best way to clean coins?

[Mike1962]

What is the best method to clean coins. All the clad I have found is pretty discolored and I have used soapy water but they still seem be dirty or stained. I found some nickles that looked orange when they came out of the ground and they really didn't clean up much.
Thanks,Mike

 

[John-Edmonton]

For cleaning clad coins, a rock tumbler works great. Just add water to your dirty coins in the tumbler with the coins and let them tumble for a couple of hours.Some people add pea gravel or kitty litter, but honestly, there is less clean up without adding those. Wash pennies separately, otherwise, the other coins will all get a copper color on them.

For better quality coins like oldies, a toothbrush with soap and warm water works well. For multiple silver coins, an ultrasonic machine works great too. But, don't use one for old copper coins, as it will leave pit marks on them.

If you happen to come across a rare coin, don' clean it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7lXS9DknP4

 

[GoTiCats]

I have had good luck using a rock tumbler with aquarium gravel. First tumble the coins in water with dish soap for an hour or so. Rinse them off as well as the tumbler. Replace everything and just cover the coins in white vinegar and add some salt. Now tumble those suckers for 5 to six hours. Remove from the tumbler and rinse immediately in cold water. Rub them in or on an old towel. They usually lock pretty darn good afterwards. If you don't rub them they tend to get a little dull and/or take on a greenish hue. Follow the above and the banks won't give you funny looks when you cash in. Good luck..........