How to clean modern coins at home. How to clean coins at home from rust and traces of oxidation? Methods for cleaning bimetallic coins

Beginning collectors and the lucky ones who have found themselves in the hands of ancient copper pennies, rubles, money, fifty kopecks, altynniks or hryvnias, looking at them, wonder: how to clean an ancient copper coin? And, as it turned out, their most common mistake is trying to return the shine to the coin. And this greatly reduces it market value! After all, during the cleaning process, the main thing is not to overdo it and not to deprive the coin of the noble patina that emphasizes its antiquity! Let's try to clean coins at home and not cause damage to our collection.

What a beginner should remember

Of course, it’s better if your rarities are cleaned by a professional, but you can handle this task yourself. To begin with, a numismatist needs to remember that the natural oxides on an ancient copper coin that are dark brown and sometimes black in color are called patina. They cannot be deleted! They not only add value to your rarity, but also protect it from destructive effects environment. Examine the patina - if it is smooth, then simply wash your coin warm water and wipe with a soft cloth.

Citric acid will help in cleaning coins

In cases where the oxide layer is uneven and thick, it must be removed. Several methods are used for this. First, you should find out how to clean using citric acid, which can be purchased at any supermarket.

  • Dissolve three parts of acid in seven parts of water, thus obtaining a 30% solution.
  • Place a coin in it and wait no more than 15 minutes.
  • As a result chemical reaction cleansing will occur and dirt will rise to the surface.
  • If the coin acquires a pinkish tint, it will change in a few weeks.
  • After restoration with acid, the coin must be washed in water and soap containing alkali to stop the effect of acid on the metal.

Sometimes for best result the cleaning process must be repeated.

Can I use laundry soap?

The collection can be cleaned by other, more in a safe way. Numismatists know very well how to clean copper coins with laundry soap. To do this, grind it on a fine grater and prepare a solution (ratio: 1 part soap and 8 parts water), stirring it thoroughly. The coins are placed in soapy water for two weeks. Periodically put the water on the fire and heat it up without bringing it to a boil. During this time, the dirt from the coins will begin to come off, however, sometimes (especially if the oxide layer is thick) you have to make additional efforts to clean them (for example, brush them with a soft toothbrush), but most often it is enough to wipe such a coin with a cloth.

By the way, with the help of soap it is best to restore antique and Soviet ones produced before 1924. But more modern ones can be ruined by such cleaning!

How to Clean Copper Coins from Greens and Other Stains

In order to rid the collection material of stains, it can be boiled over low heat in oil. A good result can be obtained using Vaseline oil, since it has quite heat boiling. Namely, it is required for successful cleaning.

The coins are kept in boiling oil for 10 minutes, just remember to cover the container with a lid to avoid soot. They are then allowed to cool and washed with soap. Don't forget to put the coin in for a few minutes. ethanol to remove fat. After this procedure, it can take its rightful place in your collection.

How to clean copper coins from oxidation

If a coin is covered with a dark cherry coating of cuprous oxide, it can be removed by immersing the coin in a 15% ammonia solution (instead, a 10% ammonium carbonate solution is used, which is less aggressive towards copper).

Dark green color indicates the presence of copper carbonate. This plaque is removed with the help of (and how exactly was described above). A less aggressive method is to soak coins in kefir for 2-3 hours. Don’t forget to periodically check how the cleansing process is progressing.

Sometimes there are coins that are covered with a pale yellow coating of lead carbonate. This usually indicates that its alloy contains a lot of the mentioned metal or that it for a long time lay with lead objects. Such plaque can be easily removed with a 10% solution of acetic acid.

What to do if rust appears on a coin

If you are concerned about how to remove rust from copper coins, you will have to use a slow-acting reagent. This The thicker the layer of rust, the longer the coin will have to lie in the reagent.

And some numismatists advise cleaning with Coca-Cola. This method although it seems somewhat strange, it is nevertheless very effective.

Drying coins after cleaning

After you have succeeded in cleaning the copper coins from dirt and oxides, they need to be dried. To do this, it is best to use paper towels, folded in several layers, and cover your cleaned antique item with another towel on top. Use only soft ones for this - this way you won’t scratch the surface of the coin! By the way, you can completely dry it at a temperature of 100° C. And in order to prevent and slow down the oxidation processes, periodically rub the collection material with crumpled newspaper.

