Cleaning Coins

For gold coins, soaking in very hot soapy water works the best.

For old pennies, soak the coin in vinegar for at least 24 hours.

For bronze coins — usually ancient coins — soak in distilled water (the minerals in tap water can further taint the coin’s surface if soaking for a long time) or olive oil — olive oil is a very gentle way to clean coins, but you may need to soak them for several weeks.

Silver, copper, and nickel-clad coins can be soaked in distilled water or, to remove tough stains, white vinegar. A 6-minute soak in lemon juice may also be used on silver coins. This will not only protect the coin but it will help give the coin a finish at the end of the cleaning.

For gold coins, soaking in very hot soapy water works the best.

For old pennies, soak the coin in vinegar for at least 24 hours.

For bronze coins — usually ancient coins — soak in distilled water (the minerals in tap water can further taint the coin’s surface if soaking for a long time) or olive oil — olive oil is a very gentle way to clean coins, but you may need to soak them for several weeks.

Silver, copper, and nickel-clad coins can be soaked in distilled water or, to remove tough stains, white vinegar. A 6-minute soak in lemon juice may also be used on silver coins. This will not only protect the coin but it will help give the coin a finish at the end of the cleaning.