An increasing number of people are showing interest in numismatics these days. The hunt for rare coins is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, almost any metal is oxidizable, which negatively affects the appearance of the product. Cleaning coins is the only way to deal with this problem. The tips in this article will help you do this quickly and efficiently.
Coin cleaning: general recommendations
There are a large number of techniques that you can resort to to remove contaminants. Cleaning coins at home is a task that anyone can handle. Be sure to consider the recommendations below.
- The cleaning method must be selected depending on which alloy the affected specimen is made from. Otherwise, there is a danger of permanently ruining the coin, and not saving it.
- From the means in which the abrasive particles are present, it is advisable to refuse. It is highly likely that their use will lead to scratches on the surface of the coin.
- Cleaning coins with concentrated acids is also not welcome. This is primarily true for copper specimens.
- Removing patina can lead to a decrease in the value of a coin. For some products, it serves as a decoration.
- It is advisable to check the selected product before the procedure. Experiments can be set on products that are made of similar material.
Silver
How to return the pristine beauty to silver coins? Cleaning with a solution of ammonia and baking soda is a great choice.
- In a glass of hot water, you need to dissolve two tablespoons of soda. You can also add a few drops of dishwashing detergent. The product is placed in the resulting mixture for approximately eight hours. Then the coin is 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 in such a solution must be kept for about 15 minutes. Then the mixture is diluted and drained until the silver is in pure water. Next, the coin is thoroughly washed, wiped with a soft cloth.
If the choice is made in favor of the second method, maximum caution must be exercised. The coin must be turned over without removing it from the liquid. It is likely 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 it is necessary to return them to their pristine beauty with care.
- Vaseline oil. The affected specimen must be boiled in it until the pollution disappears. The final part of the work is washing the coin in alcohol and drying it with a soft cloth.
- Hydrogen peroxide. This tool will help return the product to its lost luster. In 200 ml of water, it is necessary to dissolve 30 ml of peroxide, and then add a teaspoon of ammonia. A coin in such a mixture should be kept no more than 15 minutes.
- Soap with a neutral environment (household, baby). It must be grated on a coarse grater. The resulting porridge must be coated with a damaged specimen on both sides. In this form, the product will have to be left 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 a specimen and clean it under running water with a soft brush. This will remove softened impurities. The procedure continues until the desired result is achieved.
Bimetallic
When creating some coins, for example, anniversary copies, two different metals are used. The central part is made of silver or steel, and gold, copper or various alloys are used for edging. How to clean such a product?
- Dishwashing liquid. You can use, for example, Fairy. In a liter of water it is necessary to dissolve one tablespoon of the product, mix thoroughly. Coins are kept in the liquid for about an hour, then removed and wiped with a flannel rag. Dishwashing liquid shows excellent results when the fight is against minor contaminants.
- Toothpaste. It is necessary to apply a pea of ordinary paste on a soft-brushed brush. Rub the affected specimen carefully, strong pressure is not required. Coin cleaning ends with rinsing in water.
- Paste GOI. This tool includes small abrasive particles, which allows it to effectively deal with dirt and oxides. It is worth using the paste exclusively for inexpensive coins, since there is still a danger of damaging the product.
- Formic acid. This product will help restore the original pristine shine. It is necessary for about five minutes to lower the coin, which requires cleaning, into a 14% solution, and then polish it. Instead of formic acid, alcohol is allowed.
Cupronickel
Cupronickel is also able to oxidize and blacken, has a similar composition with noble metals. For cleaning coins at home, the methods described below are suitable.
- Ashes. With it, you can quickly and effectively rid the product of patina. The affected specimen is dipped in water, then cigarette ash is applied to it. About 20 minutes later, the coin needs to be flushed.
- Powder for dishes. This product is applied to the product after wetting it with water. It is necessary to sponge the surface of the damaged specimen and wait for a while. Then the coin is washed in water.
Brass
How to choose a cleaner for coins made from a copper-zinc alloy? Such money is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but from time to time they still need to be cleaned.
