How To Clean A Coin Without Damaging It

[@TheFunTimesGuide]

If you enjoyed this Coin Cleaning video… check out my other Coin Collecting videos with helpful coin tips: bit.ly/CoinVideos

[@alexwood1921]

This video and your website saved me from cleaning and scratching a bunch of 100+ year old coins! Thank you for the helpful info :)

[@TheFunTimesGuide]

Awesome! So glad you found the video and our website helpful, Alex

[@user-hf9vq6km6r]

Uhhh dude ya know nail polish has fillers that still damage coins sooo....

[@gabrielescobar4295]

The whole video waiting something special and this guy just put some acetone. I´m fascinated thx so much

[@kimjones1292]

Glad I tested this on one of my coins., as it ruined the coin. I do not recommend using acetone!!

[@catalinacurio]

Thanks.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

How did it ruin your coin? What damage did it do to your coin?

[@RAY-lk9ur]

I'm new to this coin collecting Hobby. Your talking about Cleaning coins . When you rub the coin with your gloved hand. If their is any grit on coin, You still will be rubbing the grit across coin. Then you mentioned pat the coin to dry it, Not to leave any scratches on coin. Again I'm new to this coin collecting thing. I'm confused.

[@catalinacurio]

I’d use a makeup brush to remove dust and debris. Not that I’m an expert, just an observation.

[@michaellooney1089]

Only in America!

[@michaellooney1089]

YOU'RE talking about cleaning coins! If THERE is any grit on coin...

[@michaellooney1089]

The GOLDEN rule of coin collecting - NEVER clean them!!

[@needmoreramsay]

I've soaked in Windex for 12 hours, no longer or they start to oxidize. Clean with a soft toothbrush. I've had great results BUT, leaving them too long WILL permanently discolor/damage them. It won't fix EVERYTHING but for light "dirt" removal it is VERY effective and makes them shiney !

[@michaellooney1089]

CLOWN!

[@reecewatson5311]

I was going through pennies found a bunch without a P, D or an S struck on them. How do I know which are miss prints?

[@jacobsigler7531]

Those letters tells you where they were minted p Philadelphia s San Francisco d is Denver...a coin that has no mint mark save it and investigate...all the mints made mistakes so check all the coins you have if you can.

[@reecewatson5311]

@jacobsigler7531 Thank you I know what the P, S & D meant. I had never really noticed any without the mint stamp...

[@paulmcckain3420]

Use a glass bowl, its much better and safer!

[@jebeja]

Does this method work (and what about non toxic cleaners?) if you only want a glossy high polished shine to the coins for jewelry? Thanks.

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Acetone is used for removing adhesives, gummy residue, and the like. If you want a glossy finish you’re going to need to use an abrasive such as toothpaste or Brasso, which I don’t recommend because it will impart striations and other forms of damage on your coin that will severely lower its value.

[@TheThigoron]

Thanks for the video! Could I use isopropyl instead of acetone?

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

The two really aren’t equivalents and in fact the isopropyl alcohol can have a more acidic reaction than vinegar - which is a big no-no on coins, particularly those made from copper. The higher the acidity and longer the time an acidic agent is left on a coin, the more metal that’s removed and damage imparted. That’s irreversible. If you’re trying to remove residue from your coins - and that’s the goal here (not trying to shine them up) - I’d stick to giving your coins a quick flash of 100% acetone and then rinse off the acetone right after in clean water. And make sure you use 100% acetone - NOT “nail polish remover,” which may contain acetone but also a lot of caustic additives you don’t want anywhere near your coins. Good luck!

[@TheThigoron]

@@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364 Thank you! :)

[@jpbonhomme5051]

Be more careful rubbing coins... even when using plain water. You could disturb corrosion or other material contaminating the surface, causing small pieces to come off. If these come in contact with the coin itself, they can potentially scratch the coin despite your best efforts

[@AngellaMyers-e8h]

I don’t trust you it

[@jpbonhomme5051]

@@AngellaMyers-e8h Good. Trust ........no one

[@doctordutch]

I thought moisture would be bad of metal -> rust. Is it common for collectors to lubricate their coins? Eg. gun oil or wd40

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

It’s not common for collectors to put any oils on their coins for preservation’s sake. Also, leaving moisture on coins for a while isn’t good for many reasons, including discoloration and staining, thus why it’s removed and the coin pat dry after a few moments. But rust isn’t a concern with coins made from copper, nickel, silver, gold, or other non-rusting metals; it would be for coins made from metals like steel (such as the 1943 Lincoln steel penny).

