To Clean or NOT to Clean...

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Author: Bill O'Rourke

SHOULD I CLEAN MY COINS?

The short answer is NO! Collectors of most series of United States coins prefer that the coins be left in their original condition even if the coins are worn or less than perfect. Cleaning often causes a discoloration of a coin or can change the appearance of a coin in such away as to make it less appealing to a collector. In many instances, the cleaning of a coin is accomplished by rubbing something abrasive over the surface of a coin that results in minute scratches on the details and fields (flat backgrounds) of a coin. Cleaning most often diminishes the condition and the value of a coin to a collector.

It especially seems to effect the value of coins composed of silver or gold. Many silver and gold coins have been abrasively cleaned to try to improve the appearance by making the coin "shinier". The term for that is "Whizzed". Most collectors and coin dealers view "whizzing" as a form of damage and will not be willing to pay full value for a coin that has been cleaned in this way.

Another form of cleaning involves "Dipping" a coin into a solution that removes tarnish. In fact it also removes a microscopic layer of the metal from a coin. Copper coins that have been "dipped" often take on an unatural orange color. Silver and gold coins look too clean with silver coins looking too "White".

That being said, there are some acceptable exceptions in the world of coin collecting. Many collectors of early american copper coins will soak their coins in oil and clean them with a very soft bristled brush. This is more a matter of attempting to preserve older Large Cents or Colonial copper coins from further deterioration. It should only be done by experienced collectors of these types of coins.

Collectors who collect Ancient coins such as the coins of Ancient Rome or Greece may also clean coins as a matter of preservation. That too is acceptable.

Coins that are found as a result of metal detecting can also be carefully cleaned. It should be said though that a recently discovered and very valuable half dollar was dug up and cleaned improperly reducing the price at auction by many thousands of dollars.

In general though, you should not attempt to clean your coins.