Guide to Cleaning Gold Coins

By: karl donald

If you find a gold coin that you desire to sell, don't clean it. The dealer, collector or other buyer will most likely want the coin in its original condition, and will pay more for a dull one than a restored one. After all, buyers who prefer their coins clean know how to do it.

Of course, if you wish to clean coins for your own collection, there are a several options open to you. The most obvious one - rubbing or using abrasives - is something you should avoid, however. Metal polishes put small scratches on the surface of the coin and remove little bits of gold. No one desires a polished, scratched coin. Be cautious wiping your coins dry after cleaning, too. Gold is very soft, and even a cloth that looks soft can leave tiny scratches. Dab coins dry after cleaning, or use an air blower, instead.

Dirty gold coins can be cleaned carefully using gentle detergents or soap and a small amount of water. Some people will use a bit of soap in a dish of water and boil the coins gently over a hot burner until they're clean. This is better for big lots. Never let the pan boil dry, however. Your pretty gold coins will turn black! If you have access to an ultrasonic tank, you can use it to vibrate your coins in a cleaning solution and remove dirt, instead.

To take off stains, you'll have to figure out what caused them. Many stains will come off with acetone (nail polish remover), which also takes off the residues from coins being taped together. If you use a solvent, be sure to do it in a well ventilated space. Once you've removed stains, you'll want to avoid sticking anything to your coins.

For rust stains, caused by coins that have been kept in contact with rusty iron or steel, use a weak acid. Soda, lemon juice and vinegar all work quite well for this purpose. Rinse your coin afterward to get any sticky residue off. Persistent rust stains can be removed with higher concentrated or stronger acids.

If you have a proof coin, with a polished surface, you need to be extra cautious. Just about any contact can cause problems with the beauty of these rare coins. You must avoid rubbing at all costs, and dry these coins careful. Don't handle these coins with bare fingers, either. You'll leave a fingerprint that will spoil the shine. For most of us, gold proof coins are something that should be cleaned by professionals, as are many other gold coins. Think hard about whether yours require cleaning, and if they do, be careful!

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

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