What to do if a copper coin has lost its noble patina?

If you still overdid it or for some reason you had to completely clean the coin, you can restore the patina layer by artificially aging the product. True, cleaned coins themselves acquire a patina over time, but it can look uneven and thus greatly spoil appearance collection material. In order to avoid this, the coin is degreased and dipped in a 10% hyposulfite solution for 15 seconds, and after drying, it is wiped with a soft cloth. The described operation will help to give the antique an even and beautiful patina.

If you still have little practical knowledge of how to clean copper coins, then you should practice on less valuable items and only then move on to the most expensive pieces in your collection. If the coin has become unnaturally light as a result of cleaning, place it on a sunny windowsill, where within a week it will return to its normal appearance. However, you must remember to turn it over regularly.

If you come across a coin that is affected by the so-called “bronze disease,” then it is better to give it to a professional restorer. This can be distinguished by the oxides on its surface, similar to light green grains. And the coin itself, as a rule, is badly damaged and crumbles if you pick it up.

A few final words

We hope that after reading the question of how to clean copper coins at home, you will not find it too difficult. But I would still like to warn you that you should give particularly expensive and rare pieces of your collection to the hands of a specialist. Otherwise, it may turn out that your rarity is hopelessly ruined.

By the way, paste, salt, baking soda and sand are substances that can cause irreparable damage to the appearance of the collection material. After all, all of these are abrasive substances that can scratch the surface of the coin and, accordingly, reduce its value.

Good luck with your restoration and collecting!

Everyone is showing interest in numismatics these days. larger number of people. The hunt for rare coins is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, almost any metal can be oxidized, which negatively affects the appearance of the product. Cleaning the coins is the only way to deal with this problem. The tips given in the article will help you do this quickly and efficiently.

There are a large number of techniques that can be used to remove contaminants. Cleaning coins at home is a task that anyone can handle. Be sure to take into account the recommendations below.

  • The cleaning method must be chosen depending on what alloy the affected specimen is made from. Otherwise, there is a danger of irreversibly damaging the coin rather than saving it.
  • It is advisable to avoid products that contain abrasive particles. There is a high probability that their use will result in scratches on the surface of the coin.
  • Cleaning coins with concentrated acids is also not recommended. First of all, this applies to copper specimens.
  • Removing the patina may reduce the value of the coin. For some products it serves as decoration.
  • It is advisable to check the selected product before the procedure. Experiments can be carried out on products that are made of similar material.

Silver

How to restore the original beauty of silver coins? Cleaning with a solution of ammonia and baking soda is an excellent choice.

  • In glass hot water you need to dissolve two tablespoons of soda. You can also add a few drops of dish soap. The product is placed in the resulting mixture for approximately eight hours. The coin is then thoroughly washed and dried.
  • In a glass of hot water you need to add 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of ammonia. The affected specimen must be kept in this solution for about 15 minutes. The mixture is then diluted and drained until the silver is in clean water. Next, the coin is thoroughly washed and wiped with a soft cloth.

If the choice is made in favor of the second method, extreme caution must be exercised. The coin must be turned over without removing it from the liquid. There is a possibility that an oxidation process will occur in air. In this case, the metal will be damaged.

Copper

How to clean copper coins at home? These products are famous for their capriciousness, so returning them to their original beauty must be done with care.

  • Vaseline oil. The affected specimen must be boiled in it until the contaminants disappear. The final part of the work is to rinse the coin in alcohol and dry it with a soft cloth.
  • Hydrogen peroxide. This product will help restore the lost shine to the product. Dissolve 30 ml of peroxide in 200 ml of water, and then add a teaspoon of ammonia. The coin should be kept in this mixture for no more than 15 minutes.
  • Neutral soap (laundry, baby). It must be grated on a coarse grater. The resulting porridge should be coated on both sides of the damaged specimen. In this form, the product will have to be left for long term, which is the main disadvantage of this gentle method of cleaning copper coins. From time to time it is necessary to remove the specimen and clean it under running water with a soft brush. This will remove softened contaminants. The procedure continues until the desired result is achieved.

Bimetallic

When creating some coins, for example, commemorative coins, two different metals are used. The central part is made of silver or steel, and gold, copper or various alloys are used for the edging. How to clean such a product?

