Should You Clean Your Coins? Coin Restoration Versus Coin Cleaning Facts

[@CoinHELPu]

Please SHARE, SHARE AND SHARE! Sharing most certainly brings more views and will help more people on cleaned coins.

[@silvershiner7008]

Thank you Dan. I couldn't agree more. I can't stand when ppl say " never clean your coins" and just leave It at that. I believe in proper restoration of coins with out jeopardizing the orginal integrity of the coin.

[@cresenciadugger7935]

Daniel, I learned a lot on watching your video, thanks Now I have a question. I found 2000 D Massachusette US quarter in a silver planchet. Silver planchet supposed to be on San Francisco mint only. Is this rare?

[@transchannel1311]

Helo mr Dan may you let me know how worth between prove set coins & coletor coins set?

[@markwells8524]

id like to know if you buy coins your self to add to any collection

[@brockcharz2104]

hi sir, can i ask, if i use water and a common household bar of soap, and wash the coin with my bare hands and soap for about 30 seconds, then rinse and pat dry with a towel, would this remove the patina or damage the coin??

[@darthsilversith667]

This is the rule of thumb I use.. if it only sells for its weight in metal, do as you wish.. if it has more value than its weight in metal, then don’t clean it.

[@KtoddN]

Darth Silver, agreed.. Good rule..

[@milwaukeeontuesday2347]

What should you do if you want to sell it list it but it has green stuff on it?

[@willbryant9297]

@@milwaukeeontuesday2347 like toning? Do not clean it if it is toned. It’s already more valuable

[@catalinacurio]

Thanks.

[@alesiaholliday7376]

So can you clean copper coins with cheese cloth? JUST TO SEE IF ITS DOUBLED.

[@timbrook7810]

Thank you so much. As a novice coin collector it's very nice having community that is so generous imparting their knowledge to the rest of us.....great videos.

[@stephenhendershot6180]

I'm probably older than many of the coins in most people's collections. This being said, I have been advised by the so called experts, of my generation to never, never attempt to clean any coin no matter what the condition of the coin. I had acquired a somewhat extensive collection of coins over the years. Unfortunately, I gave up on collecting coins when it became too expensive to acquire some of the coins needed to complete my collection. Coin collecting was a fun and fascinating hobby enjoyed 😉 by many, usually started when young. Most of the coins could still be obtained from the change received in day to day transactions. As a young boy my grandfather often gave my sister, and my brothers and me pocket change whenever we visited. The coins he gave us included Indian head pennies, Buffalo nickles and Mercury dimes and occasionally even standing quarters and even walking half dollars. I would eagerly sort through the coins to add to my collection. I also traded coins with one of my best friends. However, when I eventually had to resort to purchasing coins, as the hobby grew and the ranks of collectors swelled, I gave up and sold my collection. Coin collecting was no longer enjoyable for me. Now I am only interested in purchasing certain key coins to be given as gifts 🎁 to my sons and daughters and my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So cleaning some coins are worth the effort in order to return the coins to a legible condition in order to make out the dares.

[@ghostattca1658]

@@stephenhendershot6180 Thank you for the story, Sir. It encourages me to keep collecting my coins!

[@coleburnett2803]

What kind of coins do you have

[@timbrook7810]

@@coleburnett2803 .... everything ... in quantity .. inherited most of it...will take me years to go through it all....

[@steveshuler1234]

Daniel, my name is Steve I just got through watching your video on cleaning coins. I'm a somewhat of a coin freak. I also metal detect I don't even clean the coins I find. I've seen some very nice coins cleaned before and I knew that they had ruined a prize they thought they had. It's a waste to watch some people try to fool not only themselves but others. I enjoy your videos. I can tell a professional at what he does, and I can tell you have put the hours in your passion. Thanks for your time. Respectfully Steve

[@kelleystone4644]

Thank you so much! I'm about a week into coins. Mostly pennies. Have watched enumerous videos from countless sites. Had a lot of questions. I have learned so so much from you that I just don't click on anybody else's anymore. Just wanted to tell you that. Thanks, Daniel!

[@LawrenceSowa]

Is hot water and a soft dry cloth ok on copper coins?

[@ronschneider1870]

Thank you Daniel for clearing this up. It's best not to clean the coins in the first place, especially if you don't know what you are doing!

[@louisvrana7526]

Thanks Daniel, everything you spoke of makes perfect sense. I've been dealing with this issue for sometime now; however, I don't trust just anyone's answer to this delicate question. You I trust your judgment, you are a bright man and I sincerely thank you for your point of view. Blessings, Louis

[@davidcarlisle3384]

Dude! I am glad that you addressed the copper issue at the end of the video 👍 I didn’t know that acetone will turn copper pink 👍 One thing to bare in mind when considering the cleaning of a coin is the reactivity of the metal that it’s made of. What if the coin has something on it that has protected it for fifty years and you remove it ? Well, you may get bright spots where the gunk was. THINK BEFORE YOU CLEAN 👍

[@margaretstoner4701]

EXCELLENT advice

[@StuWilloughby]

100% acetone won't react with metallic compounds. It is an organic solvent. That's simple chemistry. However, acetone that isn't 100% pure may well have numerous other additives that are reactive.

[@budj13]

Great information as usual. The clarity around preserving the striking layer is the key and you drove that home. Thanks!

[@Carlbismarck]

Great video! Thank you! As a new collector, you are the only one who broke this down! Following you for sure!

[@vickyalberts6716]

I have old copper coins that are covered in sticky stuff and some have green corrosion. Is there any way to clean them?

[@keystoneprepper1369]

What are your thoughts on using a dry Jewlery Cleaning and Polishing cloth? Not using any other rubbing or polishing compounds. White Vinegar and origional Tobasco Sauce...are they too abrasive? What are your thoughts of using a Jewlery Dip cleanser?

[@barrybarney6085]

Hey Daniel I just want to thank you for keeping a great attitude and reputation while maintaining the great standards of cion dealers. You are a phenominal teachers with an excellent standard of honesty. You have showed me a great deal of key factors in collecting and maitaining my coins. For tbis Id like to show some of my grattitude by asking you to help me sell my 1943 copper cent. I am a 57 year old teenager that has sustained a traumattic brain injury . Now this was due to a car accident that happenedde o back in 1987. I was left in a coma for 3 weeks and one day (22 days) . When I awoke I was paralized on the right side of my body. And have been recooperating since. This recooperation process has been so difficult in that my brain is so slow at processing my thoughts that in turn makes everything I do ten times harder for me to accoplish

[@CoinHELPu]

You can send me images on a set of scales unless it is already graded to [e-mail]

[@glevy17]

What are your thoughts on using the baking soda method? Sitting coins on aluminum foil in basically warm water. Junk silver only and already damaged cull common date peace dollars. Some coins I have were previously buried by the prior owner and are otherwise filthy haha. Thanks!

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't use it

[@raxsebaby]

I'm new to this area. However watching, and listening to your videos is amazing to hear about what to look for in coins as far as colors and errors. Also, I'm glad to hear about " How to clean up your coins" I'm guilty of using toothpaste baking soda, and vinegar( not all at once) I did it different times. It didn't come out clean!! Thanks Daniel! Luz

[@jrduke45]

Best coin vidioes on you tube done by this guy! Keep em coming brother!

[@bobblenuts]

Ultrasonic Cleaning - I've been around for many decades, collected pocket change to fill my Whitman folders as a kid. I learned very young, not to clean coins. In my elder years I see new technology, can someone tell me what an Ultrasonic Cleaning would do to a coin?

[@CoinHELPu]

It’s a coin by coin basis.

[@honesdaledetectorist]

As a metal detectorist I now leave my old copper coins alone. Not soon enough though found out trying to clean a1822 Large Cent I lost some detail on it. Thanks very informative 👍

[@youtoobe169]

I have a silver coin that had a rubber band melt on it and left a black mark. I think it's about an AU58 if not an MS. What do you think would get the black mark off without disturbing the rest of the coin? I was thinking about sending it to PCGS, but wonder what they might do.

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't know. Never could remove them

[@coinsearcher9635]

Always a pleasure watching your channel! I've learned so much from you since you started!

[@CoinHELPu]

Thank you, so glad to know that!

[@cristalwolfgram5713]

Thank you for the excellent advice. Stumbled across a video on coin collecting, watched a few more, then started looking at the coins in my old coffee can, aka piggy bank. Found 3 DDO quarters in the first half hour. Very exciting and I'm hooked. One was pretty dirty so I just used enough water to see it better. So much talk about color and patina. Want to have them professionally graded but didn't know if I should send as is or not.

[@CoinHELPu]

Watch my video on what to do kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4Gkp4iqmqyoZrs

[@myhandyman1]

I am a metal detector guy and when coins come out of the ground you can't even read a date, I found Mothers Mag Wheel polish and a tooth brush you can bring them back from the grave.

[@marcellachine5718]

Coins that come out of the ground are in most cases considered environmentally damaged. I myself metal detect.

[@CPS24.7]

This is one of the best informative youtube vides ever. You're very knowledgeable and extremely well spoken. thx man.

[@CoinHELPu]

Thank you

[@rogerhanson3468]

Really funny, how many times has a coin dealer paid good money for a real dirty coin compared to a clean bright coin, some of the gunk just needs to be removed, not an acid bath but enough to see if it is a double die or a cracked plating, if they don't want you to clean them then up the prices for untouched coins, not going to happen.

[@CoinHELPu]

Huh? You don't need to remove debris to see a doubled die and cracked plating isn't a mint error. This is the issue with people who bash dealers, they don't know enough about coins and make false assumptions about coin dealers and how they do business. Understanding comes with education and experience and most people are lacking.

[@rogerhanson3468]

@@CoinHELPu are you willing to pay market prices for dirty coins , there's been a few pennies especially, that have nothing but funky gunk on them, after washing with soap and water to get the peoples oily residue off do the minor die shifts come to view for a double, two distinct stampings, instead of a slipped ramped blank. If you are willing to pay for the coins Post where they should be delivered to in person. I have hundreds for sale.

[@CoinHELPu]

You don't know what doubled dies are, you use incorrect terminology. Again, you need to educate yourself on the coin minting process, As I said, one does NOT need to remove anything off a coin to see a valuable doubled die, if you do, then it's too minor and not worth much. A doubled die is not a die shift or double struck or anything like that, you need to read up on them instead of bashing dealers who know better than you do about those coins.

[@Numismaniac_Canada]

Under normal circumstances, no. If the coin isn't a high numismatic value coin and (or) crud needs to be removed, I personally feel it can be cleaned. Any of my lesser value coins in my albums, I've no problem with gentle cleaning. Higher grades and those I'd like to have slabbed, I wouldn't. Type 1 is as far as I'd go.

[@Trollamollex]

I would like to add that the decision to get your coin cleaned might also depend on what your piece is. If you want to clean some common date sliver dimes you find metal detecting, I say who gives a damn. Clean them using swamp water.

[@danofiremano]

I have a 1922-D Peace Dollar in pretty decent condition (releif wise), but the obverse seems to have had celophane tape across her face leaving it a shiny silver while the rest of the coin has taken on a black toning on the entire coin with some red-ish maroon toning on the reverse. My question is: What would be the best solution to restore it?

[@CoinHELPu]

You can't but no one can really answer your unless it is examined in hand by a knowledgeable and experienced coin restorer.

[@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782]

Thanks for the info. Somebody said to use olive oil. But that person was adamant about NOT cleaning any coin. I have tried to remove some crud from coins with soap and water and a q tip myself. But I was under the impression that you don't even touch the coins with your fingers. Thank you for your knowledge and showing it on KZbin.

[@vickiecurtis6291]

Hi Daniel. I am learning quite a bit from your you tube pages. Recently I have been told by my doc to learn and do something that will keep me busy and I would get great enjoyment out of it. So, getting into coin collection seemed like a place to start. Today so far I am having great success. I am mainly collecting pennies and nickels. How did you start? Where do you get your coins from? The Bank? I happened to get a 2yr old Red Book of US coins. It was a great find. I liked the articles and info as a newbe..................lol Thanks for sharing info. Vickie C.

[@808bAler]

I'm a new coin hunter/collector and have to say this was quite informative, 3 years after originally posted. Thank you.

[@MeekSith777]

Thanks for the advice, if a person chose acetone only would adding it to a micro vibration device (like a jewelry cleaner) help the acetone be more affective? I have seen some suggestions of acetone and cotton ball. Understanding your disclaimer of responsibility what are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[@pauld8790]

I have only used dawn to clean some benjamins and it worked awesome taking off a sticky substance. When i worked at a coin shop every Saturday a dipped a few silver rounds to keep them clean .never did we ever clean a coin.

[@charles8081]

Daniel, Thank you for clearing this up, sometimes however I believe "restoration" , cleaning "Proper method", etc. is simply a play on words to justify what has been done to a coin, also a "Problem coin should be one that's only value is melt. Why would anyone say "problem coin" and then sell it. I mean who wants a problem anyway??? This is only an opinion, Again Daniel, Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeswiental4815]

sometimes I clean my silver dollars with virgin olive iol- it should be in a glass container like a small bowl. it works best with coins that have dirt and crud on them.i soak it for a few months, changing the olive oil when it starts to change color- the idrt just soaks and falls off- I then rinse it in warm water, make a mild solution od dawn dishsoam and warm water,swish, not rub it around to get the oil off, then rinse it again in warm water and put it on a soft cleaning cloth,lightly pat it dry,rol the rim on the towel so the reeds dry, then leave it out for an hour to dry. I wear gloves- it just upgrades the coin.

[@shirleyarnolde6079]

Does this clean off pvc gunk?

[@mikeswiental4815]

@@shirleyarnolde6079 it=might-if-you-soak-it-long-enough-but-you-should-change-the-olive-oil-as-it-changs-color.

[@firstcavcoins3554]

I have a 1877 cc dime that would be xf - au but it has black gunk all over it. What should I do? It's definitely xf quality.

[@LinR789]

I have learned so much from watching your videos in last couple of weeks! Thank you for always being so detailed.

[@CaliforniaCarpenter7]

If it is a key date - I leave it alone. If it’s circulated Constitutional it is almost always scratched up a bit already. If it is a gem coin pulled out of circulation, it’s usually already pretty clean. My experience is if you had two identical Mercury dimes, say both were equally damaged, but one had been shined/cleaned with the baking soda and foil method, the cleaner coin looks better and will sell for more. If the internet tells me my coin is worth $4.50, I’m probably going to try and get $9.00 out of it, and being clean helps that. I’ve got a very old, beautiful Morgan that is in incredible physical shape, but it is tarnished damn near black. I will never even think of cleaning it.

[@KtoddN]

I just found your video and subscribed. I'm glad you explained that, I'm fairly new to buying Silver and Silver and Gold vintage coins. I have a couple that are just filthy but when you look up close, there not scratched up at all it's almost like someone had a fairly new coin and dropped it in the dirt and it layed there for 40 or 50 years. So I've been trying to find a way to just get the dirt off without damaging it. Everywhere I've looked it says "DON'T EVER CLEAN YOUR COINS!" But like you said, someone is cleaning them and it's ok.. Thanks!

[@ranchocopper]

I kind of see it like when you dust your Collectable car, you don’t rub off the top coat. Or when you dust off the Rembrandt painting your not removing any layer. Just a thought.

[@asabovesobelow1241]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, i understand you dont clean copper coins, but what are your thoughts on wiping pennies found in pocket change "circulation" gently with a baby wipe

[@CoinHELPu]

Can't hurt common coins

[@asabovesobelow1241]

@@CoinHELPu guess what im confused about is, if I decided to get a circulated penny graded, will they be able to tell I used a wipe on it and not give the higher grade because of the wipe being used, i hate to spend money to have one graded and get it back as genuine tag instead of the regular grade.

[@delftmom3]

If a coin goes through the wash by accident is that considered damaged? And if a coin was "washed" using baby shampoo and water, then patted dry, does this damage a coin? Thank you. I love your videos. I am learning a lot!

[@CoinHELPu]

If the coin is circulated it will harm it and even if it's not it can.

[@Shaun-mt5wv]

I’ve noticed when I buy new BU silver coins from some of the big bullion dealers they sometimes come to me cleaned? Almost looks like they rubbed on a silver cleaning/polishing cloth? Anyone else ever run into this? Thanks for the video 👍🏽

[@mashimaro2626]

Very interesting video. Thank you for educating novice collectors around cleaning/not cleaning coins. Keep them coming

[@allancolegrove2874]

You are much more relaxed now a days. Still a good and valuable video. Thanks!

[@alfredofulgueras]

If you just wash the coin coins by just soaking it to a certain liquid to clean…without brushing it…is it no good too?

[@rhodesianmonarch2064]

Man, I used MS70 on an 1848 Prussian piece, it was so tarnished that it was hardly recognizable, I really hope I made the right move... The reverse looks fine, however, the obverse is the part that you can tell was modified. Either way, it was nice to know that the MS70 doesn't do any major damage, thanks for all the information given!

[@jigglepiggins6910]

If you’re not selling it, and enjoy the coin more now, you made the right move.

[@Apollo9733us]

I have found an 1866 5 cent piece i don't know if to clean or how also a lot of Morgan silver dollars going back to 1880 also a lot of 1921s an 22s and other dates..what do I do? The have been stored for a very long time given to me by grandmother. How can the "safely be restored or can they?

[@CoinHELPu]

You would need to call NCG or PCGS about restoration. The coin might not need restored.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

I probably wouldn't touch coins as I know messing with them does affect the value... I'm hamhanded with that kind of stuff, sure to leave scratches and stuff. However the question I'd have is on brass tokens. I have some from an old arcade... Is cleaning brass tokens as damaging as cleaning nickel/copper currency? I'm not sure if brass has a better surface that allows for some kind of chemical cleaning. They are very sturdy though. I might just leave them... but I really would love to see what a few of these look like cleaned up like they were newer.

[@dulcepaterno5001]

Will a dirty coin be bought as high a clean coin. Thanks.

[@lenadial4678]

Ty for explaining. I have a question about buffalo nickles, if the date can't be seen would you ask or spend money to clean them to see of there worth anything?

[@CoinHELPu]

Of course not, it’s not worth it.

[@rauloropeza_]

My problem is that I have super rusty and oxidised coins, so the image is no longer visible at all, and I fear it will just get ruined, but I haven't found a proper way to strip away that much rust. They're also really old coins. Can you help?

[@CoinHELPu]

If you need help with a coin or have questions you must use our coinhelpu community here coinauctionshelp.com/forum/index.php

[@michelemahone]

Thanks!

[@CoinHELPu]

Thank you!!!

[@gen10nine43]

Is dipping a silver coin in baking soda solution consider type 1 or type 2? No rubbing involved, just dipping and rinsing.

[@DonaldNavygoat23]

I inherited a couple of sacks of old silver dollars. Unfortunately, they have turned black. Can I use hot water, baking soda and aluminum foil?

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't use that method, too many steps.

[@iTechSavvyOfficial]

I just cleaned two peace dollars with that method and it worked great, I’m sure it still devalues them somehow, but these were super ugly, so I went for it anyway. Now I love having them in my collection. I’d say go for it if you just want to make them look nice and don’t care about value, and even if they are cleaned they will still hold silver value

[@donnaflannery2757]

Is this EZest only good on silver? Just looking for your opinion.Thank you.

[@williewill2460]

What do you think about "Conserv Safe Coin Solvent" ?

[@CoinHELPu]

Never used it

[@flohiggins4210]

Hi Daniel. Could use Blue Ribbon which is very very expensive or I saw a man use something that a dentist discovered called Conserve Safe Coin Solvant. Which doesnt ruin the lustre or destroy the integrity of the coin in anyway. But remove PVC marks grime dirt oils. And has his coins come back from the graders with top grades. I wish there was a solution for carbon spots on my 1954 New Zealand Pennies. Nice coins ruined.

[@CoinHELPu]

We use ezest it has stood the test of time for coin dealers.

[@heidigib01]

How do the restoration places clean coins? I have an old peace dollar that has old gunk on it that I’d like to remove. Not like just age but maybe glue it something that was sticky almost 100 years ago.

[@CoinHELPu]

No one knows but them

[@invoxicated]

I've used Goddards Silver dip very successfully . But only with high grade coins AU58 or above. 20 second or so in the dip then rinse with water and pat dry with a soft clean cloth.

[@PaulLorenzini-ny2yw]

What about using Coincare and a qtip on lincoln cents? I've cleaned several low value ones and they definitely look better with no detectable damage that I can discern with a scope.

[@CoinHELPu]

Should be fine.

[@dynarb1]

Question. If you get a bank roll of coins, say nickels, and you how people put the nastiest things in their pockets. Gum, candy, other. It melts or somehow adheres to the pocket change. So then they peal off said coin to to pay for something and it ends up in that roll. Is it safe to take warm water and a soft cloth to just wash off the gunk?

[@CoinHELPu]

Yes, pocket change is safe to clean.

[@ewasteprospector2114]

Have you ever used tarnx on copper?

[@CoinHELPu]

No, don't mess with the copper.

[@margaretstoner4701]

Yes. Do not do it You are stripping away the actual patina of the COIN which devalues it. Tarmac will LITUARLY strip ZINC off a PENNY turning it to LOOK like a steel or basically aluminum colored PENNY and it's then damaged. Exceptional Question Did you check out his how to damage your own COIN videos.Daniel nailed it. For me it was a true eye OPENER. I TRULY BELIEVED I found an error coin. CoinHELPu was so patient with me and he took coins and showed me how it happens.Please pass this on to all.I am not smart WITH learning a cell phone. I would have lost a LOT of MONEY sending in coins I THOUGHT we're real.THANK YOU

[@bruceedginton3139]

Daniel, just wanted to let you know that I have a lot of respect for what you are trying to share with our community. God bless you my brother in Christ Jesus 🙏

[@CoinHELPu]

Thank you

[@LSFprepper]

Thank you for this info. I've tried to find good information but it seems the knee-jerk reaction by everyone is DON'T DO IT!!! But as you're referring to here there are different "levels" to cleaning and that word means something different to everyone. My main interest is removing the finger dirt/grime from handling coins to expose what's beneath it, and to help preserve the surface because you DON'T know what's in that grime. It could be slowly discoloring/eating away at the surface. I for one would never want to seal up a coin with some chemical/substance still on the surface. I don't know if I'd want to brighten or alter the natural luster/tarnish of a coin, but I do want to remove debris from the surface that shouldn't be there or isn't part of that coin. All without people yelling about it. lol

[@tomcollens4621]

I get what you say. I have some better coins with splotchy dark toning. Can acetone remove that? Or eZest or MS70?

[@moedasmais]

👏👏👏👍

[@scruples53]

Hi ...great video. Does Baking soda and hot water damage silver dollars? I'd like to remove the tarnish on my 1992 walking liberty

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't recommend that method,

[@scruples53]

@@CoinHELPu thank you. One more question... Would restoration be worth it to remove simple tarnish on a set of 12 uncirculated silver dollars?

[@CoinHELPu]

@@scruples53 Can't say, coins like that need looked at in hand. I would never use baking soda on a coin.

[@GTGTO-su8bp]

Dan, how would cleaning coins using MS70 in an ultrasonic bath?

[@barrybarney6085]

Daniel I have a 1943 p copper cent that is very slightly getting some green on it. I am going to take it to PCGS on the 11th of Dec. And I believe that it will be resored professionally so Im not touching it as I put it into a mylar flip. Do you think that it will be alright? And thank you for pinning some of your videos up for me. I am going to find your facebook account and leave you some recent pics of this coin asking for your honest opinion . Thanks again for the help that you give to us ignorant folks . Thanks to you I am overcomming my ignorance.

[@mondospeedy3089]

Would you, could you use a Jewelry cleaner? Mostly just uses water, sometime additive are used, but it doesn’t harm jewelry, it uses sound, no rubbing. Just wondering .

[@davidmcclernon7911]

You differently know your trade. Today going through my junk coins I found an 1875 half dollar in perfect condition but tarnish . It looks like copper. Would dipping it in EZest 5 seconds kill it's value?

[@erichvonunger2282]

Hello. Thanks a lot for the video! I have a question. I have had a bag of really old coins that ive been storing for years. Some of them were inside another bag that belonged to my grandfather. Early 1900s coins. But they were all together in a messy bag, and were used in its time. They all have these little chips and scratches. Are they worthless now? Should i just clean them at least for the coin album?

[@CoinHELPu]

You need to take them to a dealer to look at in hand.

[@erichvonunger2282]

@@CoinHELPu thank you !

[@DahHar117]

I've watched this video twice now. Questions left in my mind are bullion and if products such as olive oil, goof off, baking soda are bad? And, when you say "rub" does that include my fingers and any soft cloth? Also, how is the striking surface different from all the other layers? How is the precious metal changed at the surface when struck?

[@CoinHELPu]

You can ask these questions in the coin helpu community.

[@thefantons5774]

Great video, thanks. One question, can I use a wooden toothpick to see mint marks and lettering better when they are obstructed?

[@CoinHELPu]

Yes you can

[@swmovan]

I figured acetone would damage the coin. Or is it just safe for a short soak or dip?

[@brettdwigans2758]

I've just began collecting, my dad left me his coin collection and I've become interested. I appreciate these vids, and have subbed for more. I also was wondering where I might find forums of collectors who can look at my coins and give me a better understanding of what is valuable and what isn't

[@CoinHELPu]

Here's our community coinauctionshelp.com/forum/index.php Always check my other videos I have several that will help you.

[@lostandfoundhunteddowncoll5291]

Hey sir. I hope this isn’t a dumb question. So if you just use soap, water and a very soft tooth brush to get dirt off or just water is that ok?

[@CoinHELPu]

i am sorry but I don't recommend cleaning methods on coins, it's a case by case issue.

[@debbiespangler3203]

How do i clean off grease and dirt where i can't see details ?

[@typeviic1]

What coin are you talking about? A cull or heavily worn one that you found, buried for decades and covered in mud? Or, an AU Morgan? Apples vs oranges.

[@yup9889]

I am new to coin collection, I when I say new I mean 2 weeks. I’ve invested in a microscope and been going through my piggy bank. I have question when should we send it to get graded ? I found an off center 1972 quarter and a nice 1979 but I don’t if it’s worth sending out. Any advice will help

[@CoinHELPu]

You can watch this video, questions like this can't be answers in the messages. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIDHeXSLh56NY6c

[@Resistance7089]

I have copper pennies that have changed color in spots to green. It's difficult to see details to evaluate. Any suggestions? I'm a newbie collector of 4 weeks! Thanks!

[@marcusbrown198]

I'm more about stacking silver than I am about collecting coins but I do like and respect the collecting coin community I have some coins but I want them to be shiny and clean but I've decided that I'm not going to clean my coins I have some the Morgan's I've decided to trade those coins in and pay the premium for shinier ones instead of devaluing them because I plan to keep my silver and I want shiny silver but I don't want to step on anyone toes so I figured just spend the money on trading them for shiniy ones . So whenever I get the itch to buy some coins I'll just trade up and get my fix like that.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

I'm not as respectful of the community as you are. I get the thing about preserving the natural striking layer, in order to have a historical token that is unaltered, and using that as a criterion to distinguish among the upper echelons of pristine coins. That part has some objectivity to it. But preserving patina on circulated coins that are clearly below the "about uncirculated" grade? That seems to me to be a subjective preference. What is patina? It's post-minting alteration of a coin by accidental means, and much of it is filth, including human sweat mixed with dirt and dust and whatever traces of kitchen substances, tree sap, solvents, and bodily effluents that people have on their hands when they handle money. Some of patina is toning, but this is somewhat determined by the crap that people have on their hands and which is found in the many low places where coins are dropped or lost. Masterpieces of art are cleaned and restored, as are historical buildings. The patina fetish only applies to some antique furniture, coins, and "restorations" of old cars that are called "rat rods." For me, patina belongs in a category of value with phlogiston and phrenology. I worked for years doing restoration work on old buildings, and I know first hand that too much adherence to purist standards leads to architectural elements being replaced with aluminum and glass or some other abominations. So for coins, once the natural striking layer is gone, clean the coins. When I was a kid, wheat pennies and 90% silver coins were all that were available, and many of them were new, shiny, and pretty. Part of the historical experience of those coins was seeing them shiny and pretty, not coated with filth. Think of it like watching videos of the color footage that was taken of WW II. The color makes the experience more vivid and accessible. This isn't to advocate for colorizing b&w films, because that was the medium by which most people got their news, and experiencing that is part of historical perspective, but the point is that preserving historical artifacts is a more complicated issue than can be adequately dealt with by purists' arcane fetishes. And by the way, I majored in English, history, and philosophy and almost got a PhD in philosophy. Which is likely why I spent so many decades in construction work in both new construction and restoration. At any rate, I'm old, but I have a lot of perspective on the importance of history and historical artifacts in getting a handle on human nature, so if my tirade seems over-the-top, it's because we live in an anti-historical time when we most need a sense of history, and I lose patience for the arcane superstitions that persist in specialized fields like numismatics.

[@demonhalo67]

For hammered finds cleaning is in particular an absolute no no. Mud and dirt can easily removed by brief soaking in warm water and then running under the tap. Removal of the black oxidised layers that often accompanies the surfaces of all coins erases they're charm, key evidence of they're age and undoes the centuries long processes of exposure to the air and from being in people's hands. Unless the coin has a low value or its badly corroded they are better off being kept the way they are. Each coin is different and should be allowed to age in its own way.

[@mbryhol9132]

Does this include silver jewelry cleaner?

[@kukaluke]

What are your thoughts on using distilled water in a ultrasonic cleaner?

[@CoinHELPu]

I've never done it

[@keithgordon9399]

Is using Dawn Dishwashing Detergent considered cleaning?

[@CoinHELPu]

Yes, don't do it

[@nicholasmisch5590]

Hey Daniel, how are LWC and indians conserved? acetone? What's best for copper?

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't know I don't conserve copper nor mess with cleaning them,

[@MistaRobby]

What about brasso for silver? Brasso bottle says not to use on silver but I've used it on Sterling silver WWII insignia and it works great. I lightly polish and buff with cotton balls, and rinse using distilled water. Open to any criticism.

[@CoinHELPu]

Nice fishing attempt but no fish was fooled by your lure.

[@MistaRobby]

@@CoinHELPu it's a serious question.

[@monte2918]

What about coines found metal detecting? They are usually pretty bad, how do you clean them without destroying their value. What about ultra sonic cleaning?

[@bruceedginton3139]

I have done a couple of bullion coin that had, gunky appearance. Just because I wanted to experiment with the baking soda and aluminum foil. Going to try E-zest today on a old round, just for experimental value. And for experience, the aluminum foil and baking soda did a great job. ☺️

[@misterTVman]

In my experience, even if you sell a cleaned coin, someone out there will buy it as long as it still retains great details like a fine or higher and isn't damaged. I don't worry too much about cleaned coins myself. To be honest, cleaned coins are more affordable, but to each is own.

[@zarincoinshop]

What about cleaning a coin with mild liquid soap and soft brush to remove dirt? It that a bad thing to do?

[@CoinHELPu]

My video is not for advice on cleaning your coins.

[@annettemclaughlin6834]

Nice video - and I would like your thoughts on cleaning copper coins - I have bunches of pennies. The other denominations, too - and would like to know the proper method of at least cleaning the years of grime etc...if this information falls under your area of interest. Thank you.

[@CoinHELPu]

I don't clean copper coins but some say mineral spirits or acetone but I can't recommend.

[@annettemclaughlin6834]

@@CoinHELPu Thank you.

[@Ross-be1bn]

Is blubow safe on coins?

[@CoinHELPu]

I have no idea

[@Ross-be1bn]

CoinHELPu wow, that was really quick. Thanks for the fast response

[@Ross-be1bn]

CoinHELPu do you work at penn university?

[@CoinHELPu]

@@Ross-be1bn no I am in Ohio

[@cherylwade4365]

I have used vinegar and salt for copper. I have also used lemon juice and water. Mother's Aluminum cleaner cleans without discoloring. I have also used Weiman Silver Cream. No tools are used only a cloth or sponge. After cleaning rinse then wash with soap and water. I don't know if I did the right thing or not.

[@CoinHELPu]

No, cleaning copper is not a good idea.

[@600miles]

How about sand blasting? Sorry, I couldn't help mentioning that ! I use Tarn-X on brass keys, works instantly, but wouldn't use it on coins.

[@kathyputman5160]

What if it's just dirty from sitting in a car or covered in dust?

[@daviddealba9886]

Thank you for your always informative videos. As a relatively new collector I often use your videos as a reference as which coins are valuable which web sites I can use to verify my suspected valuable coins and any coin questions I may have . I find your video as wealth of information with out all the carnival antics . Just strait up with minimum theatrics . I thank you for information.

[@Bob-th7vi]

Hi. Learned a lot from your video. I found a sack of coins when going thru the attic at my uncles house after he passed. I don’t know anything about coin values or how to sell them. Spent a lot of time on uTube to try and learn. There are quite a few Susan Anthony dollars and several dollars with the Indian and child and several with presidents on them. OK. Where do I go from here. Where is the best place to go and have them looked at. Thank you for your help.

[@CoinHELPu]

Buy a 2022 Red Book price guide.