any special way to clean a coin?

[masagepro]

Hi All

well I was finally able to go out for the first time and do some detecting, other then mosquito bites and it being very hot here in Florida, I did find a 1935 liberty head dime, I dont know if it has any value but i would like to clean it up a little. is there a trick to cleaning a coin without damaging it. I appreciate all your help



Neil

 

[coinnut]

Even though it is not valuable, why ruin the patina on a silver coin? Coin cleaning is very complicated. The best advice, (and you will get tons of it) is to do very little. Until you read up on old posts here, books, articles, etc... better off safe than sorry. I would run warm water on the coin to remove any dirt that is on it. A soft toothbrush lightly under water, will remove most of it. You can stop there or do a little more. Next, while the coin is wet, rub your fingers against the coin in a circular motion. This puts a bit of buff to the highest parts of the coin. Then rinse. Never try and get all the toning out of the lettering, background, crevices, etc.. This gives it contrast. Never use any acids, polishes, or cleaners, unless you don't care about the value. Silver and gold usually are very nice coming from the ground, unlike copper and nickle. The only exceptions are silver coins found in a fire or at the seacoast. Hope this helps.HH

 

[Beale]

The only other bit I could add to coinnuts excelent advise. I might let it soak in olive oil for a bit. Sometimes this will slowly release some of the build up, Beale.

 

[masagepro]

WOW thank you i realy apppreciate your time and I will follow your advice