  • Dishwashing liquid. You can use, for example, “Fairy”. Dissolve one tablespoon of the product in a liter of water and mix thoroughly. The coins are kept in the liquid for about an hour, then removed and wiped with a flannel rag. Dishwashing detergent shows excellent results when dealing with minor stains.
  • Toothpaste. Apply a pea-sized amount of regular paste to a soft-bristled brush. The affected specimen must be rubbed carefully; strong pressure is not required. Cleaning of coins ends with rinsing in water.
  • Paste GOI. This product includes small abrasive particles, which allows it to effectively combat dirt and oxides. The paste should only be used for inexpensive coins, as there is still a danger of damaging the product.
  • Formic acid. This product will help restore the specimen to its original shine. You need to immerse the coin that needs cleaning in a 14% solution for about five minutes, and then polish it. Instead of formic acid, it is allowed to use alcohol.

Cupronickel

Cupronickel is also capable of oxidizing and turning black, and has a similar composition to noble metals. The methods discussed below are suitable for cleaning coins at home.

  • Ash. With its help, you can quickly and effectively rid the product of patina. The affected specimen is dipped in water, then applied cigarette ash. After about 20 minutes, the coin needs to be rinsed.
  • Dish powder. This product is applied to the product after wetting it with water. It is necessary to treat the surface of the damaged specimen with a sponge and wait for some time. The coin is then washed in water.

Brass

What product should I use to clean coins made from a copper-zinc alloy? Such money is not particularly susceptible to corrosion, but still needs cleaning from time to time.

  • Oxalic acid. This product can be purchased in a store. With its help it is easy to remove plaque, it shows good results even in the fight against old stains. The coins need to be immersed in acid for about ten minutes. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the money with water after finishing the cleaning procedure.
  • Trilon-B. This product must be dissolved in clean water, maintaining a ratio of 1 to 10. Then the coin is dipped into the resulting solution. She shouldn't be there all the time. From time to time, the specimen must be washed in running water and inspected. Soaking is repeated until the desired result is achieved.
  • Other means. What other ways to clean coins are there? Citric acid, Coca-Cola, and a thick soap solution will help restore your products to their original beauty.

Aluminum bronze

Which tools should be preferred in this case? Coins made from this material can be cleaned using the same methods that are suitable for copper coins. There are others effective methods.

  • Coca Cola. This popular drink is not only drinkable, it has also gained a reputation as a good stain remover. The main disadvantage of this method is the long wait for the result. You will have to keep the coins in a glass of Coca-Cola for about a week. Then they need to be washed clean water.
  • Plumbing cleaner. The affected specimen must be immersed in such a solution for no more than a couple of minutes. It is then cleaned using running water.

USSR anniversary coins

There are specimens that need special careful attitude. For example, how to regain lost attractiveness commemorative coins USSR at home? Cleaning in in this case done using an ordinary eraser. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the drawing.

You need to rub the dry surface with an elastic band until the plaque disappears. This method is suitable for adding shine to any alloy products.

Universal remedy

What methods are suitable for bringing any coins back to normal? There is a universal remedy that contains several ingredients. It will help cope with rust, green deposits and other oxides.

  • You need to mix 25 ml of soda and soap solution. 25 ml of ammonia and 75 ml of toothpaste are added to the resulting mixture.
  • All specimens that need to be cleaned must be immersed in the finished product. There they remain until the goal is achieved. Periodically, coins should be removed, wiped with a toothbrush and inspected. At the end of the procedure they are washed with water.

Electrolysis

Work with electrical appliances implies knowledge of safety precautions. We also must not forget that their use significantly increases the likelihood of damage to specimens. Coins are cleaned by electrolysis in a well-ventilated and lit area. You should definitely take care to protect your hands and eyes.

  • You need to prepare a power supply with a voltage of 6-12 V. Next, the plugs are cut off and the wires are cut into two parts. Then you should clean the ends and attach the copper wires to the clamps.
  • The plastic container is being filled saline solution. It is easy to prepare by placing a tablespoon of salt in a liter of water.
  • The power supply is connected to the network, the clamps are lowered into the resulting solution. The “+” terminal should be connected to the coin, on which a hissing sound will be heard. The entire procedure will take no more than ten minutes.

