechanical cleaning of coins

Recently, cleaning with scrapers has gained popularity and quite a few collectors and searchers are already painstakingly working on coins. In fact, this is the best, but at the same time, the most labor-intensive method.

First, you need to acquire a binocular microscope like MBS-9 or MBS-10 and stock up on various scrapers made from different materials and for different purposes. A professional will be able to revive even a completely dead coin.

The relief is fixed with resin and the relief elements and the even field of the coin are drawn out by hand.

The cleaning process, in simple words, consists of cutting off loose oxides. Essentially like carving with chisels. Of course, first you need to prepare the coin to soften the plaque. You can soak coins in distilled water, but for some reason I soak them in Vaseline oil. During the cleaning process it does not dry out and any nasty stuff is cut off very nicely.

I don’t go into such depths and just scrape coins at an amateur level. In my arsenal there are scrapers made from pobedit, carbide, dental burs and Soviet needle files. Also smoothers and collet handle. Using a fiberglass brush, I remove scratches and smooth out the texture of the coin. Well, then I lubricate the coin with oil and it turns out, in my opinion, a very good result. Of course, I’m just learning and there are some mistakes. I think I will write a full article about this in the future.

Cleaning coins by boiling them in soda

I used to boil my finds in soda very often. This method is quite fast, but it is much easier to ruin a coin with it than with soap. In a metal bowl, soda is diluted in water, coins, previously washed under the tap, are thrown in, and the whole thing is put on fire.

When the solution boils, the coins begin to jingle cheerfully against the bottom. But it’s worth keeping an eye on it and turning down the heat when foam starts to rise. If you look at this moment, the stove will be covered in soda and dirt from coins.

We cook for 5-10 minutes and begin to remove the finds with tweezers, the gripping part of which is pre-wrapped with electrical tape so as not to scratch our experimental subjects. And so on until the coins are completely cleared.

After all this, you need to rinse the cleaned rounds under running water and rub them with a brush. If there is any dirt left, we throw it back into the boiling soda, but if the coin is clean, then we lubricate it with Vaseline oil. All! The coins are ready.

I noticed that if the copper is initially eaten, then at the end of cleaning the field of coins will turn out to be porous. Well, if the find is not raised from the field, but from more gentle soil, then the field will turn out clean, even and glossy. In my opinion, soap does not expose these small cavities as much. If you boil a coin, you can say goodbye to the patina. The copper will come out of the solution red, like a lobster.

Cleaning coins with kefir

And the last method I want to talk about in this article. Kefir is a weak acid, which, like soap, practically cannot spoil coins. We take a bowl, pour kefir into it and put a test coin there.

Soon the fermented milk product will begin to turn green, which indicates the successful progress of the process. Coins are cleaned in this way faster than in soap, but slower than in soda. It will take a day, two or three to give copper royal or Soviet coins a marketable appearance.

  The effect of kefir is very similar to the result of soap.

After cleaning, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the finds and oil them for preservation and a beautiful appearance.

Source: http://urklad.ru/chistka-monet/kak-chistit-mednye-monety/

How to clean a copper coin

Collectors often wonder how to clean a copper coin to restore it to its original appearance.

Antiques often lose their luster during use, because... pass from one generation to another. Appearance may change due to deformation and various contaminants.

Copper money, which was in circulation under the Tsar, most often needs restoration.

Types of pollution

Collectors and people who have inherited coins are wondering how to clean them. It happens that because of the layer it is impossible to see the denomination and engraving. Plaque is also invisible to the human eye. In this case, the shine simply disappears .

This type of coin can be cleaned faster. According to its chemical properties, copper is a ductile and unstable metal . As a result of interaction with air, chemical oxidation occurs, resulting in the formation of a layer that must be cleaned.

To prevent money from losing its appearance, it must be stored correctly. Many copper specimens have been lost or deteriorated over the past centuries. Some of the treasures are still in the ground in a disappointing condition.

But numismatists and lovers of antiquities do not despair and continue to search. The resulting specimens need to be restored to their original appearance and shine in order to learn about history and share a piece of it with other generations.

The best copper coin cleaning can be done by professionals. Specialists will be able to qualitatively restore and restore the presentable appearance of the product. The procedure is expensive and not everyone can afford it.

An alternative solution is to cleanse yourself using proven products. The process at home will take longer than with professionals. And it may require re-treatment to clear the contamination.

As already noted in the article, copper is a very unstable metal in terms of its physical and chemical properties. A layer on it is formed of different colors and densities .

Pollution occurs as a result of the chemical process of oxidation. It gives such a reaction upon contact with water or air. Depending on the color, you can judge the composition.

The raid can be:

  • green;
  • black;
  • yellow;
  • red;
  • blue;
  • brown.

Any of these changes indicates a chemical reaction on the surface, as a result of which the metal could be damaged and deformation could occur.

Basic cleaning methods

The procedure for removing dirt from coins is an important process during which you need to be careful and careful not to damage the item.

The layer, which has been formed for centuries, needs to be removed urgently. There is a film called patina that is highly prized by collectors . It is able to protect the metal from the external environment. Patina can be distinguished from dirt.

It is a thin, even layer that is usually brown or black in color. The deposits indicate the age of the coin and should not be removed with chemicals.

Otherwise, the value of antique lovers . Therefore, the treatment is carried out without the use of mechanical methods and aggressive compounds.

are safe :

  • laundry soap and water;
  • regular citric acid;
  • table vinegar essence ;
  • hot oil treatment
  • solution ;
  • ammonia;
  • chemical drug Trilon-B.

