How to clean old coins at home: copper coin cleaner

Before you start cleaning, you should once again pay attention to the material of the coin, this is due to the fact that copper, silver, nickel and brass must be cleaned using different methods.

The most important thing when cleaning is not to do any harm. The main assistant in any business is experience. And when it is not there, it is very difficult to achieve a good result on the first try. And when cleaning antique copper coins, you often don’t have enough coin - another one to experiment with. Below are the most common ways to clean coins at home. Not all of the above methods are safe for coins, but nevertheless, all the known ones are collected below.

If the coin is valuable, but there is no confidence in the result of cleaning, then it is better not to clean it at all or contact a professional.

Why do coins rust?

Any manifestations of oxidation or a red coating on metal products are popularly called rust.
However, this name was given undeservedly. Rust, or rust, can only form on iron or its alloys (such as steel). All other metals corrode rather than rust. Found old coins are often covered with a layer of dark patina that hides the obverse or reverse. Its occurrence is due to the interaction of the metal with water (rain or salt), oxygen or hydrogen. Monetary units found on the sea coast are often “eaten away” by corrosion. The same can be said about coins found in the ground. However, even without direct contact with water, stains or deposits may appear on the metal product.

Features of pollution

Contamination on metal can have various causes. In addition, the alloys themselves react in their own way to exposure to moisture, air, fat and other substances. That is why they have different colors.

Rust

Corrosion of metal causes rust. The best ways to combat it are to use products containing various acids. But the reaction process must be constantly monitored. After cleaning, the product should be rinsed with soapy water or soda.

Redness

Most often it occurs on coins that have been kept closed for a long time without access to air. The best ways to combat red plaque are to use ammonia and ammonia.

How to clean green deposits from a coin?

There are times when you don’t know how to clean coins from oxidation. After all, oxidized coins lose their original, marketable appearance. The cleaning method largely depends on the type of alloy itself, so you should carefully determine what type of corrosion has affected the metal.

There are many types of corrosion, the most common of which are:

• green spots - oxidized copper surface. Formed as a result of prolonged exposure to a humid and damp environment;
• a reddish coating, most often found on coins that have been in a poorly ventilated space;
• The black color of the metal is a patina, indicating the great age of the metal.

There are several ways to get rid of green coating. One of the safest is cleaning with a solution of diluted vinegar. To prepare it, you need to take two tablespoons of food vinegar per liter of clean water (ideally distilled). After this, you should place the coins in this liquid so that they do not come into contact with other surfaces and have the smallest area of ​​contact with the walls of the container in which they are placed. This is necessary to ensure that the entire surface of the coin is evenly exposed to the acid.

There are many cases where large quantities of coins were placed in a small container, resulting in uneven etching and staining from uncleaned areas.

It is also necessary to promptly clean the layers formed due to the action of the vinegar mixture. This must be done several times a day, taking the coin out. You need to clean it with a toothbrush. But it should be remembered that excessive force can seriously damage the coin and form red spots that practically cannot be removed without mechanical intervention.

This method will help clean both oxidation and various dirt stains. But we should not forget that full restoration should not be expected, since the structure of the metal undergoes irreversible changes over time.

How to clean blackness from a coin?

Time is one of the few causes of blackness. In this article we will tell you how to clean dirt from exhibits. Over time, the top layer of copper oxidizes as a result of contact with air, which is why a special coating appears on the surface - patina. It looks like a black coating, which can be difficult to get rid of even for an experienced restorer.

However, there are several tricks that can help get rid of this problem. Alternatively, the coin can be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, followed by rinsing in a warm soapy solution. The main component of this alcohol is ammonia, which, due to its properties, reacts well with copper oxide compounds.

There is another way to clean a copper surface - a mixture of oxalic acid, turpentine, ethyl alcohol and water. This mixture can both clean dirt and degrease and remove metal oxide.

How to clean a copper coin?