Vinegar

What other methods can be used? Vinegar is a product that is suitable for bringing inexpensive specimens into proper shape. It must be remembered that the solution can corrode the surface of the product and change its color. In addition, it is believed that after such a procedure the coin will deteriorate faster.

  • Any specimen that needs cleaning can be immersed in a solution of 10% vinegar for a day. This is the easiest way.
  • You can also prepare a mixture of vinegar and salt. Approximately 5 g of salt must be mixed with a quarter tablespoon of vinegar. You need to stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. Then coins are dropped into the resulting solution. This must be done so that the copies lie separately from each other. Products are soaked in the solution for no more than five minutes. If dirt remains, you can further treat them with a brush. Next, the specimens should be carefully washed in running water.

Cleaning coins with vinegar is a dangerous choice. Its use may negatively affect the appearance and condition of products made of silver, copper, aluminum, and lead.

Mechanical restoration

What other options are available? Mechanical cleaning of coins is used to remove surface deposits. We can talk about sand, earth, individual tubercles of corrosion. To carry out the procedure, various brushes are required (brass, bristle, glass fiber). You will also need dental burs of different sizes and scalpels. These devices must be used with the utmost caution. If used improperly, there is a danger of causing scratches that will distort images, inscriptions, and so on.

  • The damaged specimen must be kept in distilled water for about an hour. This is necessary in order to desalt the product and get rid of dried dirt.
  • Next comes the impregnation of the coin with synthetic resin. This is required to strengthen the noble patina and prevent damage.
  • Then you can proceed directly to cleaning the instruments. This work is very painstaking and time-consuming; it will require a huge amount of patience. The master can clean some instances within a month or two.

Mechanical cleaning is a method that is more suitable for professionals. Hobbyists risk hopelessly damaging the coin. Therefore, it is recommended to develop appropriate skills on specimens that are not of particular value.

It is necessary to clean 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’s not there, it’s very difficult to achieve it on the first try. good result. And when cleaning antique copper coins, there is often not enough coin - another 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 certainty as a result of cleaning, then It's better not to clean it at all or contact a professional.

Cleaning copper coins with soap

Perhaps the safest way to clean a coin. The main disadvantage is time; it can take several months (possibly years) to put the coin in order. The essence of the method is that the soap solution, as a slightly alkaline medium, slowly and fairly gently dissolves copper oxides on the surface of the coin.

Preparation of soap solution

In order to prepare a solution in which we will clean copper coins (other copper objects coated with oxides), you need to grate soap (preferably laundry or baby soap) and brew it with boiling water. After an hour or two, the solution will begin to thicken and take on the consistency of ketchup or toothpaste.

The actual cleaning process

Coins are immersed in the prepared solution one at a time so that before they cake at the bottom of the jar they are evenly covered with soap. The coins remain in the solution for at least a day or up to a week. Next, the coins are taken out and washed with warm water, the plaque on the surface is cleaned off with a toothbrush with the bristles cut off for rigidity. If the green ones remain, the process must be repeated. The soap solution can be used several times. As a rule, the coin is not cleaned the first time. In the best case, cleaning takes a week during which the coin has to be removed from the soap 3-7 times. There may be dense oxides that can be cleaned off within six months.

After the coin is completely cleaned of oxides, it must be cleaned with soda with the same toothbrush, this is necessary so that it does not remain on the coin. white coating from soap that gets into the pores and spoils the appearance.

In principle, we can finish here, but we can improve the appearance of the coin a little more. To do this, rub the coin on a woolen cloth or felt. After this treatment, the relief of the coin will be more clearly visible.

And at the very end, before sending it to the album, you can rub the coin with Vaseline. This will improve the appearance a little more and preserve the coin to some extent.

Cleaning copper coins with citric acid

Citric acid for copper is a highly destructive reagent and you should think very carefully before using it. As a result, you can not only not improve, but also greatly worsen the appearance of the coin and its value. At the same time for cleaning silver coins citric acid is one of the best options.

The 1875 penny before cleaning with citric acid looked quite ordinary, but the cleaning process can hardly be called such; the coin was practically destroyed in a few minutes in acid.

Cleaning copper coins with ammonia

The method is quite cruel for copper coins, as it significantly destroys the surface. But for the case when the coin is unevenly covered with a very strong green oxide, which does not take soap, ammonia can be used.