[@dhheady]

Aren't all coins that have circulated already extremely damaged by being in pockets, in cash registers, and coin purses and rubbing together with other coins?

[@jmcmh1981]

Damage in the numismatic sense refers to pitting/porosity, post-mint holes, deep scratches, major dings, etc., but NOT wear caused by normal circulation. So, in the numismatic sense, no -- not all circulated coins are "damaged," per se, at least not to the eyes of a typical coin collector. Therefore, cleaning a circulated coin that otherwise has no numismatic damage (as listed above) would thus essentially damage what is otherwise an undamaged coin.

[@DresyllXY]

Hi, I would like to turn some old brass coin into jewelry. The value is personnal so I don't care about the coin's value on the market of coins. I would like to clean the coin to enhance the design, what would you advise?

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Hello! While I don’t recommend cleaning coins at all, if you are trying to brighten the color of your coin you might first try non-physically abrasive chemical methods such as dipping your coin in vinegar or ketchup to remove the darker patina. If this doesn’t work to the effect you desire you might then proceed to using a diluted wash of baking soda and water, then proceed to higher concentrations of baking soda or toothpaste if you still want to achieve a brighter effect. Some people choose to apply darker stains or other color additives to “antique” their coins and enhance the raised (relief) and depressed (incuse) parts of the design. However, I’m not well-versed in these methods and advise seeking counsel on antiquing methods with someone who knows more about that than I. Best wishes, Josh

[@doraexplora9046]

Just hit it with a butane torch for about 20seconds and then dip it in water. Everything comes off then. Everything! It will look brand new.

[@SendNubes96]

Fun fact. If you use a regular butane lighter and cover the coin in that black soot from the flame. Use a pair of pliers to hold the coin by the rim and dip it into a clear Glass of water while staring at it from an angle. The soot "vanishes" until you pull it back out. Fun magic trick

[@Jjsantaella]

Acetone is nail polish remover = FYI...

[@VerryLongName]

This video seems to be geared towards coin collectors who don't collect circulated coins. What if I just want to clean and disinfect circulated coins so I can buy things? Do we still use acetone for that or is vinegar okay?

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Hi, Yes, this is definitely geared toward coin collectors. While I’m not an advocate of cleaning coins (for the sake of the next people who find them and may collect them, if nothing else) if you wish to clean your coins vinegar works well enough. Even faster and less tedious may be using an antibacterial spray (like Lysol) if your goal is to simply disinfect the surfaces. Best wishes, Josh

[@c10zane]

Could probably buff it using buffing compound- get a polishing attachment cone for a drill, or one that's foam, been wondering the same thing

[@throatpunch4789]

So you cant bring yourself to spend coins unless you disinfect them???

[@coinit9896]

If your going to spend it, why waste your time cleaning it????? NEVER, clean collectible coins

[@VerryLongName]

@@coinit9896 why would I introduce unknown germs to someone who could be stressed and have a relatively weak immune system? We’ve never had deer mice, but house mice still carry diseases. Some people aren’t careful when they are in public and they rub their eyes without thinking and a lot don’t even wash their hands before they eat

[@memelc5655]

Acetone will eat through plastic? The bottle acetone comes in is plastic! 😂

[@linanicolia1363]

yeah ! reminds me of many types of booze that now come into plastic bottles........not buying these.......

[@joejoelesh1197]

Acetone will melt: PVDF Polycarbonate Polysulfone Cast Acrylic PVC CPVC Probably won't eat: Ulltem Radell Polyethylene Won't effect: FEP PFA ETFE ECTFE PCTFE PEEK Polypropylene "Acetone won't melt through plastic." Isn't true, nor is "Acetone comes in plastic so it is safe on plastic". Plastic is a general term, not a single thing.

[@zeze1991]

​@@joejoelesh1197 fascinating

[@SarahDG-ho8kg]

Actually, yes, acetone does bring through plastic, but it cannot burn through solid plastic stuff like Actually, yes, acetone does bring through plastic, but it cannot burn through solid plastic stuff like styrofoam cups you can put into acetone and it will burn through that and guess what Styrofoam is plastic

[@for_really4398]

What should I put on copper coins after water washing them to prevent rust. Wax? I don't want to rub the coin.