All methods very effectively remove old contaminants that have accumulated over several centuries. They return the appearance close to the original without damaging the metal structure.

In any case, funds can be damaged. There is no need for haste in this case. Cleaning must be done carefully and carefully.

Soap solution and citric acid

The easiest way to clean a coin is a mixture of laundry soap and warm water. These ingredients are found in every home. In order to prepare the solution, you need to grate a bar of soap and add it to heated water.

Stir until solid particles disappear completely. Next, the coppers are placed in the bowl and left for 10-20 minutes , depending on the degree of contamination. During this time, as a result of the acid-base environment , substances will easily move away from the surface.

After soaking, you need to rinse the money under running liquid and wipe dry with a soft cloth. You can use a sponge to wash dishes. It is not recommended to use hard fabrics. This method is used to clean royal coins and items from the Soviet period .

If the recipe is not followed, or if it is left in an acid-base environment, the patina and the metal itself . All methods must be applied competently. The citric acid cleaning method is very effective, but can affect the surface structure and cause its deformation.

You must strictly adhere to the recipe. To create a solution, take 4 tablespoons of citric acid and 10 tablespoons of water. It is not recommended to add more acid, because the concentration will be more intense and can cause harm.

Money is placed in this composition for 5 minutes. For old stains, increase the time to 10 minutes. During this time, the dirt will disappear and thus will not damage the structure of the copper. Repeat if necessary.

Don't worry if a pink tint appears. In a few weeks it will disappear. Citric acid will help cope with the green coating that appears as a result of oxidation under prolonged exposure to moisture.

Application of vinegar, soda, oil and powder

Other effective methods are cleaning copper using table vinegar essence and ammonia. The operating principles are similar, so the methods can be combined into one group.

Mostly, cleaning is carried out with a pure substance; there is no need to add liquid. Vinegar or alcohol is poured onto a sponge and the surface of the coin is gently wiped . If there are persistent dirty areas, the substance should be left on longer.

After a while, the film will come off without much difficulty. It may be necessary to wipe the areas where dirt accumulates more intensively. It is important not to use mechanical means so as not to damage the material. Only use soft cloth.

You can first soak the copper for several hours in the solution. 2 tablespoons are diluted in 1 liter of water and coins are placed . They should not touch each other or the edges of the container. Otherwise, stains may appear that will be more difficult to clean. The method is effective against yellow plaque, which indicates the presence of lead in the composition.

Once you are sure that the stains have completely disappeared, the coin should be rinsed well under warm running water. This is necessary to remove any remaining aggressive substances.

The products will allow you to restore the presentable appearance of the product, restore its shine, and completely remove plaque from copper. Just as with other products, you need to be careful not to disturb the metal surface and patina.

Otherwise , the historical value will be lost, and the coin will remain a simple metal product . To get a really good result, you need to take your time. To prevent subsequent contamination, it is important to lubricate coins with petroleum jelly.

There is a chemical powder for cleaning Trilon-B . It is used in various industries. The product will very carefully remove the film without damaging the surface.

It is necessary to dilute the substance in distilled water and add soap to reduce acidity . If the stains are not strong, then wipe the coin with the resulting solution . If heavily soiled, antiques are soaked for several hours.

Next you need to rinse and wipe the copper. After the procedure, if necessary, apply a patina. The solution has a very good effect on rusty areas.

If the copper has acquired an unnatural light shade, then it is placed in a sunny color. Within a few days, if you turn regularly, the color will be restored.

You can clean it by cooking. To do this, vegetable oil and petroleum jelly are poured into the container, and soda is added . The resulting mixture is placed on the fire and brought to a boil.

When resorting to this method, you need to be extremely careful not to get burned. Skin damage from oil is very serious and can lead to irreparable consequences. The cleaning principle is very simple.

The products are placed in a boiling composition for 5 minutes . During this time, the plaque will disappear and the product will acquire a good appearance. If the unnecessary layer has not disappeared, you can cook for a few more minutes. After washing, you need to cool and rinse with water or ethyl alcohol to degrease.

Finished items can be dried with paper towels. To do this, place towels folded in 2-3 layers , and cover with another layer on top.

It is necessary to use only soft cloths to avoid scratching the surface. You can use a drying cabinet , but not everyone has one at home. To slow down the destruction process, products can be periodically wiped with crumpled newspaper.

Other available methods

To effectively and safely clean the copper surface , other methods can be used. The electrolysis method is only suitable for areas that are not severely damaged, because... All imperfections will be very noticeable on cleaned products.

The principle is that a coin is connected to the cathode, and a graphite rod acts as the anode.

The entire system is placed in an electrolyte . Cleansing occurs under the influence of electric current . This method requires special concentration and attention.

Work must be carried out wearing protective gloves and following safety precautions . An unusual way is kefir. It contains acid that can only deal with light deposits. To do this, the object is soaked in the substance for several hours, then washed and wiped dry.

Conclusion

Plaque can be removed in a professional organization or at home . Not everyone can clean a coin on their own.

The main principle is attentiveness and lack of haste. This is influenced by the special properties of copper. The metal is soft and deforms quickly. All the methods mentioned above will help not damage the fragile object, and will return the copper to a smooth, even and shiny surface.

At the same time, the historical value of funds is preserved . Do not use abrasive substances such as sand, toothpaste and salt. Scratches may occur.

In any case, you need to practice on a less valuable find for the first time. In this case, you can understand all the nuances of the process and not spoil valuable pieces of the collection.

Source: https://finhelps.ru/chem-pochistit-mednuyu-monetu/

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