Cleaning Clad

[Dixieldy]

Have no idea where to post this so hope this is an ok place to post it.

My husband is cleaning our clad coins with a Dremel. He is using a fine soft wire brush at the moment. I just can't believe how beautiful the coins look afterwards. Our bank told us if the coins were tainted they would not accept them. Either way, I can't see any damage either whatsoever to the coin.

Haven't tried it on a wheatie yet. As long as it doesn't put any pits or scatches on it, why would this hurt the value of the coin? How exactly are they graded. If no-one knows, who will I ask? Thanks so much for your help, and do try the dremel.. it's a great little tool.

[MinelabMan]

Most wheaties aren't worth a whole lot and if you just want them for yourself I see no harm in it, but check the value first, if you come across a rare or key date coin wheatie or any type of coin for that matter, don't clean it, except maybe soak it for awhile, no brushing or scrubbing, even a cloth wheel will really lower the value.

What is he using on the Dremel to clean them?

[Dixieldy]

It's a soft wire wheel but nothing else, no rubbing compound of any type. The dremel is very gentle to use. Beach coins do NOT clean up well... not well enough for our bank to take them.

Gotta go... hubby shouting to go hunting! Hope we find something at Tybee Beach. Too late to go but can't tell him anything, lol.

[Buster]

Good info on the cleaning Dixie..Thanks ..Buster....

[EPC Guy]

Thanks for the tip...I've been wanting to buy a dremel anyway!

[IndianaSmith]

I agree that I wouldn't use it on any coin(s) of value. Be sure & use a wire wheel of brass, as a steel one will leave particles of steel in the coin & cause it to develop rust-specks, plus brass is softer anyway.

lol, If my bank told me they wouldn't accept "tarnished coins" I'd find a new bank......banks now-a-days act like they're doing YOU a favor by letting you keep YOUR money in THEIR bank

A cheap tumbler would be alot quicker

Smitty

[Dixieldy]

On our way to Tybee Island and on my laptop. Just wanted to say, you are correct about the brass brush, it definately is softer. As far as a tumbler, I haven't seen anything posted as to where you can buy these, but I do know there is nothing that can make them shine like this. These coins look just like they just came out. I will post a picture soon of before and after cleaning.

[SandSkimmer]

here is an ebay link for tumblers

rle LORTONE 3A ROCK TUMBLER , BRAND NEW, MADE IN USA! - eBay (item 150203208089 end time Jan-11-08 18:02:23 PST)

hope it helps

JT

[Dixieldy]

Thanks so much for the info... it's much appreciated, and Welcome to TQ!

[FinalLastDays]

If you have a Harbor Freight Tools store in your area, they sell an inexpensive tumbler - the one that I personally use. For the price, it is a great buy and does an excellent job of cleaning coins.