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Hi, The good news is copper coins that have no ferrous metals (which describes most copper coins you’ll encounter) don’t rust. As long as you lightly pat dry (not rub) the copper coins after rinsing them with pure water, they should be just fine from the corrosion standpoint without any additional treatment. Best wishes, Josh

[@for_really4398]

@@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364 thank you so much. I drilled open a 1cent gumball machine over the weekend and found some really special stuff. Would you recommend waxing the coper after I clean it?

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

@@for_really4398 I recommend leaving the coins exactly as you find them. It’s one thing to rinse off any loose surface debris with clean water, but any attempts to enhance the surface of the coins with wax, cleaners, or pretty much anything else can actually lower any numismatic/collector value the coins may have. That’s why the best general advice I can give here is to simply not clean your coins. I am very glad to hear you have made what sounds like some exciting finds!

[@for_really4398]

@@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364 honestly not sure how crazy a find it is. Finding prices all over the place. But thank you. I'll just keep them as they are I guess.

[@MrStubob2]

I need info on cleaning pennies, does this method work???? ????? Your video covers quarters!!!! !!!!!

[@FrankFerrara-um8qd]

While metal detecting recently i found a 1858 flying eagle cent. I do not want to take it to just some “local coin shop”does Anyone have any recommendations to where i can take this to be checked out by a reputable and truthful professional? Also I am new to coin collecting and if someone has any advice on what to listen for when getting it checked out would be greatly appreciated. There are to many snakes in the grass these days. Thank you in advance!

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Congrats on that incredible find, Frank! While I can’t recommend any specific coin dealer I will tell you to check out Google and Yelp rankings as well as the coin dealer’s affiliations. If the dealer is a PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) Authorized Dealer, or a member of PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild), they usually stick to ethical guidelines. As for how much you should expect to get for your 1858 Flying Eagle penny if you sold it? That’s highly dependent on the coin’s condition. If it’s even just lightly corroded, you might not receive much more than $8 to $12 for it. If it’s worn but has no corrosion or other damage you could fetch closer to $20 or more. At any rate, finding a Flying Eagle penny in the wild as you did is pretty darn cool!

[@FrankFerrara-um8qd]

@@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364 thank you for giving this information, it’s appreciated. I think the coin looks worse than it might actually be. Years and years of being in the ground has it looking gooped up. However when looking at it under my jewelers loupe you can see a good thickness still left on the raised edges. Besides using some distilled water and a soft q-tip to lightly dab up some surface crud, I haven’t cleaned it. Not planning on selling just add it to the collection of cool finds. I may try and clean it up more after Its been looked at just as an eye catcher. I don’t think it’s worth a whole lot so better check first. Still was a great find which is worth more than $ to me.

[@marilyncleavall6527]

Can you clean wheat pennies the same way, with Acetone?

[@TheFunTimesGuide]

Yes you can. Thanks for asking :-D

[@Arkan515]

I have very old coins and I need to clean it I just wanna see the details it's sooo old I'm afraid to damaged them what should I do?

[@Sergmanny46]

It's supposed to be a coin, a metal thing. Not a newborn kitty. I don't understand how it can be so sensitive to damage that you can't even rub your fingers or cloth to clean it. OP: We don't use any abrasive/acidic stuff like toothpaste, ketchup... Also OP: Acetone eats through plastic (indeed acid).

[@joshuamcmorrow-hernandez1364]

Sergmanny, even metal can be adversely affected by fabric nap, acid, etc. Rubbing a cloth upon a coin (as in drying it), scrubbing toothpaste (which has abrasive compounds in it), and the like, which may seem benign, can and does leave countless minute hairlines on a coin, rendering irreparable damage. This abrasive action is exactly why a coin looks shiny after polishing it. You aren't just removing dirt and grease, you're removing patina -- the skin on the coin, so to speak -- and the top layer of metal comes off with it in the process during abrasive cleanings. Left behind are hairline scratches and an unnatural finish. Collectors don't want a coin with tiny scratches and an unnaturally bright surface -- they generally prefer the coin with its metal intact or with organic wear (obtained through circulation) and its natural color. Believe it or not, cleaning a coin can significantly devalue it, sometimes obliterating 50% or more of the collector premium in terms of price. This is why you should always handle your coins with care -- especially the ones you wish to collect!

[@don951]

FYI, Acetone is not an acid. It is neither acid or akaline. It is neutral (basic) PH similiar to water.

[@sherrytrudeau5976]

If acetone eats through plastic, why is it sold in plastic bottles, lol

[@joshuaaho920]

Kitty? Them things are pretty durable tbh.

[@TypicallyIrish]

It didn't work for me and melted through my gloves

[@dogg376]

Can you take it to ngc and get it graded without a cleaned?😅

[@jmcmh1981]

Yes! You can do that, too!