Cleaning coins is a labor-intensive and painstaking process.
To clean the exhibit, you must follow a number of instructions that are mentioned in this material. Let's look at how to clean a copper coin at home. This will help if you need to clean copper coins from oxide, blackness, and green deposits. Analyze the degree of contamination and decide how you can help your exhibit. If you decide to clean coins, then you cannot do without soap and ammonia. You should avoid using chemicals: this could damage the exhibit.

Method 1: soap and water

Take soap (preferably laundry soap) and grate it. Add 1 liter of water. Leave the coins in the solution for 10-15 minutes. The dirt will become wet and can be easily removed with a sponge.

Method 2: Vinegar

Put on gloves, take a soft sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Rub the coin with light massage movements. After this, rinse the coin under warm water to remove any remaining product. An alternative to vinegar can be ammonia.

Method 3: lemon

Take a fresh lemon and cut it into 2 halves. Insert a coin directly into the pulp of the fruit and leave for 15 minutes. After the time has passed, take it out and carefully clean it with a brush. Don't forget to rinse with water at the end.

Features of cleaning coins made of different materials

Depending on the composition of the metal from which the coin is made, you should know some of the nuances of cleaning. Different materials behave differently.

Important. If the coin is of high value, try the cleaning method on a similar but less valuable coin first.

Copper

Copper is a material that is highly susceptible to corrosion. Working with metal requires special care, since under the influence of time and all types of contamination, cracks and scratches form on it more often than on other metals. Copper can also deteriorate from the inside.

To clean copper, ammonia and ammonia are used (to clean red deposits), an acidic environment for green deposits and rust. You can use any method to remove dirt, but you need to monitor the condition of the coin.

Silver

The composition of different silver coins can vary greatly. When working with them, you should pay attention to the sample and the degree of contamination.

In addition, any cleaning agents containing acid, when used on silver, can corrode it, and the coin will lose both value and weight. It is better to use special solutions, as well as alkaline methods. Heavy dirt and deposits can be spot cleaned with acids.

Gold

Gold has become the most popular type of metal for making jewelry for a reason. It reacts poorly with many elements, is resistant to oxidation, and is slightly susceptible to corrosion. His main problem is that the metal is too soft. Therefore, when cleaning it should be handled very carefully, without using strong physical force.

Fine gold coins usually do not require cleaning. But later ones, with various additives and impurities, can form a patina. The best option for cleaning gold is alkaline methods (soap, soda, salt, sugar). Cleaning with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide is suitable.

Zinc

A metal that can darken when exposed to many materials. Products made from this alloy must be handled with extreme care. Only 1% saline solution or special industrial compounds are used. Moreover, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions - if exposed for too long, the zinc will begin to dissolve.

Bronze

Compared to others, this metal is very easy to clean. Salt, soda, vinegar, and any acids are great.

Bimetallic coins

When working with dual-alloy coins, be sure to ensure that the tools and cleaning method are suitable for both metals. Here it is better to use mechanical rather than chemical methods.

Most modern collectors collect 10-ruble bimetallic coins. They contain brass and cupronickel.

Important. Some coins absolutely cannot be cleaned at home, even if you consider yourself a great specialist. This applies to antique samples that, after processing, lose their value. You just need to wipe them from dust, take them out only with special gloves and keep them in separate storage containers.

How to clean cupronickel coins?

Cupronickel alloy is very similar to noble metals, and it also blackens and oxidizes. You can use different methods to add shine, and for those who are interested in how to clean old coins, the following methods are offered:

1. Dish powder. To remove dirt, you must first moisten the coin in water, and then apply powder to it. All that remains is to rub the surface with a sponge and leave everything for a while and rinse in water. Wear gloves before performing the procedure.
2. Ash. Continuing to explain how to clean old coins, we should mention an unusual method for removing patina. It involves the use of cigarette ashes. First, dip a coin in water and apply ash to it. Leave everything for 20 minutes, and then rub the pulp into a coin and rinse.

How to clean brass coins?

