Are coins dirty

Rule 1 - The short answer is, do not clean your coins.

If you absolutely insist on having your coins cleaned, there are professionals who can do the job. Your local coin dealer will be able to advise or, he may even be the capable professional, but again, refer to Rule 1.

WARNING - There is no way you can clean a coin without damaging it and reducing any collector value it may have.

All commercial solutions such as jewellery cleaners, etc., are acid based and will remove minute amounts of the metal and damage the finish of the coin and potentially start a new chemical reaction. Due to their acid content, fruit juices, vinegar, soft drinks, sauces, etc., will result in the same destructive effect.

All other methods such as polishing compounds or polishing cloths are abrasive and/or corrosive to varying degrees and will remove minute amounts of metal and will destroy the finish of the coin, and subsequently, any value it may have.


Alternatively, if you do not care and the coin is of no value or interest, use battery acid, vinegar, cola, steel wool, scubbing brush, soapy water or anything else that you think may work.

Also note that any method of cleaning is not guaranteed to remove all of the rubbish from a coin.