I have some coins that are very grungy, I know you should not clean the patina off of very valuable coins, but should I clean my not so valuable coins??
I swapped some coins that had glue or tape resin on them, my though was that the new owner should decide how best to clean them but should I go ahead and clean those as well?
Please answer both questions separately, thanks for your help.
Taking a break from swapping for a while, but still interested in pre 1799 Spanish coins, I will make time for that!
1. If they are really valuable then you probably should not clean them. Don't clean any coin with chemicals though even if they say they are made to do so. If the coin is not valuable then I would say to clean them if you don't plan on selling them soon. Depending on the material there are some safe ways to clean the coins that do not damage them.
2. I would probably ask the new owner if they want you to clean them or not. Otherwise I would say to let them decide how to clean it.
Yes, you better ask the new owner before cleaning them, as some are against cleaning. I am not willing to clean my coins, wether they are valuable or not. I am far too afraid to damage them. Even my dad argues with me about cleaning my coins, he tries to convince me that it's ok since the numismatics stores where I go sell them, but I really don't want to try, and besides he knows nothing about that lolllll so I won't try it :D. Seriously, I don't think cleaning is a good idea, as the patina (the real one) can add some beautiful toning and value. I'd rather buy the coin in better shape if I have the choice, or accept it like it is.
Regards,
Ginger
Si tu cognes ta tête contre une cruche et que ça sonne creux, ce n'est pas forcément la cruche... lollll mon proverbe préféré !
Good Day.. I also believe that one should not clean coins. BUT if you have glue on it , try acetone. will not harm the coin and it will take the gle away. Leave coin in it for a few seconds, take the coin out with a coin tweezer. rub very lightly with white cotton glove. Rinse iin clean chlorine free water. Pat dry. Repeat if necessary. DO NOT USE ON VERY VALUABLE COINS. Be careful with acetone, its hard on your finger and melts plastics. Smells like hell also. That is the only time I use a chemical for coins. Otherwise soap and water. or just plain old ketchup..
Quote: Thuston1. If they are really valuable then you probably should not clean them. Don't clean any coin with chemicals though even if they say they are made to do so. If the coin is not valuable then I would say to clean them if you don't plan on selling them soon. Depending on the material there are some safe ways to clean the coins that do not damage them.
I tend to agree with Thuston - if the coins are not extremely rare and valuable then it is better to enjoy the beauty of your coins as the designer originally intended. What's the point of having a silver coin that just looks like a dull lump of black metal when, in my opinion, you can harmlessly restore it and enjoy its full splendour. I would stress that I haven't cleaned any of the coins on my exchange list, but most of the coins in my permanent collection have had some cleaning and look much better for it. I still have not heard a scientifically reasoned argument on why coins should not be cleaned.
Just because you can't see it ... doesn't mean it isn't there - Anon.
Quote: radrick007I still have not heard a scientifically reasoned argument on why coins should not be cleaned.
The main argument put forward is because it wears down the surface of the coins, reducing the level of detail - like rubbing silver or gold antiques, it wears the hallmark away and lessens the value.
Not that I am arguing for or against cleaning coins, they are your coins you do what you like with them.
After due consideration, I thought I'd try an experiment with a worthless British 2p coin (purists look way now).
Here is the coin BEFORE being polished.
And then it was polished using Peek metal polish, cotton buds and finished with some kitchen paper!
This is the same coin, scanned with the same settings AFTER polishing:
The natural patina has of course gone, to be replaced by a new looking, shiny copper surface. The detail in the hair appears more striking in the polished version (much to my surprise), a bit concerened about the F in F.D to the right of the Queen's nose, and the myriad of tiny scratches now quite obvious. But you can decide for yourself which is nicer. That's purely subjective. But the polished one does shine beautifully in the light, which isnt really shown by the scan.
That was an interesting experiment and I think you're right - the purist brigade out there would probably have had a fit! When you refer to the coin before cleaning, I have heard a lot mentioned about 'patina' and can understand its presence on an uncirculated coin but the only patina I could see on your circulated coin would be tarnish from exposure to the atmosphere and presumably oils from all the handling during its circulation (not something I would want to leave on any of my coins). Also, I thought it was interesting that when you view the coin after cleaning, you can see a great deal of damage (scratching, etc.) that was not evident before the coin was cleaned, which could lead to an inaccurate valuation or assessment of grade (obviously not an issue with this coin!) We will never be able to change the minds or opinions of the hardcore purists but I am glad that you have taken the opportunity (in my opinion) to put forward a case in favour of cleaning under certain circumstances.
Best regards and happy collecting,
Rick
Just because you can't see it ... doesn't mean it isn't there - Anon.
Yea Rick, I think it is ok to clean a coins that does not have any numismatic value. I might clean my own coin, and after learning all this, I wont touch a coin that I offer for swap.
but there is a patina that builds up from human hands, grease, dirt, and age that can be quite beautiful or ugly. I have hundreds of pennies, and in that collection not one is exactly the same color due to its unique history, and some have a brilliant Patina. I Love patina on copper and use it in my art all the time. if I knew how to get some of the colors that my coins have I would be ecstatic. from green to red, blue and purple, all from a reaction to things that copper comes in contact with. But all that said I agree with you that some coins need to be polished, we need to see them both ways. thanks for your input.
And thanks Matt for your experiment
Taking a break from swapping for a while, but still interested in pre 1799 Spanish coins, I will make time for that!
One thing to consider is that the natural patina that forms on the coins is helping to protect and preserve them.
For example look at the statue of liberty. Had there not of been the patina to protect it surely the one hundred years of biting sea winds, driving rains and beating sun would have decimated the copper statue. also consider that the copper is only 3/32 inch thick (roughly 2 pennies) and has barely shown measurable wear under those conditions.
While I agree that it should be left to the recipient to decide if he wants to clean his coins, I will just mention that I clean rather successfully my coins by using a soft pencil eraser. The result depends on the condition of the coin but it removes most traces of dirt and gives to the coin a better appearance without leaving any mark.
as i don't clean my own coins i would really appreciate that anyone who i swap with does not clean the coins i am to recieve, the only time i dip my coins is to remove any tape residue from people putting cellotape directly onto the coins and if there is any real dirt on the coin then i will dip it in acetone for 2 seconds and then rinse in clean water to remove the said contaminent.
Hi all I'm pretty new on this side but been collecting for years.
omg I just traded some coins with some 1 and taped them on paper so they would stick at the same place and didn't get damaged. So next time I should pack them all seperated then tape them?
I usually only clean my own coins when needed, but from some coins I can hardly read the date or look for specifics to catalogue them, so is it ok then to clean them?
In this case I'm always willing to send a scan with the coins the 'swapper' wants so that person knows what he is getting.
Think this is ok?
Swapping anything I dont have yet.
Trying to complete KM132 and KM201 from USA now
Quote: LeelooHi all I'm pretty new on this side but been collecting for years.
omg I just traded some coins with some 1 and taped them on paper so they would stick at the same place and didn't get damaged. So next time I should pack them all seperated then tape them?
Er, NEVER tape coins! Wrap them if you like and tape the wrapping, but the glue and chemicals in the glue on the tape will damage the coins if it comes into direct contact with them.
I'm pretty new on this side but been collecting for years.