Under no circumstances should you undertake cleaning a new coin, in very good condition, an old coin with value!
The tips that you can read on this page are intended to clean a coin found in circulation, although it may further damage.
We cannot be held responsible if you damage one of your coins after reading this page. This is at your own risk. You have been warned!
Note that cleaning a part remains visible and leaves traces. Even if, to the naked eye, you think that your coin will look better after cleaning, you will not fool a numismatist.
Cleaning a coin, especially with chemicals, leaves traces ( micro-scratches among others) on the part and therefore: loss of value of the part.
The different “softs” techniques for cleaning a room
An ultrasonic cleaner
Although often used in the medical field to clean medical devices, it is increasingly used in the numismatic field.
Ultrasound allow impurities to be removed from the coins, even in grooves or gaps.
Cleaning a coin with an ultrasonic bath can take 10/15 minutes (2 to 3 cycles of 5 minutes).
However, do not overuse the time spent in the tank, discolorations may appear.
In my opinion, 2 cycles of 5 minutes are more than enough to remove impurities from the coin.
Once the cycle(s) are finished, immediately remove the coins from the tank and rinse them with clean water then dry them with a non-abrasive cloth using small pressure on the coin.
Liquid to put in the tank
You can simply add plain water, but you can also mix a little dishwashing liquid.
Note that ultrasonic cleaning will not remove stains on the coinss but rather the impurities that may be there.
I think you can use other non-abrasive products (I have not tested)
Where to find an ultrasonic cleaner?
On the internet, you can find entry-level ultrasonic cleaner online, for around 30 or 40 euros. The model pictured above is more or less the same model I use and it’s not bad.
The miror argentil
The miror argentil is, basically, a cleaning product to shine silver, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum or pewter.
If you use miror argentil, I advise you to do so in a ventilated room (the smell is not pleasant).
In the miror range, there is also the miror copper which should not be used, make no mistake. I have already tried and apart from invading your home with an unbearable smell, it does not work on 2 euro coins.
- 1st step:
Place two or three drops of miror argentil on your coin and, with your finger (previously washed hands), spread it in circles without pressing too much then rinse immediately with clear water.
- 2nd step:
Repeat the 1st step on the second side of the euro coin.
You can also use a cotton swab, if you do not want to get miror argentil on your fingers.
- 3rd step:
In order to remove all residue of miror argentil on your coins, you can, once the coin has been rinsed, pass a little liquid soap on it, and rinse thoroughly.
Don’t be stingy when rinsing the coin with water.
You should never leave silver mirror on the coin, it will oxidize very quickly in the open air (I have already damaged coins like that), the coin turns green and it It’s ruined for her, unless you get her back in polishing
All supermarkets have them (in France), they cost between €3 and €5 per container.
Gum
Simply rub your coin with an eraser without applying too much pressure.
Personally, I’ve never tried it, but why not…
On the other hand, don’t take the pink and blue eraser (and especially not the blue part, it goes without saying…)
Water and Marseille soap
A simple technique would be to put water on the coin, then Marseille soap on a toothbrush and rub delicately then rinse.
Never tried it either, but worth testing.
The “hard” coin cleaning technique (and the most effective)
Above, you have seen various techniques to restore some shine to your coin. If, despite everything, you are unable to get your coin back, the final technique is polishing.
It consists of using a “Dremel” type rotating tool and applying, using a polishing wheel, a metal polishing paste. The result is stunning and brings your old coins back to life. Despite everything, this method will not remove scratches from your coin but will restore its almost original patina, with a mirror effect.
For example, I have already used this technique in the following way:
Step one
First of all, I pass my coins through the ultrasonic machine, immersed directly in tap water with a drop of dishwashing liquid, I run a cycle for 10 minutes at 30°C.
Once the cycle finished, I take out the coins and wipe them gently so as not to damage them further
Step two:
I place the coin on a sheet of paper, I equip my rotary tool with a polishing wheel and I place a dab of polishing paste on one of the faces. I run my rotary tool at medium speed and I polish the coin, face by face without forgetting the edge.
Step three:
Using another polishing wheel, new or very clean, I give the coin one last stroke and wipe off the excess with a soft cloth so as not to damage it.
The result is stunning. I made a short video to show you the different steps and especially the difference between before and after. I will let you judge by yourself:
I am attaching the link to the video, if you are unable to watch it directly on this page.
Feel free to ask me any questions or submit other cleaning ideas on the forum!
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