- Oxalic acid. This product can be bought at the store. With its help it is easy to remove plaque, it shows good results even in the fight against old pollution. Coins need to be dipped in acid for about ten minutes. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the money with water after the cleaning procedure.
- Trilon-B. This product must be dissolved in pure water, observing a proportion of 1 to 10. Then the coin is lowered into the resulting solution. She should not be in it constantly. From time to time, the specimen must be washed in running water, inspected. Soaking is repeated until the desired result is achieved.
- Other means. What other methods of cleaning coins from a copper-zinc alloy exist? Citric acid, Coca-Cola, a thick soapy solution will help restore products to their pristine beauty.
Made of aluminum bronze
What tools should be preferred in this case? Instances of this material can be cleaned in the same ways that are suitable for copper coins. There are other effective methods.
- Coca Cola. This popular drink can not only be drunk, it has also gained a reputation as a good solvent for contaminants. The main disadvantage of this method is the long wait for the result. Coins will have to be kept in a glass with Coca-Cola for about a week. Then they must be washed with clean water.
- A tool for cleaning plumbing. The affected specimen must be immersed in such a solution for no more than a couple of minutes. Then it is cleaned with running water.
Commemorative coins of the USSR
There are instances that need special care. For example, how to return lost attractiveness to commemorative coins of the USSR at home? In this case, cleaning is carried out using an ordinary eraser. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the picture.
The gum needs to be rubbed on a dry surface until the plaque disappears. This method is suitable for glossing any alloy products.
Universal remedy
What methods are suitable for normalizing any coins? There is a universal remedy, which contains several ingredients. It will help to cope with rust, green coating and other oxides.
- It is necessary to mix 25 ml of soda and soap solution. 25 ml of ammonia and 75 ml of toothpaste are added to the resulting mixture.
- In the finished product, it is necessary to immerse all instances that need to be cleaned. There they remain until the goal is reached. 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 appliances requires knowledge of safety precautions. Also, one should not forget that their use significantly increases the likelihood of damage to specimens. Coins are cleaned by electrolysis in a well-ventilated and illuminated room. Be sure to take care of the protection of hands and eyes.
- It is necessary to prepare a power supply with a voltage of 6-12 V. Next, the plugs are cut off, the wires are cut into two parts. Then you should clean the ends and attach copper cores to the clamps.
- The plastic container is filled with brine. It is easy to prepare it by dropping 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 “+” clip should be connected to the coin, on which hissing will be heard. The whole procedure will take no more than ten minutes.
Vinegar
What other methods can be applied? Vinegar - a tool that is suitable for bringing in proper form inexpensive copies. It must be remembered that the solution can corrode the surface of the product, change its color. In addition, it is believed that after such a procedure, the coin will deteriorate faster.
- An instance that needs to be cleaned can be omitted for a day in a solution of 10% vinegar. This is the easiest way.
- You can also make a mixture of vinegar and salt. Approximately 5 g of salt must be mixed with a quarter of a tablespoon of vinegar. It is necessary to mix the mixture until the salt has dissolved. Then, coins are dropped into the resulting solution. This must be done so that the instances lie separately from each other. Products are soaked in solution for no more than five minutes. If dirt remains, you can additionally brush them. Next, the specimens should be washed carefully in running water.
Cleaning coins with vinegar is a dangerous choice. Its use may adversely affect the appearance and condition of products made of silver, copper, aluminum, 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. For the procedure, various brushes are necessary (brass, bristle, glass fiber). Also required are dental burs of various sizes, scalpels. Use these devices as carefully as possible. If used improperly, there is a danger of causing scratches that will distort images, inscriptions, and so on.
- A damaged specimen must be kept for about an hour in distilled water. This is necessary in order to desalinate the product, get rid of dried up dirt.
- This is followed by impregnation of the coin with synthetic resin. This is required to strengthen the noble patina, prevent damage.
- Then you can proceed directly to cleaning tools. This work is very painstaking and lengthy, it will require a huge reserve of patience. The master can clean some instances within a month or two.
Mechanical cleaning is a method that is more suitable for professionals. Fans risk hopelessly ruining a coin. Therefore, it is recommended to develop appropriate skills on specimens that do not have special value.