How to Clean Corroded Coins

Corrosion in coins is typically caused by reaction with chemicals, minerals, or even natural elements. It has significant and lasting damage. Such damages might be pitting and scarring, which usually is noticeable on the surface of the coin. If your hobby is collecting coins, corrosion should be a worry of the past as several methods are applicable. What matters most about these methods is only viability and safety.

However, there are other methods of removing corrosion from coins other than the typical home-grown ways, which are a bit costly and less available to everyone. Below are some of the primary and accessible methods that you can follow on how to clean corroded coins;

Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the chemicals one can use in cleaning corroded coins. First, you have to immerse the coin in water to make it wet and then roll it in baking soda as soda is an abrasive substance. You can then scrub it using a brush or even a rug to chip away the corrosion and finally rinse the coin clean. This method can be done repeatedly until it is sparkling or relatively clean.

Use of Acids

Acidic vinegar or orange juice is another simple method you can use to clean corroded coins. First, you pour any acidic substance in a plastic container, preferably a bottle with a lid, and then deep the coin inside and lock the bottle. Shake the bottle for approximately 5 minutes so that the whole coin is fully covered with acidic substance and leave it in the bottle for the longest time possible. Remove it and rinse it with soapy water.

Use of Mineral Oil

Mineral oil or olive oil is also another way that you can use as it has trace minerals that loosen any corrosion on a coin. Place the corroded coin in a container filled with mineral oil and leave it to soak for a while. The coin can be removed when the corrosion has faded away from the coin. This method requires patience as it can take several weeks for it to be effective. Finally, put the coin with baking soda and then rinse again as baking soda is essential in neutralizing the minerals that are in oils and saves your coin from any future damage.

Using Acetone

Corroded coins can be cleaned by simply dropping in an acetone filled container, and allowing them to sit for about 5 minutes. Wash the coin using soapy water to remove corrosion and acetone traces. Repeat the same process if the corrosion doesn’t get off.

The five methods mentioned above are the main basic ways one can use to clean corroded coins. It’s good to note that after cleaning the coin with acidic components, thoroughly rinse with clean, warm soapy water. Later, dry it to avoid etching and green coating developed with copper salts.