What's the

[schoser]

ingredients for cleaning coins using vinegar? Do i use baking soda too? Thanks. Also how long do i let them sit in it?

[IndianaSmith]

Just curious....what are you trying to clean?

Smitty

[Dylan]

If you are going to clean Old Silver then Dip the coin in water then in baking soda and take an old tooth brush and scrub this will keep from scratching it!

[schoser]

to clean some copper , brass , and silver w/out abrasions or scratches of any kind. Thank - you Dyan, i'll give that a try... ive been soaking a few testers in a cup and it's been about 3 hours now. Iv'e mixed baking soda and vinegar for this. Coins dont appear to be damged yet...it's been 4 hours now since i dropped them in it. They do seem to be slowly coming around.

[padmaster]

Although I've never tried it, I've always heard Taco Bell sauce will make a penny shiny. Imagine what it will do to your stomach.

[anne]

If it's Silver loosely wrap coin in Silver Foil put a teaspoon of Baking Soda in dish put foil package in then pour on Boiling water,when the Bubbles stop take the coin out.

[IndianaSmith]

On copper, heat some peroxide (3% drugstore type) in a coffee mug (in the microwave), remove the mug & put the coin in it. Let it set until it cools. Don't know if it'll work on brass or bronze....but it will definately work on copper.

The Taco Bell sauce, tomato juice, ketsup, lemon juice, etc, have a high acidity....like vinegar.

Smitty

[schoser]

for the info guys. I'm gonna try those methods.

[Metalman]

Vinegar is acidic and will eventually remove metal from the coin along with its value if it has any ,, Zinc lincolns will dissolve in vinegar .

baking soda and a tooth brush will leave the coins hairlined and any collector value will be lost .

for copper soaking in extra virgin olive oil ,or a quick wash in acetone ,, silver should be pretty much left alone ,, unless the contaminate is actually harming the coin ,then soaking in pure acetone may help without affecting the coins surface ,, or removing natural patina .

Its always best to keep in mind that cleaning coins is a last resort and if the coin is valuable then professional conservation is the only answer to the cleaning question .