Money made from a copper-zinc alloy is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but cleaning may be necessary from time to time. If you are interested in how to clean brass coins at home, then you should know that the following products will be effective: thick soap solution, citric acid and Coca-Cola. In addition, you can use the following options:

1. Oxalic acid. You can buy a product in the store that will quickly remove plaque. It is necessary to immerse the coins for 5-10 minutes, then they must be washed in water.
2. Trilon-B. Dissolve this product in warm water, taking into account the proportion of 1:10. Dip a coin into the solution and periodically rinse it under running water and check its condition. If necessary, soaking is repeated.

Recommendations for cleaning and care

The duty of any collector is to ensure that metal monetary exhibits are preserved in such a way that a noble patina can form. It is evidence of the age of the coin and will protect the exhibit from environmental influences. Unlike dirt stains, a true patina will cover not only the depressions on the surfaces, but also the unpatterned field.

• Metal money requires constant care, as it is very sensitive to environmental influences. Therefore, they should be stored in special packaging, and constant exposure to light and in an open state will lead to their oxidation and contamination.
• From time to time such banknotes should be cleaned. To do this, they are dipped into a container with a hot solution of laundry or baby soap and water. When the layer of dirt on the money softens a little, you need to very carefully clean all the dirt with a soft sponge.
• For silver coins with purity less than 625, ammonia is suitable. And higher purity silver coins can be cleaned with lemon juice or kept in it for a while.

It is best to use special products for caring for coins. Such drugs are sold in specialized stores. A novice numismatist can use improvised means to remove light stains.

Which coins do not need to be cleaned?

It’s worth mentioning this right away, so that you don’t unknowingly start working on what is considered chic by numismatists, and spoil the collectible piece.

And chic are old copper coins, covered with a natural, even brown coating, from light to dark chocolate color. This is a film resulting from the oxidation of copper, which is called patina. There's no need to touch it. The coin is already naturally protected and can take an honorable place among others.

Patina comes in green and other shades. The owner decides whether to remove it or not, and how - more on that a little later...

Applying patina to the coin

To keep a copper coin presentable, it is important to apply a patina that will protect it from external influences.

1. Light a fire (you can use gas, but a fire is better) and pour water into a pan that you don’t mind. Add 50 grams of copper sulfate and 5 potassium permanganate to it for every liter of water.
2. When the water reaches a boil, extinguish the fire and put the coins in the pan, stirring constantly. Observe the color of copper objects, it should change.
3. When the color changes, take out the coins and lay them out to dry.
4. Preserve the patina using a solution of benzene and alcohol in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Wipe with vegetable oil.

Necessary tools for cleaning coins

There are no perfect tools for cleaning coins. Much depends on the metal from which it is made, its age, the degree and characteristics of contamination. Collectors often arrive at their favorite methods through trial and error. But it is worth noting several tools that are most often used in this work:

• tweezers with a rubberized tip;
• brushes (with plastic, copper or steel bristles, a regular toothbrush);
• cotton buds;
• wooden sticks, skewers, toothpicks;
• needles, pins;
• erasers;
• cotton fabric, knitwear, felt.

The tweezers will prevent the coin from slipping out, and the special tip will not scratch the surface.

Copper bristles are slightly harder than plastic, but softer than steel. Copper and steel are used only to clean the outer layers of dirt. Scratches may occur when the coin touches the surface, so be careful when handling them. Preference should be given to a plastic or toothbrush.

A toothbrush is a universal device that collectors of modern coins prefer to use. It is almost impossible to scratch money with such a tool.

Thin wooden sticks, including regular toothpicks, help remove dirt from almost anywhere on the coin without damaging its surface. But sometimes you have to use hard needles - but in this case there is a risk of scratching the product.

Note. When handling rare coins, be sure to use thin cotton or numismatic gloves. And when using special or household chemicals, use rubber gloves.

How to clean a silver coin?

Today there is no single method for cleaning silver coins at home, because everything here directly depends on their fineness and degree of oxidation. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical compositions and, accordingly, different cleaning methods.

Old specimens of high standard are cleaned of blackness within an hour with a solution of ammonia (90% water). If there is none, then you can replace it with a soda solution (300 g per 1 liter of water), in which they should be soaked for about 2-3 hours. If desired, you can boil the solution a little for a better effect. This should rid the coin of blackness, which is important for older coins.

To clean a coin, use a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and ammonia. This method is good because it does not contain abrasive particles that can harm silver. This mixture should be applied to the contaminated surface and thoroughly cleaned with a brush.

For exhibits made from low-grade silver, the Trilon B method is suitable (Trilon B is a special type of salt). You need to dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in a glass of hot water, then put coins in there and wait for the result. However, in order not to harm the metal, all actions should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Next, this process must be continued by treatment with a special means for cleaning silver of a certain sample.

How to get rid of it using special compounds?

The chemical industry has developed many special products that help remove oxide from coins. Some of them are universal and suitable for any metal, others - only for a certain material.

Asidol-M

The universal product is available in the form of a paste or liquid. Asidol-M helps get rid of rust and dirt on precious metals, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. The composition includes surfactants, soft abrasives, and active additives.

Shake the bottle of liquid before use. Using a cloth or cotton swab, apply a small amount of product to the coin. Leave for a minute and rub the surface with a dry cloth until shiny.

The average price of a bottle (120 g) is 200 rubles.

Trilon-B

A white powdery product, the main component of which is the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
Suitable for cleaning banknotes made of non-ferrous metals. When working with Trilon-B, be sure to wear rubber gloves.

Pour 200 ml of warm water into a plastic or glass container. Dissolve a teaspoon of powder in it. Using a brush or sponge, apply the solution to the surface of the coin.

The holding time depends on the degree of oxidation of the metal. After cleaning, the product is washed with water.

A jar containing 100 g of the drug costs an average of 200 rubles.

Modern Russia

Shine Coins brand paste product is designed to remove oxides from bimetallic and plated coins. In addition to inorganic acids, the formula contains nanodispersed abrasive, surfactant.

Before opening the jar, shake it, apply the paste to a cotton pad and distribute it over the surface of the product. After the metal is clean, the coin is thoroughly washed with water. A 150 ml jar can be bought for 300 rubles.

Paste GOI

Chromium oxide paste is available in hardware stores. Universal cleaning and polishing material.

Apply the paste to your toothbrush and rub the coin. The paste should be washed with warm water and dried.

Cleans modern coins and bimetal well.

Nano-patina

The composition includes copper sulfate and acid. Suitable for all types of metal. Recommended for items found in the ground.

Leuchtturn

German liquids are considered one of the best in working with dirt, rust and oxidation on coins. Special reagents are selected for each specific alloy separately. There are compositions for copper, nickel, bimetallic and other coins. By the way, it was this company that developed the ideal composition for zinc coins. The product is sold in numismatic stores.

Shine Coin

A specially designed product for collectors. In addition to cleaning compounds, the line includes products to protect coins from corrosion, tarnishing, to add shine, a mirror surface restorer, and others.

Very important! When working with chemical compounds, it is necessary to use gloves and ensure that the room is well ventilated. Also be sure to follow the instructions!

How to clean rust from a coin?

Each collector has his own secrets for cleaning coins from rust and other contaminants. Each metal has a unique chemical composition, so you need to know what can and cannot be used to restore these valuables.

To clean a coin from rust you can use:

• vinegar;
• citric acid/juice;
• soda;
• coca cola;
• salt;
• laundry soap.

Use all these means by analogy with the above methods.

Methods for removing contaminants

If you do not have the case described above (a coin with a noble patina), and the acquisition (or “foundling”) requires “preening,” then you will have to resort to cleaning. There are three main ways to refine metallic money:

• Mechanical.
• Chemical.
• Electrochemical.

Dirt, pitted spots of corrosion, and adhering particles of vegetation are removed mechanically. This procedure is carried out using specially designated toothbrushes, toothpicks and (very carefully so as not to scratch) needles.