[@dogg376]

@@jmcmh1981thank you I am willing to try

[@fastcars77loop89]

Soak in battery Acid for 3 hours then scub with harsh metal wire brush😂

[@KevinSmith-pp2ll]

Will this work with Pennie’s

[@kevinkillion9952]

I've used acetone for decades. It won't hurt plastic and it dry's very fast. Gloves are a waste of money and time.

[@kahunamatata4997]

Right?! His acetone bottle sitting right there on the sink is made of.....plastic!

[@CVBASEBALLCARDCOLLECTOR]

@@kahunamatata4997 yup!

[@michelleelle4622]

If it is left to sit, it will eat away at plastic. I just happen to know this by throwing my acetone soaked cotton balls into my little plastic trash can and leaving it there. (Was removing fingernail polish)

[@linanicolia1363]

yeah, really.....he is trying to appear "official "......exposing ventilation......when do women do this when they take off their nail polish ? He does not know the toxic metals that are in our air. He would freak out and run around with a respirator.

[@Refractor999]

Didn’t quite understand the point of this video (to put it nicely).

[@malirenates457]

Aseton er ikke farli på hendene,det fordamper veldig forrt!

[@Thjt0713]

Dude, I watch a lot of KZbin KZbin shorts how to clean clothes they used toothpaste and it didn’t damage the coin so you’re wrong

[@dominickmattioni4771]

Helped me. Thank you

[@1unsung971]

This could and should have been no more than 2 minutes long. WAY TOO MUCH HOT AIR!!!

[@kilet.5776]

Skimmed the video, mostly like 20 to 30 seconds he left it in the bowl.

[@lourdesbelarmino2844]

I agree. All I needed was to know acetone. I could have stopped right there and try it. He spent more time talking and what about those other coins shown on the video. I am disappointed😢.

[@urbz200]

Never use acetone on coins. 😂😂😂😂

[@slickjustgotpaid9865]

Gotta 1936 buffalo nickle for sale

[@Danilla229]

10 mins vid to just say "drop a coin in acetone" that doesn't even do the job? bruh srsly...

[@stevehartley7504]

Put on paper towel and use pipette to drop acetone onto single face!

[@RobertWilliams-vh2ws]

What about jewelry cleaner

[@jmcmh1981]

Hi, Robert -- Unfortunately, most jewelry cleaners on the market contain abrasives, which would leave tiny hairlines and minute striations and scratches on the surface, damaging the surface of the coin and lowering its value. Therefore, jewelry cleaners are not recommended for cleaning coins. Best, Josh

[@Archangelmychel]

KZbin is my go to, but sometimes I wish they would just say use nail polish remover… end of video

[@OfficialSkankHunt42]

9 minute video for 2 minutes of info

[@wh4127]

Use a hand held steamer

[@Susan_HunTer]

Bravo

[@thomasnorwood8853]

Not if it’s ptfe plastic

[@kcajnaebyllej]

Why can’t you just use oven cleaner?

[@jmcmh1981]

Hi, Oven cleaner is way too caustic for collectible coins, which are easily altered and ruined by the application of harsh chemicals. Tepid water and acetone are the only solutions we generally recommend for addressing debris and other undesirable material on a coin's surface. Best, Josh

[@annettewayne1988]

Women use this to remove their nail polish with, it’s not that dangerous, lol 😂

[@johningram6262]

I really don't understand this supposed "surfacing" layer that you "experts" seem to always say is on the surface of these coins. First of all, what "surfacing" layer are you talking about? When raw silver comes out of the ground, it naturally is very dull, sort of like the dull side of aluminum foil. The mint then stamps these coins out and they still look very dull. The mint then highly polishes the silver coin , just like you or I can with a good silver polish, to make it have that high mirror luster. Often times, in fact almost always, brand new silver coins have "polishing marks" right out of the mint. Why? Because they HAVE to be polished in order to have a mirror shine. So what are you guys talking about when you say "damaging" the coin. Once a coin is cleaned, then simply polish just like the mint did.

