Cleaning Coins

[New to detecting]

I know you arent supposed to clean coins that you think may be valuable but I have question for anyone that may be able to answer it. I live in Mooresville, N.C. Here, our dirt is pretty much just "tarheel mudd".. which is orange thick mud or 'dirt'. Some coins that I find, I cant' even tell what they are bc they are so filthy. What is a simple way to clean them just enuff to be able to tell the date and the kind of coin? I've tried hot water, but that doesnt seem to help too much, but then again, I don't want to damage a coin that could be valuable, just trying to get it clean enough to identify. Thanks.

 

[Beale]

I am in Burlington NC so I know about that red clay/mud/dirt. I let mine soak in warm soapy water. Then take a soft bristle tooth brush to them. If you think you may have a keeper do not use the tooth brush. A soak in olive oil can bring out the details for you, Beale.

 

[New to detecting]

thanks!