Do not use abrasive materials so as not to spoil the relief and coin field.

• Chemical treatment is required when there is a large layer of corrosion and to clean silver and gold coinage.
• The electrochemical method is used if the oxide layer is particularly thick or the coin is quite fragile.
• Sometimes methods are combined.
• There should be a different approach to coins of different states of preservation and different materials.

Lemon acid

This cleaning option is carried out under constant supervision. During the process, it is better to remove the coins several times and check their condition to prevent damage.

Cleaning coins with citric acid is carried out if there are various contaminants on the surface of the product that could not be removed in a soap solution.

In order for the solution to help get rid of oxides, but not harm the metal, its concentration should be no more than 10%, that is, 90 ml of water accounts for 10 g of citric acid. The coins are immersed in the resulting solution, periodically turned over and checked, and then washed under clean water.

Soap solution

This is the most gentle option, often used as the first stage of cleaning. However, it may take several months. The method is based on the fact that the soap solution is a slightly alkaline medium, which promotes the gradual softening of oxides and other contaminants. Baby soap has the least alkaline environment, and laundry soap has the highest. The former will be more preferable when processing copper coins.

Cleaning coins in soap is the most common method, and all thanks to the fact that this is one of the most delicate and accessible methods.

The cleaning process is as follows:

1. Grate or finely chop the soap, then add hot water. You should get a viscous, jelly-like mixture.
2. Place coins in the solution. They must be completely covered with the composition and not come into contact with the walls of the container or with each other.
3. Stir occasionally and turn over the coins.
4. After soaking is completed, the specimens are cleaned with a soft brush and washed with warm water.

The soap leaves a characteristic white residue, which can be easily removed with baking soda.

Vinegar and toothpaste

A universal remedy that helps get rid of oxidation and rust. To do this, mix table vinegar and paste in a 1:1 ratio. The resulting mixture is rubbed over the surface of the coin in a circular motion, after which it is washed off with cold water.

Scrub the items with a brass brush and rinse off any remaining solution from the surface with warm water.

"Coca Cola"

The drink contains a small amount of phosphoric acid, which allows you to remove minor contaminants. To do this, coins must be placed in soda, poured into a transparent non-metallic container, for several days. To speed up the reaction, the liquid can be slightly heated.

Many people know that this drink has some cleansing effect and is useful for adding shine.

Baking soda

To clean coins, boil them in a soda solution consisting of half a liter of water and 3-5 tablespoons of dry matter. The specimens are immersed in liquid and boiled for half an hour.

For copper coins, soda is considered a fairly gentle cleaning method.

"Oil" boiling

The method is quite effective and allows you to wash off the patina. It uses olive or vaseline oil, which is poured into a metal pan or deep fryer and heated. Coins are dipped into hot liquid and boiled for ten minutes, after which they are washed with soap and a soft brush.

Heat Vaseline or vegetable oil in a water bath. Immerse the fines in the hot liquid for 10 minutes.

Note! In some cases, additional boiling in clean water is necessary to remove residual oil.

Electrolysis as a cleaning method

Quite effective, but unsafe method. So, after treatment, all the flaws on the surface may become more noticeable. The procedure is as follows:

1. Remove the plugs on the 12-volt power supply and divide the wires into two parts, stripping the ends. Twist the copper wires and solder them to metal clamps.
2. Prepare an electrolyte from half a liter of water and one tablespoon of table salt. Pour the liquid into a plastic bottle.
3. Immerse the clamps in water with the power supply turned on. The clip that makes the hissing sound is positive and requires a coin to be attached to it. A metal object is attached to the negative one.
4. Cleaning takes from several to 40-60 minutes. After its completion, the current is turned off, the coin is removed and washed with warm soapy water.

Cleaning coins with electrolysis is a risky method, especially for a beginner, so you should start with coins that are not particularly valuable.

Important! To avoid a short circuit, do not allow the cathode and anode to come into contact.

Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing gel will help to wash contaminated metal money without damage. The product effectively removes greasy stains. Dissolve 1 tbsp. spoon of the substance in 0.5 liters of water and immerse the money in the solution for an hour. Rinse the cleaned metal, dry it, and polish the penny with flannel.

Citrus

For convenience, you can cut off half of a citrus fruit and rub it on the coating. Having eliminated visible oxides and dirt, all that remains is to rinse the product with water.

Wine vinegar and flour

A common remedy is vinegar dough, for the preparation of which wine vinegar and flour are mixed in equal proportions. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed until a thick consistency is formed. The resulting mixture is applied to the surface of a metal object and left until a crust forms. Then the dried dough is cleaned off and the coating is polished with a soft cloth.

Ketchup

Small-sized products can be easily cleaned using simple tomato ketchup. You need to squeeze the ketchup into a deep container and immerse the copper object inside. After waiting about 10 minutes, you can remove and wash the product.

Cleaning coins with ammonia

To deal with copper oxides, it is necessary to use chemical cleaning methods. For example, you can use a 5-15% ammonia solution, which is popularly called ammonia. Please note that this product has a strong odor, so use it carefully. There are several features of how to clean a coin until it shines in ammonia:

1. Pour the product into a plastic container and place coins in it, which should be turned periodically. Please note that you cannot take them out right away, as the product may become damaged.
2. When cleaning is completed, it is necessary to pour water into the ammonia, thereby reducing the concentration. Only when the solution is weak can you take out the coins and rinse them under running water.

How to clean with kerosene?

The product is one of the most effective and simple.
However, during cleansing it is necessary to carefully monitor the process in order to recognize its completion in time. For work, take a transparent glass or container made of chemically inert material. They put coins in it and fill it with kerosene. To mitigate the reaction, you can add a small amount of WD-40 lubricant.

The holding time depends on the depth of oxidation and can range from several minutes to 24 hours. The transparent walls of the dishes allow you to monitor the dissolution of oxides. As soon as the surface of the object is clean, it is taken out and wiped with a cloth.

Vaseline oil

They often use it to clean soiled exhibits. The processing process is not complicated. Vaseline oil is poured into a suitable container, which is then placed on low heat. Coins are placed into the boiling mixture using tweezers. They should remain in the pan until they are completely clean. At the next stage, the products are placed in ethanol.

Cleaning coins with kefir

And the last method I want to talk about in this article. Kefir is a weak acid, which, like soap, practically cannot spoil coins. We take a bowl, pour kefir into it and put a test coin there. Soon the fermented milk product will begin to turn green, which indicates the successful progress of the process. Coins are cleaned in this way faster than in soap, but slower than in soda. It will take a day, two or three to give copper royal or Soviet coins a marketable appearance. The effect of kefir is very similar to the result of soap.

After cleaning, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the finds and oil them for preservation and a beautiful appearance.

Electrolysis

Cleaning copper by electrolysis is only possible when the coin is not severely damaged and the oxides have not corroded deep cavities in the coin. This requirement is due to the fact that when cleaning by electrolysis, all imperfections will appear very clearly on the coin.

Electrolysis cleaning technology is that a coin is attached to the “-” (cathode) of a direct current source, and either a graphite element or any object made of the same material as the coin itself is attached to the “+” (anode). Next, the anode and cathode are immersed in the electrolyte and current is applied. As an electrolyte, you can use a solution of baking soda in water (2 tablespoons per liter). The cleaning process takes from several minutes to an hour depending on the size of the coin, its condition and the power of the current source.

What can't be used and why?

To preserve the design on coins and protect the surface from scratches and other damage, you must remember about prohibited cleaning products and methods.

The following are taboo:

• aggressive compounds - strong reagents can partially dissolve the metal and damage the image;
• abrasives - they scratch the metal surface and smooth out the three-dimensional pattern;
• strong heating - heat treatment can cause deformation of an expensive product;
• prolonged soaking in any cleaning agent can deteriorate the appearance of the coin.

