Collectors-numismatists have in their arsenal many interesting old coins, which have managed to become covered with rust, dust and dirt. Improper cleaning can lead to oxidation and damage their appearance. Therefore, it is so important to learn how to clean coins properly at home.
Necessary
- - soap;
- - a brush with natural bristles;
- - table vinegar;
- - lemon juice or ammonia;
- - paper towels;
- - thin needle;
- - a weak solution of hydrochloric acid;
- - soft felt.
Instructions
Step 1
The most effective and safest way to clean copper coins is with a soapy solution. Dissolve the soap in warm water and submerge the coins. Take them out every two hours and brush them gently with a soft natural bristle brush. The procedure should be repeated four to five times. The processing time depends entirely on the degree of soiling of the coins. Finish cleaning by rinsing in clean running water. If the coins need more thorough cleaning, then table vinegar (a tablespoon of vinegar per one liter of water) should be added to the soap solution. Finish the procedure by thoroughly drying the numismatic copies.
Step 2
Silver coins can be cleaned at home using regular lemon juice or 10% ammonia. Submerge the coins completely in one of the listed means (they should not remain on the surface and come into contact with air, this can lead to the formation of oxide). After an hour, remove the precious coins and rinse thoroughly in running water, pat dry with a soft paper towel. You can clean silver coins with baking soda. Apply it to coins and slightly moisten with water, rub gently, rinse.
Step 3
Zinc and iron coins require a more careful cleaning method. Take a fine needle or surgical scalpel and remove any rust and whitish deposits from the surface of the coins. Then dip them in a weak solution of hydrochloric acid. When the rust and oxides dissolve, remove the coins and rinse with running water, dry. In conclusion, you can wipe the coins with a piece of soft felt, this will give the numismatic specimen a shine and a specific color.
Step 4
Never use for cleaning coins: concentrated solutions of nitric, acetic, sulfuric and hydrochloric acids; various types of skins and abrasives; brushes with metal bristles; methods of temperature difference (incandescence and sharp cooling).