This 1903 kopeck was paid for 10 minutes. The result is certainly not excellent, but very persistent oxides were quickly removed.

The cleaning process itself is that the coin is completely immersed in ammonia, kept there for another minute, then taken out and cleaned with a toothbrush. Since ammonia corrodes oxides very quickly, it is better to take out the coin and clean it more often; it is also worth putting it on different sides each time.

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.

Two kopecks from 1924 were purified by electrolysis. Baking soda solution was used as an electrolyte, as a current source - Charger for car battery (12V, 2A). Cleaning time 5 minutes.

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.

Boiling copper coins in soda

Quite simple and fast technique cleaning copper coins. The name itself almost completely describes the technology. Copper coins are boiled in a solution of soda and water. The solution is made quite concentrated: 3-5 tablespoons of soda per half liter of water. The solution should cover the coins by 2 cm. This is necessary so that the coins do not appear from the solution during the cleaning process. The cooking itself should continue for 30 minutes. Then remove the coins from the solution and clean them with a toothbrush and a paste of the same soda.

Cleaning with vinegar

Acetic acid, like any other, is suitable for cleaning copper coins. A limitation of its use is that this method damages the patina and exposes cavities and other irregularities in the field of the coin. For cleaning, use a solution of vinegar in water with a strength of 7-20% from any grocery store.

These 10 flights from 1892 were immersed in acetic acid for 15 minutes, then brushed with a toothbrush. It is clearly noticeable that the patina on the coin is damaged in places and will need to be applied artificially, but the green oxides were quickly removed.

Cleaning with Trilon-B

Trilon-B (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt) is a special cleaning agent designed to make most insoluble metal salts soluble. Thus, oxides and patina are easily washed off from the surface of the coin in a Trilon-B solution. Trilon-B cleans coins coated with uniform oxides well. But if the oxides on the coin have a different structure, then as a result of cleaning on some surfaces the coin is cleaned to a shine, while on others the oxides continue to persist, in this case it is necessary to resort to artificial patination after cleaning.

The main advantages of cleaning with Trilon are:

  • trilon does not destroy the metal of the coin, as acids and alkalis can do;
  • high cleaning speed - cleaning a copper coin takes a few minutes, in severe cases a couple of hours.
Two kopecks of 1841 had fairly uniform oxides, which were easily cleaned off with Trilon. But the 1836 penny was covered with oxides of varying densities, and when cleaning, the oxides were removed quickly from part of the coin, and slowly from the other part. Thus, part of the penny coin has acquired a copper metallic sheen and requires patina.

Mechanical cleaning

Mechanical cleaning is special process coin recovery in which the coin is not cleaned, but rather cut or reduced in a layer of oxides. For such a reading, the decisive factor is the experience and hard work of the master. The technology can be described very primitively as follows:

  • The surface of the coin is desalted and cleaned of dried dirt in distilled water;
  • All oxides, including loose ones, are strengthened by impregnating the surface in synthetic resin (paraloid B72);
  • Using scrapers, cutters, brushes, and needles of varying hardness, the master removes from the surface everything that he considers unnecessary. By securing unstable areas, they do not fall through and can be aligned with the main field of the coin and no cavities remain. All work is performed under a microscope.
These 4 kopecks from 1762 were cleaned by a professional using mechanical cleaning technology. The result is simply magnificent, but such processing of the coin took a very long time. long time(2 months for this coin) and is only relevant for rare and valuable coins.

To become an experienced and professional numismatist, you need to be able to understand many things. The fact is that numismatics includes many subtleties and details that are important when collecting rare and valuable items.

Regardless of the experience of a numismatist, every collector should know how to clean copper coins at home. This process is simple, but has its own nuances. Cleaning metal products is necessary if coins have a certain level of dirt, oxidation or plaque. To give the collection a decent look, you need to protect the metal surface with a layer of patina. Then the specimens acquire shine, and the engraving details are clearly visible to the naked eye.

Now the topic of how to clean copper coins at home is very relevant among numismatists. The fact is that the opinions of some experts in this case differ. Some say that substances can destroy the appearance of metal products, while others, on the contrary, say the opposite. If you use untested methods and dubious detergents, then there is indeed a chance of damaging the appearance of the coins. In this case, you need to take a responsible approach to restore the original appearance of the products. It’s also worth thinking in advance about how to clean a copper coin at home.

