Cleaning Old Coins

Use caution when cleaning coins. If cleaned improperly you can greatly reduce the value of your coin. Deciding whether or not to clean your coin is not an easy decision. If you have any doubt, don't do it. Once you have removed the mint finish from the surface of the coin you can not get it back. The mint finish is a microscopic thin layer of metal that can be easily destroyed it the coin is improperly cleaned.

Toning is the natural discoloration of a coin's surface developed over a long period of time. Toning is very attractive, and many collectors prefer coins which have acquired natural toning. Although some collectors prefer toning, others do prefer the coin to have a bright shine to them.

Toning, however, is not the same thing as dirt or corrosion. Leaving dirt or corrosion on a coin can cause even more damage to it over time. If you attempt to remove the dirt and corrosion by cleaning the coin, you run the risk of leaving pits behind in the surface, but at least there will be no further damage caused by the dirt or corrosion.

We have found in our own experiences with cleaning old coins that Koinsolv works best for cleaning coins without removing the toning. We prefer to clean the coin with Koinsolv right before properly storing the coin long term in a nearly airtight holder.