coin cleaning

[SeaCat]

Thanks for the welcome

Yes I tried pennies. You've got to be very careful with them to avoid discoloration. I liked the result in some cases, though at times there is inner dirt or defects in the coin that you don't see before the darkness is gone

One coin I was especially excited about, was a UK one - with a ship on it - it acquired a beautiful colour, I don't know how to explain, slightly purple, possibly it had a fuel bath at some stage.

One firm rule with vinegar, should you want to try that, is always separate the coins by their metal type prior to soaking. Well, that is, if keeping the natural colour is desired.

[robbiegal]

thank-you

[trout]

One firm rule with vinegar, should you want to try that, is always separate the coins by their metal type prior to soaking. Well, that is, if keeping the natural colour is desired.

My one firm rule with vinegar or any other acid/alkaline is NEVER use it on a coin if you expect it to retain any numismatic value at all.

Hot soapy water for circulated coins and a dip in acetone for better coins is as far as I would recommend for cleaning.
Harsh chemicals and abrasives ruin the surface of a coin forever and should never be used.:dash1::cray: