In general, old coins should not be cleaned. While you might think that getting all the years of dirt and grime off a coin would make it more valuable, the opposite is actually true! By cleaning a coin, you may actually damage it and decrease its value. Shop our gold & silver coins & bars!
How do you care for old silver dollars?
Once you have gathered the needed items, here’s what to do next:
- Step 1: Line Container With Aluminum Foil.
- Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda.
- Step 3: Add Tarnished Silver Coins.
- Step 4: Add More Baking Soda & Hot Water.
- Step 5: Rub Away the Tarnish & Grime.
- Step 6: Rinse Silver Coin With Cold Water.
- Step 7: Inspect Your Coins.
Does polishing old coins decrease value?
Metal cleaners or coin cleaning solutions advertised on televisions damage coins. These solutions use acids or abrasives to clean the metal and this will seriously reduce the value of the coin. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins.
Should I clean my 1921 silver dollar?
Coins such as Silver U.S. Dollars should only be cleaned if they’re really dirty! Mostly with one or so exceptions to the rule, Coins should never be cleaned unless in the hands of a well established Collector or skilled Professional.
Do you need to clean an old silver dollar?
How to Clean Old Silver Dollars. Silver dollars, or any collectible silver coin, should only be cleaned under certain conditions. In many cases, cleaning a coin can lower the value of the coin as a collector’s item. In severe cases, where the date and other details of the coin are not visible due to dirt and grime, cleaning is warranted.
Do you have to Polish antique silver before selling?
Silver should be polished but I wouldn’t recommend the above method. Antique silver should show some tarnish in crevices and the glow of a proper polishing with a good product. Be sure to look your gift horse in the mouth when receiving help.
Do you need to clean old gold coins?
If you are keeping pure gold coins or silver coins, these types of coins will need significant cleaning to make them look shiny and clean. Numismatists do not necessarily buy gold coins; they can be bought even by anybody, especially Goldsmith. A goldsmith will usually not mind if you clean your old gold coins before bringing it to him.
Why is it bad to Polish old coins?
They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins.