[@jmcmh1981]

There's a lot more behind the "shine" of a coin than polishing... The mint doesn't generally polish coins made for circulation -- the shine is imparted by the strike. It's important to state that the mint DOES polish the DIES used to strike circulating coins, and this is sometimes evidenced by die-polishing marks. But again, this is not what causes an uncirculated coin to shine. Luster? That's tiny flow lines created by the pressure of metal being moved and shifted as the coin is struck by the die, which strikes a design onto the coin. The bloom created by these flow lines looks very different under magnification from the shine caused by someone polishing their coins at home; flow lines look like little, generally parallel ripples under high magnification, whereas a coin that is polished at home will reveal thousands upon thousands of tiny scratches going every direction. Why does this matter to a coin collector? Because flow lines are imparted by the mint and are a natural result of striking a coin under tons of pressure. Scratches from someone polishing their coin are not only unoriginal, but they also indicate the coin has been unnaturally altered in its appearance -- often by someone trying to make a coin look shinier, newer, or a higher grade than it really is. Even without any of these intentions considered, scratches remove metal and detail from the coin -- metal and detail that can never be replaced. The bottom line? The vast majority of coin collectors treasure originality of the shine, not the shine itself.

[@TheBams13smab]

@@jmcmh1981well put!

[@mitchellcrager9933]

If asetone will desolve plastic then why is it in a plastic bottle¿ 😂😂

[@dondesnoo1771]

E zest and a q tip coin like new 🎉

[@GoingToTheSunRd]

How about a 2000 year old coin ..

[@paulmcckain3420]

NO!

[@mondrose4501]

2000yrs old Coin? electrolysis it mwahahahahah

[@madmanmechanic8847]

Flap lips for two hours to see two seconds of actual cleaning . I dont think I am going to use acid on a silver quarter not good advice

[@SendNubes96]

Use microfiber

[@marychiquita123]

Just add a little Water to a dish, instead of wasting so MUCH running Water! 😧😒

[@anonymousvendetta99]

Alert: Cleaned coin is damaged coin

[@monicahunter5528]

I am trying to figure out why this is a mantra. I understand the idea of preventing scratches, butt the last thing I would want is something with the gunk from someone's drink holder in their car.

[@kaylahill2823]

So what if the coin uncleaned is so bad that no details are present? Valueless either way. Think about change in a cup holder of a parents car for 6 months with dry stuck on soda and dirt and grime. I can't tell a face or date, nothing. I'm sure it's a penny. Past that it could be new or old. There wouldn't be value either way and it's not normal wear and tear collectors are interested in. It's sticky and gunky and gross to hand someone. Is there a safe way to make it more spendable presentable?

[@DaddyElfMan]

funny, how he points out that acetone eats thru plastic, but he is pouring acetone from a plastic bottle... "Things that make ya go....HMMMM". lmao

[@michelleelle4622]

100% acetone will eat through plastic. I use acetone to remove fingernail polish and have thrown the soaked cotton ball into my little plastic trash can in the bathroom. It partially melted (or ate away) the trash can. Whatever plastic they use for acetone must be made with something extra to protect it 🤷🏼‍♀️ All fingernail polish removers come in plastic. I’ve never questioned that before. Good point. 👍🏼 It DOES eat through / melt other plastics though

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

Gasoline eats through plastic, yet they make gas cans out of plastic. Think foo fighter think!! There are different kinds of plastics. The acetone is clearly in some kind of special plastic that is not the same kind your empty food containers are made from.

[@linanicolia1363]

we are not dealing with Einstein here.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

@@linanicolia1363 So how many people live inside your head? Get help. Look dude, acetone comes in plastic bottles. They make special plastics that acetone won't eat through. The same with gasoline. Try putting gasoline in a plastic two liter bottle. The gas will melt the 2 liter bottle, YET, many portable gas tanks are made out of plastic ...special endurance and special plastics that gasoline won't melt. As far as your comment, you're clearly no Einstein yourself. You're not even as smart as Beavis and Butthead. There, my work here is done. Have a nice day sweet pea

[@pegboyd4312]

Too much rubbing.

[@krawleffect7949]

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. NEVER clean your coins. Lesson learned. 10k turns into 1k don't do it unless you plan to keep it for future generations.

[@catalinacurio]

Thanks, my nephew collects my change for his piggy bank when I visit so I’ve started saving potential collectors coins when I find them in my change, adds a bit more fun. I thought to clean them but now I won’t bother.

[@bhsdude06]

Why does it lower the value

[@rustyredick6223]

They don't want you to clean your coins but professional services will offer to clean so what is the difference I see no harm in cleaning as long as you're not using abrasive ingredients

[@RickyD1968]

PASS !!!

[@justincasupang5021]

What a crap video everybody in your comments is teaching you how to do it the right way

[@janettefano2089]

how to clean copper coins without damaging it. ERASERS!!