If a particular product raises doubts about its effectiveness and safety, it is recommended to refrain from using it. This is especially true for radical ultra-fast methods. They may harm the coin and reduce its numismatic or modern value.

Basic rules for caring for copper products

By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your copper items looking beautiful:

1. If you use copper cookware, always keep it clean . After each use, thoroughly clean and dry the product .
2. When using copper utensils, it is not allowed to clean them with abrasives, compounds based on chlorine, ammonia and other aggressive components. Also, do not clean copper cookware with hard brushes or scrapers. These products may damage the metal surface.
3. For the same reason, you should refrain from using metal spoons and spatulas, giving preference to utensils made of wood, plastic or silicone.
4. If you wear copper jewelry, try to wipe it with a damp cloth after each wear. This way you will remove sebum and dust from the metal surface and can avoid serious contamination. Remember to dry the items with a soft cloth such as velvet or flannel.
5. It is recommended to store copper jewelry in separate boxes, wrapping each of them with a piece of soft material. Direct sunlight on decorations and their proximity to heating devices is not allowed.
6. For better preservation, it is recommended to coat the products with a layer of special varnish for metal surfaces. Check the coverage from time to time and update it. This way, you are guaranteed to protect your favorite item from plaque and stains that are difficult to remove, and will help your jewelry look great.

Copper jewelry always attracts attention with its unusual appearance and original shine. If you are going to wear copper products often, we recommend varnishing them

If you follow these simple tips, you can significantly extend the life of copper items.

Remember that copper cookware should not be washed in the dishwasher. Hand washing and cleaning are recommended.

Professional cleaning, where to go

Not only the aesthetic appeal of the exhibits, but also the preservation of the value of the collection depends on how well the money is cleaned. Therefore, trust the cleaning of valuable coins to specialists. You can find them through the National Numismatic Registry. They will advise on the restoration of gold, copper, silver and other small money. In addition, the product will be cleaned using modern technologies that preserve the value of banknotes.

Having studied what alloy the coins are made of and taking precautions, it is not at all difficult to clean money at home, be it the royal chervonets, the Prague hryvnia (kope) or the aluminum pennies of the African colonies of Britain.

For more information, watch the video:

Storage after cleaning

After all procedures, the product must be wiped dry with a soft cloth and towel. Specimens that have value should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight, and handled as little as possible. Each copy should be stored separately in special boxes, albums, etc.

If the patina is damaged during the cleaning process, it can be applied artificially. It will give a noble appearance and protect against subsequent corrosion. Place the items in a solution of 10% hyposulfite for a few minutes, and they will become patina again.

Different alloys require individual cleaning, so before you begin, you should determine what metal the coins are made of and follow the recommendations above. When carrying out these procedures, safety precautions must be observed.

How to clean a bimetallic coin?

A self-respecting numismatist knows that each type of alloy requires its own approach to cleaning. The most common problem is the condition of the metals, when one part of the coin needs cleaning with anti-corrosion solutions, but the other is in good condition. And if ordinary cleaning with acid solutions is applied to such cases, then there is a chance of harming the second metal, which can cause defects such as tarnishing, changes in the chemical composition of the top layer of the alloy, or changes in the base color.

That is why cleaning bimetallic coins at home may not give the desired results, but will definitely make their surface look better. To carry out such procedures, you will need a soda solution (2 spoons per glass of hot boiled water). The coin needs to be placed in it for 15-20 minutes. Do not forget about the above comment regarding its placement in the container. After pulling it out, you can clean it with white toothpaste without dyes. If there is none, you can use tooth powder. But it should be taken into account that its abrasive particles can leave micro-scratches, so this procedure should be carried out extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface or cause microcracks.

If the above method does not give sufficient effect, you can try chemical agents to dissolve limescale and corrosion. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the coin and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If the stains do not come off, you can try the same steps, but using a toothbrush.

After these procedures are carried out correctly, the metal should acquire its characteristic color and shine.

How to return noble patina to copper

Many methods of cleaning coins, along with oxides and dirt, also remove the natural patina, which is so highly valued by numismatists. In order to artificially recreate it, you will need sulfur ointment. It can be purchased at a pharmacy.