During the years of the USSR, a huge number of different coins were issued. Several dozen factories operated throughout the country, diligently producing metal products for the population. More than a decade has passed since their release, so their appearance has changed slightly. The value of such coins instantly drops in the market if they are not properly cared for.

Each copy that was released in the Soviet Union has its own history. To preserve the memory of bygone years, you need to know how to clean a copper coin at home.

Experts do not recommend using chemical compounds without having specific skills. It is worth noting that suitable drugs are not so easy to find. But there is an opportunity to make your own mixture at home: ammonia, soda and toothpaste. This composition effectively and quickly copes with contaminants. In addition, this mixture can be prepared in large quantities and pack in a well-protected container. The mixture should be stored covered so that beneficial features did not disappear. After applying the composition to the surface of the coin, it is necessary to rub it with a brush and rinse with warm water. At the end of the procedure, the coins must dry thoroughly.

To remove impurities varying degrees you can use water and soda. The mixture must be poured into a clean container and a coin placed there for two hours. During this time, the surface will be cleared of dirt and become shiny. Then you need to wash all metal products and dry them.

Also, some numismatists use another effective way which is as follows: one teaspoon of citric acid, a glass warm water. This composition You need to stir well, and then put a metal product there for a minute. Then you need to quickly take out the coin and wipe it with a dry cloth. It is important to remember that the coin should not be left in the solution for a long time, otherwise it may deteriorate. In this case, the specimen will completely lose its shine.

Copper exhibits

How to clean copper coins? Even from such metal, you can clean the surface of products at home. At the same time, everything can be done without damage.

You should adhere to the following instructions:

  1. First you need to prepare a solution consisting of them laundry soap. Before this, you need to cut the soap into small shavings and put it in a container with boiling water. Then you need to wait until the soap is completely dissolved in the water. And only then can you put metal products in a container for two days. From time to time it is worth cleaning the surface of the coins with a brush. Upon completion of the procedure, each coin is dried and washed. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure. As a result, the oxides should disappear from the specimens, turning the coins into a sparkling collection.
  2. How to clean copper coins at home? It's very simple, just take a soap solution and add soda to speed up the process. It is worth noting that you should first mix soda with water. After these steps, each coin must be lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline for shine. In this way, products can be protected from contamination and oxidation.
  3. Renewing the appearance of metal products can be done using citric acid. To do this, you will need to immerse the coins in the solution for half an hour, and then wipe them dry with a soft cloth. It is possible that the metal may acquire a pink tint, but after thirty days it will disappear.
  4. How to clean copper coins at home to get rid of the problem quickly and effectively? You can dip coins in boiled Vaseline oil for half an hour. In general, you need to boil metal products until they are completely clean. Then, if necessary, rinse again in ethyl alcohol.
  5. If the specimens are in poor condition, they must be handled very carefully. In this case, you can use caustic soda, having previously dissolved it in water. To avoid getting burned, you need to prepare for cleaning by wearing special gloves. To work, you will also need tweezers, with which you will need to dip coins in the solution. It is worth remembering that not all types of coins can withstand strong alkali. If the coins begin to turn blue or blue during the cleaning process green, then you need to interrupt this method.

Now every numismatist knows how to clean a copper coin at home. The main thing is to follow certain instructions, then the coins will be in in perfect order. And then there will be no problem with how to clean copper coins at home?

Bronze exhibits

Most methods for cleaning bronze coins from dirt are similar to methods for cleaning copper products. It is also possible to use citric acid and soda. The following composition is acceptable for use: Trilon, ammonia, water and toothpaste. Properly used substances will help quickly get rid of darkening on specimens.

It is not recommended to use nitric or sulfuric acid. In this case, the acid will only be useful when cleaning inexpensive coins that are in poor condition. At the end, the surface can be smeared with sulfur ointment for shine. The procedure includes the following steps: Vaseline ointment and sulfur ointment are applied to the coin and all this is smeared over the entire surface using a toothbrush. Finally, rinse the bronze items with warm water. Thus, the coin is covered with a protective layer that protects the material from oxidation. Residues from the oil can be washed off with running water.

Cleaning antique coins

If you have old coins in your collection, they should be treated with vinegar and toothpaste. To ensure that the composition lies evenly on the surface of the coin, you must apply it carefully with a toothbrush. This tool is better in a circular motion, removing plaque on the surface. Experts advise immersing the product in a container with vinegar for just about twenty minutes. You should not leave coins in the solution for a long time, otherwise the coins will become unusable. At the end of the procedure, you need to rinse them thoroughly in water.

As a rule, pieces of earth get stuck in coins of the imperial period, which negatively affect the appearance of the products. Experts advise boiling exhibits in water and soda. But before the process you should prepare: one tablespoon of soda per 200-300 ml of water. You need to boil for no more than 30 minutes. Although this procedure can be repeated until maximum results are obtained.

If it comes to silver coins, then it is possible to use ammonia with water. The coins are placed in the liquid for sixty minutes. It is worth noting that if you don’t have ammonia at home, it doesn’t matter, because you can always replace it with soda.

It is important to remember that after each procedure, all specimens must be thoroughly dried. The fact is that the appearance of the collection depends on this.

Anyone who keeps coins will eventually find that they become dull and black. This fact is especially unpleasant for numismatists. For them, this is not only a valuable collection, a piece of history, but also a profitable investment. How to clean coins without damaging their surface?


Home Remedies

First of all, arm yourself with the right tools. You will need a medium-hard brush and a soft cloth. The cleaning procedure is carried out using several methods.

Method 1: Wipe coins with a weakly concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid. Dry the products. Please note: this composition is quite aggressive. It is not used for cleaning antique coins.

Method 2. Treat coins with a 3-5% vinegar solution. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the surface. Rub gently. Wipe up any remaining residue with a damp cloth. Sand until shiny with dry flannel.

Method 3. Pour Coca-Cola into the container. Place coins in your drink overnight. In the morning, rinse the items under running water. Polish with a soft cloth.

Method 4: Place coins in soapy water. Clean the surface with baking soda without removing it from the water. Treat with a cotton pad soaked in ammonia. Rub with baking soda again. Rinse and polish the product. Baking soda is an abrasive substance, so it will not clean old coins to a shine. There may be minor scratches on the metal.

Method 5. This is the most gentle cleaning option. To work you will need a household or baby soap. Grind ⅛ part of the bar. Dissolve soap shavings in 1 liter of water. To speed up the process, heat the liquid. Soak the coins in the prepared mixture. Leave them for 3 to 10 hours, depending on the degree of contamination. Then scrub with an old toothbrush. Once the coins start to shine, rinse under running water and polish with a dry cloth.

Ancient coins made of precious metals

Before cleaning antique coins, determine the alloy they are made from. This is the main criterion in choosing a technology and means for removing contaminants.

Gold. Prepare a solution of laundry soap and water (in the proportion of 1 liter of water ⅛ part of the bar). Soak the coins for a short time. Place the container on the fire and heat it up - the effect will be much stronger. But do not boil the product. Gently rub the surface with your fingers. Rinse with clean water. Repeat the procedure if necessary. Dry the coins by wrapping them in a soft cloth. The whole process will take about 10 days.

Sometimes you can see black dots on gold coins. Perhaps these are grains of slag caught during the melt. Restorers recommend Reinigungsbad from Delu. It is suitable for cleaning old coins, such as royal chervonets.

Silver. Choose a cleaning method taking into account two factors: the alloy sample and the degree of oxidation of the metal. If the coins are high breakdown(80% or more) and pronounced signs of oxidation, use ammonia. Pour it into a bowl and immerse the products for 1 hour, then rinse. Place coins between layers of fabric and leave to dry completely. If possible, use professional products. Follow the instructions in the instructions.

Clean low grade alloys lemon juice. Soak the coin for 2 hours, then wash it in soapy water. Next, lightly sand with a piece of flannel. Another effective remedy- baking soda. Dissolve 2 tsp. powder in 100 g of water. Place coins in the bottom of the container. Lay them out so they don't touch. Turn them over periodically to remove dirt. Be careful, because silver is a soft metal.

Platinum and palladium. Such products do not require thorough cleaning. Just rinse them with warm water. It is better to dry not with an ordinary towel, but paper napkins. Tear off a small piece and fold it in half. Place a coin on one part and blot the other.