The left side has patina, the right side is cleared of it.

Sequencing:

• pour warm water into a small basin or bowl;
• put on rubber gloves;
• apply and rub sulfur ointment into the coin, this should be done with your hands under water;
• try to distribute the ointment evenly over the product;
• as soon as the metal begins to darken, the product must be removed and wiped with a paper towel;
• leave the coin for two days to consolidate the effect;
• After that, lubricate with Vaseline and polish with a felt cloth.

The desired effect is achieved in several doses, with an interval of two months. It should be remembered that artificial patina is easily washed off with a product containing acid.

Removing green deposits from copper money

In this case, Trilon B will help, boiling in Vaseline or used machine oil, soaking in an ammonia solution.

When boiling in oil, follow safety precautions, use deep dishes, cover it with a lid. Otherwise, the oil vapors will ignite and a fire will occur.

Ammonia cleaning

1. Ammonia solution, or ammonia, is sold in any pharmacy. Pour a small amount into the container and immerse the coin. Be careful, ammonia vapor is volatile and has a strong odor. Cover the dish with a lid.
2. Turn the coin over from time to time to check how well it has cleaned. Do not remove the coin from the solution, this may ruin it.
3. Once cleaning is complete, place the dishes in the sink and add water to the solution until the concentration becomes negligible.
4. Rinse the coin with clean water and dry with a paper towel.
5. Some collectors then treat the surface with an eraser to remove any remaining residue.

So-called copa coins—dug out of the ground—can be cleaned using Cillit.

The coins are immersed in the liquid for several minutes, turning over periodically. At the end of the treatment, rinse with clean water using a toothbrush. If necessary, repeat the treatment.

Video: cleaning darkened coins from a mine using Cillit

Ancient coins require a special, more careful approach.

Tips and precautions

When handling chemicals, remember about your own safety and the harmlessness of the process for the specimen being cleaned. It is important not only to wash coins, but also not to spoil a valuable specimen:

1. Find out what metal it is made of (silver, bronze, brass, etc.).
2. After initial cleaning in a soapy solution and drying it, examine the penny for damage: chips, cracks, scratches and indentations.
3. Practice on low-value specimens.
4. Clean heavily soiled metal money in several stages.
5. Leave the cleaning of valuable and damaged exhibits to professionals.

What not to do:

1. Use abrasive products. Large particles damage the relief of the exhibit.
2. Use aggressive chlorine-containing products.
3. Use hard tap water, which contains chlorine impurities. This substance oxidizes the metal.

Photo of coins after cleaning

Sources

• https://zavod-mc.ru/prochee/kak-ubrat-rzhavchinu-monet
• https://obag-store.ru/kak-pochistit/kak-monety-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
• https://1000sovetov.ru/article_kak-pochistit-monety-sovety-kollekcioneram
• https://mschistota.ru/sovety/osobennosti-chistki-monet.html
• https://womanadvice.ru/kak-chistit-monety-luchshie-sposoby-ot-opytnyh-numizmatov
• https://sdelatrykami.ru/kak-ochistit-monety/
• https://yborka.online/uborka/rzhavchina/kak-ochistit-monety
• https://southklad.ru/numizmatika/kak-pochistit-monety-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
• https://sovremennoedomovodstvo.ru/lifehack/chistka-monet-v-doma/
• https://sdelai-lestnicu.ru/uborka/cistka-monet-v-domasnih-usloviah-iz-raznogo-metalla-himiceskie-i-narodnye-sredstva
• https://DecorObot.ru/chistota-i-uyut/kak-ochistit-monety-ot-rzhavchiny.html
• https://srazuchisto.com/uborka/chistka-mednyx-monet-v-domashnix-usloviyax-sostav-dlya-ochistki-kislotoj-mylom-maslom.html
• https://sunmag.me/sovety/25-01-2014-kak-chistit-monety-v-domashnikh-usloviyakh.html

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