Coins made of iron, copper and bronze

Iron. The main problem with this metal is the occurrence of whitish deposits and corrosion. A weak solution of hydrochloric acid will help get rid of them. Dampen a cotton pad with the product and gently wipe the coins. Clean heavily damaged areas with a thin needle or a brass wire brush. Once the rust and oxides have melted, rinse the product with running water. Dry by wrapping in a soft cloth. To restore the coin's shine, wipe it with felt.

Copper and bronze. Distinctive feature these metals – the formation of a natural plaque, patina. It has a dark brown and even black tint. It is the patina that indicates true age products, serves as a determining factor in the evaluation. Do not attempt to clean it; this will damage the metal and reduce the value of the coin. Dust, dirt and green stains must be removed. Wash the item under running water. Then treat with a solution of citric acid or a 9% vinegar solution. Rinse again with warm water. Dry by wrapping in a soft cloth.

There are several other ways to clean old copper coins. For example, cut a lemon in half and stick it into the flesh of the product. After 15 minutes, remove and brush. Rinse cold water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

A good result is ensured by this remedy: mix flour with coarse salt. Add 1 drop of vinegar. Apply the paste to the metal and rub gently. After 3-5 minutes, rinse with running water and pat dry with a paper towel. If you are not satisfied with the result, use the professional Reinigungsbad product from Leuchtturm.

USSR coins

Cleaning coins from the USSR is not so easy. Aluminum bronze alloy reacts to concentrated acids. They can ruin a product in just a few seconds. This makes cleaning dirt and corrosion extremely difficult. Regular washing with soap and a brush is also ineffective: unsightly stains remain on the metal.

Some restorers use the following solution: pour a glass into a plate clean water and add 2 tbsp. l. acetic acid. This creates an acidic environment, but not an acid. Coins are immersed in the resulting liquid for 3 minutes. Depending on the results, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times. Then the products are removed and rubbed with Pemolux (a pinch of the product is enough). Baking soda It doesn’t fit here – its grains are slightly larger.

Now you need to return the coins to their original color. This is the simplest but longest stage. Place them in a cardboard box with low walls and send them to the sunniest windowsill. Turn over and mix the products once a month. Rare coins (worth more than $100) should not be cleaned using this method.

Removing plaque, rust, bronze

Sometimes the question arises, how to clean old coin from rust. Slow-acting chemicals are intended for these purposes. An example is the drug Trilon B. First of all, determine the thickness of the oxides. The exposure time of the composition depends on this. After cleaning, give the coins natural look– hold them for 15 seconds in a 10% sodium hyposulfite solution. Then polish with a piece of soft cloth. If the coin turns green, treat it with a sponge soaked in table vinegar. On last stage wash in warm soapy water to neutralize the acid.

Getting rid of plaque depends on how much the coins have changed in appearance. If the metal has a cherry-red or red-brown tint, then you have copper oxide. Such deposits are cleaned with a 5–15% solution of ammonium carbonate or ammonia. If the product has turned yellow-white or yellow, then the alloy contains lead. Second option: the coins were in contact with lead for a long time. A 10% acetic acid solution will help remove such plaque. If the surface was covered with a white coating, then zinc was used as a ligature. Keep the product in distilled water for 2-3 days. If necessary, brush with a soft toothbrush. If the coin is black, treat it with ammonia. Next, rinse in soapy water.

When bronzed, grains of pale green color appear on the coin. At the same time, the metal begins to crumble. It is extremely difficult to clean such plaque on your own. Entrust this matter to a restorer.

What not to clean

Before you clean an antique coin, there are a few things to keep in mind. The following formulations are contraindicated for this product.

  • Highly concentrated solutions of sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric and acetic acid. They can melt the coinage.
  • Chlorinated tap water. Chlorine settles in small parts.
  • Heating to maximum heat: it leads to the destruction of the metal.
  • Brushes with metal bristles: they are stiffer than brass or with natural and artificial hair. Distort the surface relief.
  • Sandpaper: it removes the patina from copper and bronze and changes the embossed relief.

If you own antique coins, take them to a restorer. Professionals will clean the products as carefully as possible. The same recommendations are relevant if the metal is severely damaged or crumbles in your hands. If you want to gain experience, use low-value specimens.

Restore shine and shine old coins possible at home. The main thing is accuracy and correct sequence actions. The only important recommendation: do not work with abrasives and hard brushes. If you have little experience and no confidence in your abilities, use the services of professionals.

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